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“In order to work in the film and television communities, you need three things: You need a marketable skill. You need a network of friends and colleagues in the business. And you need to be a team player. The FITP, with its four weeks of intensive instruction and practical experience, has given me a good education in each of these areas.”
James W. Hawk
2008 Graduate Trainee
Prop and Set Dressing
2009 Associate Producer
Cheshire
PROGRAM OVERVIEWIn an effort to further grow the state’s film industry, the State of Connecticut, through the Office for Workforce Competitiveness (OWC) and in partnership with the Office of Film, Television, and Digital Media (CT Film Office) of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), awarded state funding in June 2008 to establish the Film Industry Training Program (FITP), the first of its kind in Connecticut. The 2008 and 2009 programs were great successes, and the State is now gearing up for the 2010 program. By establishing a skilled in-state film workforce, the training program provides an additional incentive for producers to select Connecticut as a location for film and television. The state's strengthened production infrastructure will support a range of projects, making it easier for companies to carry out long-term productions in Connecticut. The FITP is designed for individuals who want to learn the basics of feature film and episodic television production and potentially pursue entry-level freelance work in the industry. The program is most appropriate for individuals with prior or current professional experience in the industry, college graduates with majors in film and digital media, and students currently enrolled in relative academic coursework. High school seniors with significant experience in film or digital media production will also be considered, but are cautioned that the time commitment required to participate will be extensive. Trainees also learn about union membership, which is required to work on the majority of large productions coming to the state. In 2010, the Film Industry Training Program (FITP) will be offered for a third year at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. This is the only site where the program will take place this year. Unfortunately, due to budget cutbacks, previous FITP programs at Middlesex Community College in Middletown and Norwalk Community College in Norwalk have been discontinued. It is unclear if and when full funding will be restored, but every effort will be made to increase the geographical areas where the FITP is offered. Please note: Due to the current national and statewide recession, the Film Industry Training Program is continually subject to State budget review. At any time, the program may be discontinued or scaled down without notice. In this event, application fees and/or tuition deposits will be fully refunded. Applications to enter the 2010 Film Industry Training Program must be submitted electronically by Friday, April 23, 2010.
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