Grand Rapids Community College

For Immediate Release
Contact: Vicki Hudson 616.234.4206

GRCC Ready To Train For Film Industry Work

February 5, 2009 - Grand Rapids, MI - Grand Rapids Community College, in partnership with the West Michigan Film Office and Fletcher Camera– Detroit, will be offering a 2-hour workshop for Film Camera Loaders on March 31, 2009. Fletcher Camera will be training participants in the use of high-end film cameras used in the production of feature films.

With the success of bringing film makers to the West Michigan region, skilled technical crews are in high demand. In order to provide a large talent pool, many technicians need to be trained on specific high definition equipment.

Grand Rapids Community College is responding to this need by partnering with various film industry professionals. In addition to this March 31st event, GRCC, with Tic Tock Studios in Holland is offering Basic Film Set Training, Introduction to Technical Labor: Electrician, and Introduction to Technical Labor: the Film Grip in March and April.

"The benefit of these partnerships is that it gives many access to high quality professional training led by experienced film professionals," said Julie Parks, Director of Workforce Training. Some Michigan Works funding may apply to cover some of the costs of training for individuals.

GRCC is also in the early stages of developing a Fall Film Forum to address "How to Get into the Industry." The objective of the forum will be two-fold: To learn how local businesses can become a supplier to the industry, and, also, how individuals can get involved and benefit from the industry professionals working in our community.

There are opportunities for hotels, catering and floral businesses, transportation companies and builders in this sector. Other topics may include how to write a script, how be cast in a movie and other creative projects paths.

Grand Rapids Community College, established in 1914, offers both liberal arts and workforce development degrees, classes and workshops. Student enrollment on the urban campus for both credit and non-credit courses is approximately 26,000 this year.

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