YELLOWKNIFE (October 1, 2018) – A new Film Apprenticeship Program will soon provide opportunities for the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) film workforce to gain on-the-job experience with major film productions.
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) Wally Schumann announced the initiative on Saturday at the NWT Film Gala and awards event concluding Yellowknife’s 12th annual International Film Festival.
Successful applicants will be given the opportunity and some financial support to gain valuable hands-on experience on large-scale productions filming both in the NWT and in other parts of Canada. The goal of the program is to develop capacity in the NWT’s professional film and media workforce and to encourage local hiring when production companies shoot projects in the NWT.
The pilot program is an initiative created and delivered by the Northwest Territories Professional Media Association (NWTPMA) with funding provided by ITI’s Film Commission and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
Quotes:
“As the Northwest Territories’ film industry grows, we’re investing in our local workforce so we are prepared to attract and support large film productions and create a sustainable industry for the north. This partnership with the Professional Media Association is a great step in the right direction, and one of the ways we’re building this emerging economic sector.”
-Wally Schumann, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
“This training model provides flexibility for applicants to learn valuable skills, gain exposure to real industry partners and earn while learning. Through participation in this industry and innovative programs like the Film Apprenticeship Pilot, NWT residents have the opportunity to learn necessary skills to succeed in new career opportunities.”
-Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
"The NWTPMA's goal is to help support and grow the media industry here in the north. We believe that professional development is an important component of helping grow and maintain a vibrant media industry. We are very excited by the opportunities this program will bring to our NWT media professionals."
-Jen Walden, President, Northwest Territories Professional Media Association
Quick facts:
- The program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis and eligible applications will be reviewed and administered by the NWTPMA. Details on how to apply will be available on the NWTPMA website in the coming weeks.
- The pilot program has a budget of $20,000. Individual applications will be capped at $5,000.
- Since 2016, the volume of NWT productions has grown dramatically, including two reality TV shows, four feature films, hundreds of short films, and several commercials for major international brands.
- The NWTPMA is a non-profit society founded in 2011 to build an economically-sustainable media industry in the NWT.
Relevant links:
Media Contacts:
Briony Grabke
Senior Communications Officer
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Ph: 867-767-9202 ext. 63049
Email: briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca
Cherish Winsor
Senior Communications Advisor
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: 867-767-9352 ext. 71021
Email: cherish_winsor@gov.nt.ca
Jen Walden
President
NWT Professional Media Association
Ph: 867-765-8281
Email: president@nwtpma.com