An executive producer at Heliopolis Entertainment in California, David Nicksay has pursued a film career that includes working on films such as Pitch Perfect 3, Birth of the Dragon, and Walking with Dinosaurs 3D. Prior to establishing his career, David Nicksay studied with the Assistant Directors Training Program administered by the Directors Guild of America (DGA).
The Assistant Directors Training Program provides candidates with the necessary training and experience to become second assistant directors. Candidates receive on-the-job training through paid internships with actual film and television projects and attend a series of seminars that review various aspects of the film industry. Furthermore, trainees who complete program requirements at a satisfactory level will receive an invitation to join the DGA.
In order to participate in the program, candidates must compete for a limited number of spots and complete a lengthy application process. Candidates must possess prior involvement in the film community either through a degree, internship, volunteer work, or experience working behind the scenes. The DGA administers the program in California (the West Coast Program) and New York. Application dates and requirements may differ between the two programs, so candidates must apply to the exact program they wish to attend.