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$430,000 federal grant to go towards film job training

Thursday, February 25, 2010

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Detroit

More money is on its way to Michigan, thanks to its benchmark film tax incentives. However, this money isn't coming from Hollywood. The U.S. Dept of Labor has awarded a $430,000 grant to the Detroit Workforce Development Department to help train people for jobs in the film industry.

The grant will create a curriculum to train people in the production side of movie making, such as film production technicians. The students will be taught and mentored by members of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees.

"There is no other program in the state that brings in the union," says Richard Jewell, a spokesman for the Michigan Film Office. "These are the people who are trained and experienced in this field."

The year-long program run out of the Wayne County Community College District features normal classes and hands-on experiences. Also included is a six-week paid student internship. The students, who are screened by Goodwill Industries, will create a public service announcement for the non-profit.

About 45-60 students are expected to graduate from the program over the next two years. If successful, it could be used as a template for similar workforce training initiatives across the state.

Source: Richard Jewell, a spokesman for the Michigan Film Office
Writer: Jon Zemke

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