Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) — a nonprofit organization — and The New York City Mayor’s office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting present the “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program. This free skills training and job placement program aims to promote diversity in NYC’s production industry and create new career opportunities for young adults who are unemployed or low-income.
“Made in NY” PAs are now working throughout NYC’s production sector, on everything from feature films to commercials to reality TV, episodic TV, music videos, film festivals, and more. Their employers include productions of FOX Searchlight, MTV, Showtime, CW Network, A&E and HBO and other major studios and networks, and their participants come from every borough; most had never worked on set before joining the program.
BWI is now accepting applications for the 12th cycle of the “Made in NY” PA Training Program beginning in mid September 2008. They offer:
· Four weeks of full-time hands-on skills training, taught by industry professionals
· Two years of job placement assistance in entry-level commercial, music video, TV and film production jobs (e.g. ‘production assistant’ jobs)
· Career counseling and support as you work your way up
· Certification as a “Made in NY” Production Assistant through a partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting.
To apply for this program, you must:
· Have a valid driver’s license (no exceptions — you will be driving during job placement)
· Be at least 21 years-old
· Be a New York City resident (you must currently live in one of the five boroughs) and legally eligible to work in the US
· Be able to attend all program sessions (including early morning and evening field trips) and accept job placements immediately after the training ends
· Be ready to make a two-year commitment to working in production in New York City
· Be physically fit/able to lift 50 pounds
· Be eager for jobs that require physical labor, long hours, evening and weekend work, and managing a freelance lifestyle
· Demonstrate need for this opportunity (e.g. unemployed, low-income, lack of career choices due to personal obstacles)
In order to apply you must meet all of the above requirements.
NYCHA residents and TANF-eligible individuals, including non-custodial parents and individuals receiving public benefits are encouraged to apply.
Individuals who are on parole, probation or who have past criminal convictions are also encouraged to apply.
A limited number of training spots are available. Apply ASAP to guarantee consideration. Applications are accepted year round. (Training cycles are normally held in February, April, June and September). Application deadline for September’s Training Cycle is September 8, 2008. In order to be considered for September’s training cycle interested individuals must attend an Open House.
The Open House schedule for new applicants: September 2 at 1 p.m. and September 8 at 1 p.m. You should plan to arrive 10 minutes early, as latecomers will not be admitted. No appointment is necessary.
BWI is located at 621 DeGraw Street between Third & Fourth avenues.
For more, go to www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/employment/pa_training.shtml or call 718-237-2017 extension 145.
