The Nuts and Bolts of Film Commissions: Workforce Development

Not all film commissions are directly engaged with film crew training. However, as the industry evolves and film production increases in a given jurisdiction, workforce development can become the cornerstone of a successful, sustainable local industry. There are many great examples of successful crew, talent and/or media training programs throughout the world but all of them have partnerships and cooperation at their core. Depending upon the area, this may mean film unions and guilds embracing the expansion of their memberships, or it may simply mean a producer who is willing to give someone their first chance – cooperation and partnership is key.

Here are some ways in which crew training may occur:

1. Partner with film unions/guilds to create training programs or to support existing programs
2. Partner with regional colleges and universities in the development of workshops, forums, internships, events, and related film studies programs
3. Coordinate with regional associations, travel/tourism councils, convention & visitor bureaus, economic development agencies, and business/civic organizations to ensure educational awareness and networking opportunities for the growth of the production industry regionally
4. Nurture relationships with existing regional film production workshops/festival/forums.
5. Further develop opportunities to assist local filmmakers in the advancement of their individual career paths and continue to develop additional avenues to showcase local films and works in progress
6. Provide forums for local filmmakers to interface with other production personnel
7. Partner with existing regional film festivals