Cultural Industries Ontario North, in association with Reel Canada and with support from DGC Ontario, IATSE 634 and IATSE 411, are reintroducing the Northern Ontario Film Crew Training Sessions, a program providing three weekends of free, in-person training for Northern Ontario residents who want to start a career in the film and TV production industry.
Workshops are to be administered in Greater Sudbury, Timmins and North Bay, with venues to be announced shortly, between Oct. 28 and Nov. 26, 2023.
CION is building on the successes of the inaugural edition of the program, which saw more than 160 residents receive free training in January and February 2023, many of whom secured entry-level work on productions filmed in Northern Ontario like Shoresy: Season 2, Skymed: Season 2, Everything’s Going to be Great, and 40 Acres.
“This unique program invites Northern residents to learn about the roles and responsibilities of those who work behind the scenes on feature films, TV series and documentaries filmed across the region,” Jodie Wiebe, CION’s workforce development officer, said in a press release. “We want to help the next generation of regional talent use their skills and explore creative careers in Northern Ontario.”
Reel Canada has pledged a stipend for eligible youth, 18-30 years old, from Northern Ontario who complete the program and demonstrate a commitment to exploring career options in the film and TV production industry.
“The Reel Opportunities workforce development program has collaborated with partners across the country to present these pop-up film schools and CION’s ambitious vision and first rate execution make it one of the very best.” said Jack Blum, executive director of Reel Canada. “We are delighted to build on last year’s success and continue to create new pathways for youth from under-represented communities into the burgeoning Northern Ontario film industry.”
The Northern Ontario Film Crew Training Sessions program provides hands-on teaching from experienced production crew members thanks to the support of DGC Ontario, IATSE 634, and IATSE 411, who will administer the training sessions.
Training occurs on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Specific training dates for each municipality are as follows:
– Greater Sudbury: Oct. 28, 29, Nov. 4, 5, 11, 12
– Timmins: Nov. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19
– North Bay: Nov. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Those interested in starting a career in Northern Ontario’s film and television production industry can learn more and apply for the Northern Ontario Film Crew Training program at www.cionorth.ca.
Source: Regina Leader Post
