The Film Industry Training Program equips students with the specialized skills and hands-on experience they need to pursue careers in the industry. Students explore the industry’s many facets and learn about union membership, which is required to work on the majority of productions in the state.*

Classes are taught by motion picture professionals, providing students with the valuable and unique opportunity to build relationships with accomplished professionals in the field. These instructors have significant career experience and are active members of the motion picture trade union related to the skills they teach.

The training program is offered at three sites: Middlesex Community College in Middletown, Norwalk Community College in Norwalk and Quinnipiac University in Hamden.

*Participation in the training program does not ensure students’ union membership. Each union has specific application, examination and acceptance regulations. For each chosen field, other professional requirements and state licensing may apply, and further training and/or experience will be necessary. 

Students proceed through the program in three phases:

PHASE 1: Production Overview
July 7 through July 19
This two-week program, presented in classroom format, provides a detailed introduction to motion picture and episodic television and a comprehensive overview of the movie-making process.

One-day seminars focus on each of the 10 film production departments, and place an emphasis on interactions and communication between these departments. The departments are: production management, location management, production office coordination, lighting and grip, camera, sound, property, set dressing, set construction and wardrobe. Each of these seminars will be led by the same instructor who teaches the related concentrated study program during Phase 2. Click here to view the Phase 1 curriculum.

	Production Management Students will receive a detailed overview of the production process – from pre-production to post-production – through instruction and practical exercises. The program covers script breakdown, budgeting and scheduling, the hiring hierarchy, deal making, equipment, locations and paperwork. Students will also learn about production managers’ relations with directors, department heads, production offices, accounting departments and actors. Guest speakers may include directors, first assistant directors, production designers, costume designers and accountants. Click here to view the production management curriculum.
	Location Management This program provides a look at all location management functions. Students will learn job descriptions, scouting, photographic techniques, professionalism, presentation, online posting, paperwork, community relations and script breakdown. They will also learn about working with directors and art departments, as well as location managers’ interactions with all production departments. Instructors will lead students in practical exercises in scouting and planning for management of locations. Guest speakers may include directors, first assistant directors, production designers and accountants. Click here to view the location management curriculum.
	Production Office Coordination Students will learn about production office structure and operation, including sides, paperwork, distribution, phone etiquette, ordering office supplies, using and understand office equipment, supervising production assistants and interns and production meetings. Using that knowledge, they will set up and operate a mock production office. Guest speakers may include unit production managers, first assistant directors, script supervisors and accountants. Click here to view the production office coordination curriculum.
	Set Construction This program provides an overview of the set construction department, including job descriptions and detailed lessons on industry equipment, terminology, set construction, interaction with other departments, union rules and budgeting. Students will also receive an introduction to basic set construction, blueprints, use of tools and shop safety. Guest speakers may include production designers and accountants. Click here to view the set construction curriculum.
	Set Dressing Students will receive a departmental overview that includes job descriptions and a review of related departments during pre-production, shooting and wrap. The program covers budgeting, continuity, organization, packing, scheduling, working on-set, kits and tools, transportation and union contracts and protocols. Instructors will provide hands-on experience in set dressing techniques, emphasizing mastery of diverse and essential skills in this department. Guest speakers may include directors, production designers and accountants. Click here to view the set dressing curriculum.
	Property This program provides students with a departmental overview, including job descriptions and duties of the department during pre-production, production and wrap, and teaches advance planning, interaction with other departments, continuity, set operations, kits and tools and truck organization. Students will receive lessons on in-camera effects, special effects, general safety and firearms (including a field trip to meet a weapons specialist). Guest speakers may include directors, first assistant directors, script supervisors and accountants. Click here to view the property curriculum.
	Camera Students will receive a detailed overview of departmental positions and job descriptions and learn key skills in camera set-up, movements, gels, filters and filmstocks and film and high-definition cameras. Instructors will lead practical exercises and tests in the operation of a Steadicam, dollies, crane and mounts, along with a one-day exercise in storyboarding a short scene. Guest speakers may include directors of photography. Click here to view the camera curriculum.
	Sound This detailed introduction to the sound department provides an overview of job positions and interactions with other departments during pre-production and production. Students will learn about post-production and sound effects and engage in practical exercises in script breakdown, sound recording, use of equipment, recording actors in different environments, grip and camera and electric equipment to simulate an actual production. Guest speakers may include directors, first assistant directors, directors of photography, post-production professionals and accountants. Click here to view the sound curriculum.
	Lighting & Grip This program provides an overview of both departments that includes job descriptions, equipment review, terminology, safety, basics of electricity and lighting, diffusion, operation of dolly, car and crane rigs, truck organization and union matters. Instructors will lead exercises in interior and exterior lighting setups. Guest speakers may include directors of photography, first assistant directors and accountants. Click here to view the lighting & grip curriculum.
	Wardrobe Students will receive an overview of the department and job descriptions, as well as learn about wardrobe department duties during prep, shoot, wrap and post-production, photography, working with actors and continuity books. They will also develop skills in research, script breakdown, fitting and altering and engage in practical exercises in wardrobe, from setup to breakdown. Guest speakers may include costume designers, first assistant directors and accountants. Click here to view the wardrobe curriculum.

PHASE 3: On-Set Mentorship
(Dates and times vary)
Certified trainees may receive up to 10 weeks of on-set mentorship, working alongside department heads and crew members on a feature film or episodic television project shooting in state. Opportunities for Phase 3 participation depend on the cooperation of participating productions and will take place throughout the year.

Please click here to view the Film Industry Training Program application. All applications must be submitted by June 30, 2008.