The El Paso Film & Creative Industries Film Commission has just partnered up with Stage 32 Certification to bring their top-tier, industry-backed training courses straight to our talented regional film community. This strategic partnership comes at a truly transformational time for our creative scene, as our area’s film and media industry keeps growing, fueled by our trademark Borderland energy, diversity, and “can-do” attitude.

Stage 32 Certification offers practical, hands-on training designed for both up-and-coming filmmakers and seasoned pros alike, with skills and knowledge every production is looking for. Our region already shines for our unique locations, strong community, and a work ethic that’s hard to beat. Now, with Stage 32 onboard, we’re equipping filmmakers right here in the Borderland with the skills to take on projects across Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Ciudad Juárez, or anywhere in the world for that matter. Their online courses, taught by leading pros from every corner of the industry, are open to anyone who’s passionate about working in film or TV. Whether you’re new to the craft or a longtime crew member looking to sharpen your edge, Stage 32’s training will help build your confidence and bring your skillset up to the next level so you’ll be ready to tackle film’s fast-paced challenges. Here’s why this partnership is a big win for the Borderland’s filmmaking community.

Practical & Essential Skills: Training covers the essential roles like production accounting, assistant directing, location management getting our workforce ready for the real demands of set life.

Career Advancement: Stage 32 credentials are respected worldwide, helping our creative filmmakers open new doors, whether it’s for local indie projects or international projects passing through Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Ciudad Juárez.

Global Recognition: After certification, you’ll be added to an international database, giving local crew and artists a direct path to get noticed and hired for productions around the globe. And you’ll be able to note all your completed Master Classes in our Creative Industry Directory available for free on our creativElPaso website. At the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Film Commission, helping our creative pros chase bigger opportunities and providing ongoing training is what we’re all about.

By teaming up with Stage 32 Certification, we’re giving filmmakers the tools and connections to make their mark, whether they dream of bringing indie projects to life or joining studio productions just visiting. These courses aren’t just about learning; they’re about launching careers.

We’re committed to supporting our community, sparking growth, and connecting El Paso and the Borderland’s creative talent to storytellers everywhere. This strategic partnership with Stage 32 Certification is only a part of what we have planned as we put our region on the map as a filmmaker’s destination. Let’s keep our film future bright, ambitious, and wide open. See you all on set.

What has been filmed in El Paso?

El Paso, Texas, has long been a cinematic destination, playing host to a rich array of notable films and TV series across genres and decades. Most recently, Paul Thomas Anderson shot scenes from “One Battle After Another” starring Leonardo DiCaprio in El Paso. Classic movies such as “The Getaway” (1972), featuring Steve McQueen, were filmed at recognizable sites like The Oasis, the Loughlin Hotel, and various downtown landmarks. El Paso’s scenic deserts and authentic border atmosphere contributed to cult films like “Manos: The Hands of Fate” (1966), widely considered a legendary B-movie, as well as action favorites such as “Lone Wolf McQuade” (1983) starring Chuck Norris. The city’s border identity is central in “The Border” (1982) with Jack Nicholson, utilizing both local locations and narrative themes tied to El Paso itself. More recently, critically acclaimed films like “Sicario” (2015) and “Logan” (2017) started their stories amid El Paso’s distinctive landscape. On the television front, the FX crime drama series “The Bridge” (2013–2014) focused on a cross-border investigation and prominently featured the Bridge of the Americas, highlighting local urban and borderland settings. The city has also become home to reality TV, with “Tex-Mex Motors” premiering on Netflix and showcasing local car culture and border life. This impressive resume demonstrates El Paso’s enduring appeal and adaptability as a backdrop for both major studio productions and independent projects alike.

A Holiday Win for the Borderland Film Community

This partnership was recently highlighted by El Paso, Inc. Business Journal in an article recognizing how Stage 32 Certification will help expand professional training and career pathways for filmmakers, crew members, and aspiring media professionals throughout the region.

I couldn’t be more excited to see what comes next for El Paso and the incredible creatives who call it home. Let’s keep building, learning, and opening doors—together.

You can read the full article by clicking here!

The Two Types of Stage 32 Certification

Master Certifications: These are a group of courses that make up a master's knowledge of a particular discipline. You will need to take all of the courses in a Master Certification track and pass a test in each course in order to be Master Certified.

Current Master Certifications Include:

• Production Accounting Master Certification
• TV Production Management Master Certification
• Feature Film Production Management Master Certification
• Line Producing Master Certification
• Producer Key Legal Agreements Master Certification
• Script Supervising Master Certification
• Location Management Master Certification
• Production Coordinator Master Certification
• Production Assistant Master Certification
• Assistant Director Master Certification
• Post-Production Supervision Master Certification

Individual Certifications: These are individual courses that focus on a particular skill set, in which you will watch the course and then be tested at the end to receive your certificate.

Current Individual Certifications Include:

• Budget Creation
• Production Scheduling
• Call Sheets
• Production Accounting 101
• Payroll Accounting and Management for Film & TV
• Cost Reporting
• US Tax Incentive Management
• Script Supervision 101
• Script Supervision: Script Timing & Page Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Continuity Breakdown
• Script Supervision: Script Notes & Lined Script Pages
• Script Supervision: On Set Continuity
• Script Supervision: Progress Reports & Work Flow
• Production Wrap Deliverables
• Final Delivery Elements Of A TV Show
• Final Delivery Elements Of A Feature Film
• Option/Purchase/Shopping Agreements
• Feature Film Financing Agreements
• Investor Agreements
• International Co-Production Agreements
• Crew Agreements
• Talent Agreements
• Distribution & Sales Agency Agreements
• Fundamentals Of Location Management
• Location Scouting
• Location Management: Budgeting & Scheduling
• Location Management: Contracts, Risk Management & Negotiating
• The Fundamentals of Production Coordinating
• Production Coordinator: Logistics
• Fundamentals Of Production Assisting
• Production Assistant: On Set Protocols
• Production Assistant: Paperwork & Department Interaction
• Fundamentals Of Assistant Directing
• Assistant Director Scheduling
• First Assistant Director On Set Protocols
• Key 2nd Assistant Director Protocols & Call Sheets
• 2nd 2nd Assistant Director Protocols
• Fundamentals of Post-Production Supervision
• Post-Production Supervisor Protocols for a TV Series
• Post-Production Supervisor Protocols for a Feature Film
• Post-Production Supervisor Scheduling & Budgeting
• Post-Production Coordinator & Production Assistant Protocols

What Happens After You Get Certified?

Once you complete a Stage 32 Certification, you will:

• Be included in a global database searchable by industry professionals, film commissions, and studios.
• Receive a certification badge on your Stage 32 profile, which is visible to over 1.3 million members worldwide.
• Gain credentials to display on your social media, resume, and LinkedIn profile.
• Be recognized as a qualified industry professional, making it easier for you to get hired and advance your career.

Get Certified. Get To Work. Start By Clicking Here!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .