Atlanta has just taken steps to become the first American city to invest in training its film industry workers.
Mayor Kasim Reed and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 479 have teamed up to launch the City of Atlanta Entertainment Training Program, focused on building a talent pool of local filmmakers in the midst of the city’s industry boom. (Georgia’s film scene has generated an approximate $6 billion and employed more than 23,000 people in the last year.)
“I am proud to support the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency and the Office of Entertainment’s efforts to facilitate employment opportunities for Atlanta residents in the film and television production industry,” said Reed in a statement. “Providing a trained below-the-line workforce is critical to the film industry’s growth in Atlanta and Georgia. This program will ensure that our residents and young people have access to learn from world-class professionals and acquire vital skills.”
Currently in its pilot phase, the program unites the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, IATSE Local 479, and the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) in an unprecedented partnership. After an introductory two-day workshop, participants are placed on a set in collaboration with local production companies and receive wages for the duration of the program, which can run up to 17 weeks.
“Through collaboration, we’ve accomplished a goal of getting local residents on production sets in the City of Atlanta, which has never been done before,” said AWDA executive director Michael Sterling in a statement. “This program will create the pipeline for more local talent to have continued opportunities in the growing film and entertainment industry in the City of Atlanta and Georgia.”
The program’s admission is on a rolling basis; stay tuned for further updates. For more information about the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, visit its website or follow them on Twitter.
Inspired by this post? Check out our Atlanta audition listings!