Detroit Films

LANSING — Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing today announced that city residents are now eligible to apply for training to work in Michigan’s growing film industry thanks to a $438,000 U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training
Grant that will be administered by the Detroit Workforce Development Department (DWDD), a Michigan Works agency.

“Michigan’s growing stature in the world of film production means an increasing demand for talented, educated people to work in this sector as this federal award illustrates,” said Governor Granholm. “We have worked aggressively to create this strong new base industry as one part of our economic diversification and today we see again that our plan is working.”

Detroit residents can apply online at:

Detroit Film Training Program for Detroit Residents

The DWDD Film Technician Training program will provide employment opportunities in the film industry through a partnership with the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), the Michigan Film Office, the City of Detroit, Michigan Department of
Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, Wayne County Community College, Wayne County Film Initiative, Detroit Public Schools, Goodwill Industries, Detroit Public Television, Madonna University, Rodney Nolan and Associates-Certified Financial Advisers.

Wayne Community College in collaboration with IATSE, and the Michigan Film Office will develop a college curriculum for the Wayne County Community College District. During the management apprenticeship program, program participants will complete a U.S. Department
of Labor certified apprenticeship certification, and have an option of continuing their education and earning a two- or four-year college degree in film production.

The DWDD Film Technician program will offer instruction to develop the specific skill sets needed to be a film production technician and provide the student with the necessary communication, financial, and mathematical skill training to assure success in the film industry.

The curriculum includes hands-on training with IATSE professionals, paid internships on productions and in the film industry, working in a classroom setting designed around the production environment, working in several studio settings on actual productions,
receiving instruction in applied math-communications-English, mentoring by certified financial planners, individual counseling services, tutoring services and lectures by noted industry professionals.

The Film Technician Training program is expected to graduate 45 to 60 students over the next two years. The year-long course includes 36 class credit hours, 160 internship hours, 180 laboratory hours, and over 820 personal industry contact hours. It enables students
to pursue associate’s or degree and then pursue a baccalaureate degree through agreement with partner universities.

Admission to the program is open to Detroit residents. Screening will be conducted by Goodwill Industries and the grant committee. Goodwill will also provide follow-up and counseling services.