
Cycle 11 of the "Made in NY" Production Assistant Training
Program celebrates its graduation.
Photo courtesy of
Mara Prater.
July 30, 2008 - The “Made
in NY” Production Assistant Training Program just welcomed fifteen new graduates to its ranks at a recent ceremony held outdoors at Brooklyn Workforce Innovations. These certified PAs from Cycle 11 bring the total to 139 "Made in NY" PAs who are getting their start in New York City’s entertainment industry.
Developed as a partnership between BWI and the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting, the “Made in New York” PA Training Program offers local New Yorkers free hands-on training that prepares them for entry-level positions in film, television and commercial productions in New York City. The program also provides two years of job placement assistance and connects interested employers with certified PAs.
At the ceremony, Program Director Katy Finch noted this cycle in particular is made up of artists, collaborators and big dreamers. “You are now prepared to take hold of your careers,“ she said, addressing the PAs and their friends and family.
Commissioner Katherine Oliver was also on hand to congratulate the PAs, emphasizing their importance on set. “You are the face of the production in the neighborhoods,” she said.
The “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program launched two and a half years ago, and in that time alumni from the program have advanced in their careers and gone on to collectively earn $1.5 million in wages. “Made in NY” PAs have recently worked on “Ugly Betty,” “I Want to Work for Diddy,” and “Tyra.”
“I can’t wait to see what your future holds,” Finch told the “Made in NY” PAs, adding her parting advice of “keep saying yes.”
BWI program
staff will match productions’ needs with candidates from its pool of trained and
certified production assistants. This service is free to employers and program
participants. BWI can arrange placements or interviews at any time, from months
in advance to the day of a shoot. To learn more, please contact Katy Finch at
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations: 718-237-2017 x172 or call the 24 hour production
cell at 718-757-5816.