Brooklyn Workforce Innovations — a nonprofit organization — and The New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting is now accepting applications for the 16th cycle of 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.
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.
“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. Most participants have never worked on set before joining the program.
There is no fee for the training. However you must be able to cover your personal expenses during the training and job search. The training is full-time, Monday-Friday, with homework and occasional evening and/or weekend sessions, followed by a two year job placement and career development program.
Do not apply if you are employed full-time or enrolled in school, or plan to enroll in school in the next two years.
To apply, you must:
• Have a valid driver’s license. No exceptions %u2013 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 be legally eligible to work in the US.
• Demonstrate need for this opportunity, e.g. unemployed, low income or receiving public assistance, low-income background or lack of career choices due to personal obstacles.
• In order to apply, you must meet all of the above requirements.
No previous production experience or knowledge is required. There is no educational requirement.
Individuals who are on parole, probation or who have past criminal convictions are welcome to apply.
How to Apply?
The open house schedule for new applicants is September 1, 8, and 15 at 1 p.m., and September 11 at 10 a.m. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early; latecomers will not be admitted. The open houses are open to all who qualify. No appointment is necessary.
A limited number of training spots are available. Because they have limited resources to train and place a limited number of people, individuals are not eligible for this program if:
• They have more than two years of paid production experience (international or domestic).
• They have supervised production assistants (paid or unpaid).
• They have ever been enrolled in any type of Master’s or Doctorate programs .
If you are not eligible, visit www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/patrainingr.html to learn more about other opportunities for free or low-cost training in TV and film production.
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations is located at 621 DeGraw Street between Third and Fourth avenues.
