Quinnipiac to Again Host Connecticut Film Industry Training Program

State funding is in place for Quinnipiac University to offer the fifth and final Connecticut Film Industry Training Program. Classes, which are scheduled to begin on June 4, are available only to Connecticut residents.

“This comprehensive program equips students with the specialized skills and intensive hands-on experience they need to pursue careers in the industry,” said Charles Miller, administrator of the Film Industry Training Program. “In addition, they will have the valuable and unique opportunity to build relationships with accomplished professionals in the field.”

The program is for individuals who want to learn the basics of feature film and episodic television production and pursue entry-level freelance work in this industry. Trainees will also learn about union membership, which is required to work on most large productions shooting in the state.

Classes will be taught by motion picture professionals who have significant career experience and are active members of the motion picture trade unions related to the skills they teach.

“Quinnipiac University is delighted to host its fifth consecutive Film Industry Training Program, said Liam O’Brien, professor and chair of Quinnipiac’s Department of Film, Video and Interactive Media. “We are proud of our contribution to the continuing growth of the state’s film and digital media industries including strengthening the human infrastructure that supports a range of film, television and interactive media production companies and projects in Connecticut.”

Since its inception, the Connecticut Film Industry Training Program has placed 421 graduate trainees on its roster who have amassed more than 12,000 days of freelance work, paid and unpaid, internships and deferrals. Last year, a record number of FITP graduate trainees worked on feature films and television shows which shot in Connecticut.

The FITP 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 media production 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 and prior written parental or guardian and school system approval of their participation is required.

The training program curriculum is as follows:

Week 1: Production Overview (June 4-8, Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) – A comprehensive production overview and survey of job categories in the feature film and episodic television industry.

Week 2: Concentrated Training (June 11-15, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) – Each student will pursue his/her selected area of production or technical concentration during intensive, hands-on training in the classroom, studio and on location.

Week 3: Pre-Production (June 18 –22, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) Led by the assistant director instructor, final organization, scheduling, and planning.  The script is reviewed to make sure all elements are in place to begin the shoot

Week 4: Production (June 25–29, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)  A five-day film shoot of a short narrative script. Led by an experienced DGA director, trainees will work together to produce, manage, and coordinate this week long effort.

Areas of specialization are: assistant directing, location management, production office coordination, script supervision, lighting and grip, camera, sound, props and set dressing and wardrobe. 

Upon completion of the program, graduating trainees will receive a certificate from the state Office of Film, Television and Digital Media.

For more information or to download an application to enter the Connecticut Film Industry Training Program, visit www.ctfilmworkforce.com.

Applications are available only on the above website and must be submitted by 5 p.m., May 31. Accepted applicants will be notified via email by June 1.