FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Adam Liegeot, 860-524-7313
June 12, 2008
Adam.Liegeot@ct.gov

Governor Rell: Film Industry Training Program
Now Available for State Residents

New Website, www.ctfilmworkforce.com, Now Up and Running

Governor M. Jodi Rell today said that Connecticut residents seeking the skills to work in the state's rapidly growing film industry need not look any further.

The State has awarded funding to three institutions to establish the Film Industry Training Program, the first of its kind in Connecticut. Classes begin on July 7.

"Our motion picture tax credits have brought an influx of top production companies and jobs to our state," Governor Rell said. "Connecticut is now established as a prime production location, but we must also establish a skilled in-state film workforce. Doing so will provide an additional incentive for producers to select Connecticut as the location for their films and television shows."

"This training program will contribute to the further growth of the state's film industry by strengthening an infrastructure that supports a range of film and production projects," said Karen Senich, executive director of the Commission on Culture & Tourism. "In order to attract more long-term projects, such as television shows, we must increase our skilled workforce."

The training program will be offered at three sites that were selected through a competitive solicitation process: Middlesex Community College in Middletown, Norwalk Community College in Norwalk and Quinnipiac University in Hamden. The program is designed for individuals who want to learn the basics of feature and episodic television film production and potentially pursue entry-level freelance work in the industry. Trainees will also learn about union membership, which is required to work on the majority of productions in the state. Classes will be taught by motion picture professionals who have significant career experience and are active members of the motion picture trade union related to the skills they teach.

"This comprehensive program will equip students with the specialized skills and hands-on experience they need to pursue careers in the industry," said Rob Keating of the Office for Workforce Competitiveness. "In addition, they will have the valuable and unique opportunity to build relationships with accomplished professionals in the field."

The training program curriculum is as follows:

Phase I: Production Overview (July 7 to 19, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) - A comprehensive production overview and survey of job categories in the feature film industry. Upon successful completion of this introductory course, students will be encouraged to continue to Phase II.

Phase II: Concentrated Training (July 28 to Aug. 8, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) - Each student will pursue his/her selected area of concentration during intensive, hands-on training in the classroom, studio and on location. Areas of specialization are: production management, location management, production office coordination, lighting and grip, camera, sound, property, set dressing, set construction and wardrobe. At the end of Phase II, students will receive a certificate of completion from CCT's Film Division.

Phase III: On-Set Mentorship (Dates and times will vary) - Certified trainees may receive up to 10 weeks of on-set mentorship, working alongside department heads and crew members on a feature film or episodic television project shooting in-state. Opportunities for Phase 3 participation are dependent on the cooperation of producers and union representatives and on the shooting schedules of participating productions. On-set mentorship will take place throughout the year.

For more information on the training program or to download an application to enter the Film Industry Training Program, please visit www.ctfilmworkforce.com . Applications are only available on the Web site and must be submitted by June 30, 2008.

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