North Island College Motion Picture Training Supports Employment & Crew Diversity in BC
North Island College and Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INFilm) have launched a series of specialized diversity and youth training programs targeted to British Columbians under-employed and under-represented seeking employment in the province’s rapidly growing motion picture industry. The program is offered in partnership with the Vancouver Island North Film Commission (INFilm) and is made possible with funding provided by the Province of BC’s Community Workforce Response Grant, Warner Bros. Discovery Access Canada Sponsorship Program and REEL CANADA, the Reel Opportunities Program.
This round of 12 week courses was offered from December 5, 2022 through to March 3, 2023, and targeted students skills in lighting, grip, set construction, set dresser, and location production assistant. The courses were offered in a combination of digital and in-person, with the in-person training taking place at Martini Film Studios in Langley.
BC is Canada’s largest, and North America’s third largest, film production centre, with the creative industries contributing $4.84 billion to the economy. The province’s 60,000+ film workers and are in high demand, resulting in competitive wages and sustainable employment. Investing in a local workforce through skills training is critical for BC to maintain its competitive advantage, while also supporting inclusion of visible minorities, youth, women and Indigenous peoples.