City trains residents for careers in film industry

NEW ORLEANS, LA — The City of New Orleans, in partnership with the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC), will host a free Film Production Assistant Job Training workshop Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2, 2011. The intensive program will be offered at Second Line Stages, 800 Richard Street, in the Warehouse District.

“The film industry is vital to the City’s economic vitality,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “As the industry grows, the demand for skilled workers increases. This training will open the doors to the industry for more local residents, allowing film productions to hire locally.”

The industry netted $355 million in direct spending in 2010 and $325.5 million in 2011 to date.

“We are pleased to partner with NOVAC in offering this training for a position that can provide an entry point into the exciting world of filmmaking,” said Scott Hutcheson, the Mayor’s Advisor for Cultural Economy. “This will give those interested in the industry valuable training and advice.”

A production assistant (PA) is the main entry-level position in film production, a position often described as the lifeblood of a film set.

“PA’s do just about anything and everything, from securing a set, to making script copies to shuttling crew or equipment around town as needed,” added Hutcheson.

The training will include practical on-set skill development, career development advice and job placement assistance for area productions.

The deadline to apply to participate is Friday, September 23, 2011. Applicants must send a resume and two (2) references to participate. Applicants must be 18 years of age. No degree or experience is required. Applicants are asked to email a resume to Doug Keller, Workforce Development and Programs Manager at NOVAC, doug@novacvideo.org. For more information, call 504-940-5780.