The world of television and film production is rapidly changing, and with it comes the need for a new kind of workforce training. To meet this demand, Stage 32, the world’s largest online television and film talent incubator, has launched a first-of-its-kind certification program to help expand the global production industry.
The program provides a real-world path to employment opportunities in television, film, commercials, and digital content, with support from 12 international and domestic film commissions and guilds, including Costa Rica, Cyprus, Canacine Mexico, Houston, Nevada, Oregon, Dallas, Montana, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Central Pennsylvania, St. Petersburg/Clearwater and the Location Managers Guild International.
The certification courses are designed to give students practical skills and knowledge in production and distribution, such as production accounting, management, cost reporting, call sheets, co-production agreements and more. All course graduates will be listed in a new database that will be accessible to regional film commissions and production companies.
The new program offers classes taught by experienced professionals in the entertainment industry, including Paramount’s Director of Production Maegan Philmore, ViacomCBS Senior Production Finance Manager Shalonda Ware, former head of production at eOne and Carsey Warner Courtney Conte, the legal team at the prestigious Los Angeles-based entertainment firm Ramo Law, Wrapbook’s tax incentive expert Ryan Broussard, film producer and DGA member Korey Pollard and more.
The courses are low-cost, ranging from $299 to $2,500, depending on the package. Stage 32 plans to expand the program in the future with additional courses in the filmmaking process, script supervision, location management, grip and electric, directing, cinematography, production assistant training and more.
Stage 32 Founder and CEO, Richard Botto, said: “There is more global production happening worldwide, and more qualified people need to do the jobs. Millions worldwide want to work in production and a foot in the door. Still, traditional film school needs to teach the practical skills to make that happen, not to mention presenting opportunities post-graduation to secure work. Stage 32 will offer Certification Courses in multiple production disciplines that will give people the universal skills to work on film or TV production. Film commissions & organizations can easily identify, report on & hire qualified people in their areas to support and work on incoming shows.”
To celebrate the launch of the certification program, Stage 32 is hosting a free virtual summit on Thursday, October 19th. The summit will feature a keynote address by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Cassian Elwes, plus production executives from Hulu’s Emmy-nominated The Bear, HBO/MAX Catalyst Studios and Ramo Law; Screen Ireland and Costa Rica commissions; the Co-Founder of FilmUSA; the Location Managers Guild International and more.
John Rakich, President of the Location Managers Guild International, commented: “Stage 32 is an incredible organization and platform with a proven 12-year track record in online education and in working to build a platform to bring together the best in film, television and digital content creators and professionals worldwide. The LMGI is happy to be involved with this group of passionate, dedicated people working to raise the bar in global workforce training, especially being part of their new certification program.”
This certification program is an exciting development in the ever-evolving production landscape, offering teachers and educators everywhere the opportunity to provide their students with real-world skills for the television and film industry. Stage 32’s certification courses offer an invaluable resource for those who wish to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. With the help of the Stage 32 platform, aspiring filmmakers and television producers can find the connections and resources they need to make their projects come to life.
