The  filmed entertainment industry is  blooming in New York City with at least $9  billion is now spent every year on television and movie production.  Officials are trying to make sure it benefits all New Yorkers by setting up programs to help low-income residents break into the industry.   These programs include the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, which is an affordable CUNY film-school to train a new generation of filmmakers and the "Made in NY" Production Assistant training  program. "Hollywood on the Hudson" segment on NY1.

The "Made in NY" Production Assistant (PA) training program is a collaboration between Brooklyn  Workforce Innovations (BWI) and the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting.  BWI's mission is to give unemployed and low-income New Yorkers the chance to work on New York sets and build careers in this dynamic field.

Since the program’s launch in February 2006, BWI has trained over 500 New Yorkers and placed highly-qualified PAs on more than 2,000 productions. Graduates have moved into advanced positions including Assistant Production Office Coordinator, Camera Assistant, Assistant Locations Manager, Grip, Field Producer, Set Decorator, Technical Operator and Unit PAs in sound, wardrobe and more. See who is hiring the graduates.

“Made in NY” PAs are selected through a competitive admissions process and complete an intensive five-week skills training program taught by NY industry professionals. Hands-on training includes workshops at top vendors and studios, as well as the permitting office of Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). Before certification, trainees prove their skills by working on actual productions. After certification, BWI provides two years of job placement and career advancement support. 

Contact BWI with questions about this program.