New Hope for Workers Found in Filmmaking
A shift to growing industry
BY ROBIN ERB • FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER • JANUARY 23, 2009
They say as one door closes, another opens. In Julie Goode’s case, she’s hoping it’s a stage door that opens — or maybe one that leads to the set design studio or costumes room.
Laid off from a job designing auto interiors, the 28-year-old Ferndale woman has signed up for two new classes — beginning Feb. 2 — at Oakland Community College tailored for the state’s burgeoning film industry.
In a state with double-digit unemployment, the film industry still is in need of skilled workers.
The classes provide fast-track training that can lead to a paycheck for those willing to accept the unpredictable hours that come with the thrill of moviemaking, said Rochelle Kaye, program manager of OCC’s economic and workforce development.
Though some schools were able to set up new courses or build on existing ones last year to start addressing the need for film crews, several southeast Michigan community colleges are launching full-blown certificate and degree programs this semester.
That’s none too early, according to Tony Wenson, chief operating officer for the Michigan Film Office.
By his count, 35 feature films were shot in Michigan last year after the state passed incentives geared toward the movie industry. Just two were shot the previous year, Wenson said.
Community colleges always have been among the first responders in training workers for new industries.
The film classes are now geared for behind-the-lens technical work, said George Swan III, vice-chancellor at Wayne County Community College District.
Until recently, film training was “about being in front of the camera,” he said. “Now it’s about what’s going on behind the camera.”
That’s great news for Goode, who said she always wanted to step into a job where she could create.
After being laid off, she learned about the OCC classes. They cover the basics but add hands-on training in the studios at Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group, which is partnering with OCC to provide the classes.
Goode said she was immediately hooked. As for long hours or unpredictable work?
She says she’s OK with that: “I’m not much of a cubicle fan.”
Contact ROBIN ERB at 313-222-2708 or rerb@freepress.com.
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