Our friends at the Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) help jobless and working poor New Yorkers establish careers in sectors that offer good wages and opportunities for advancement, including the film industry. Their nineteenth class of “Made in New York” PA’s just graduated a couple of weeks ago, and their new Grip Training Program graduated its first class this past May.
Since the Brooklyn Workforce Initiative started its “Made in New York” PA training program in February of 2006 in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Film and Television, the program has trained more than 150 New Yorkers and placed highly-qualified PAs on more than 800 productions, and the new Grip Training Program is on track for the same success. The program helps ensure the vitality not only of the New York film industry, but also of communities throughout the five boroughs.
So to all the New York based filmmakers out there, if you’re looking to hire grips or PA’s for your next production, please look to the “Made in New York” program.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Every “Made in NY” PA is a licensed driver who has passed a rigorous selection process. Fewer than 10% of applicants are selected.
- Program participants receive over 160 hours of classroom and field training with industry professionals, including work on actual productions
- Graduates have worked on on feature films, episodic and reality TV, commercials, music videos, documentaries and news.
- The Brooklyn Workforce Initiative will arrange an interview or direct placement either weeks in advance or at a moment’s notice for productions anywhere in New York City and the surrounding area.
Learn more about hiring a Made in New York graduate here or contact BWI on their 24 hour hiring hotline: 718-757-5816.