With the industry facing workforce shortages, film production crew training initiatives are being established to redirect the market’s trajectory
By Sofia Bellafiore
Film crews must be skilled and highly trained, as they are the building blocks of a successful product. There is strong demand in the film industry for global production; however, crew supply is not keeping pace. A solution to this problem is a new wave of film industry talent development programs and film production training initiatives, with participation from and partnerships with film offices, schools and studios.
Learn how Georgia, Louisiana, and Ontario, Canada, built successful workforce pipeline programs, and how you can successfully bolster your existing program.
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A Vital Need for Film Industry Talent Development
The industry needs a boost now more than ever, and it starts with supporting the workforce behind the masterpieces. A 2025 Deadline article by Dessi Gomez highlights widespread job losses in the film and media industry over the past five years, which continue to negatively impact workers today. From the post-pandemic recovery years to the recent Hollywood actor strikes, the industry hasn’t had much time to recover. Many of the statistics in Gomez’s article were sampled from large companies, for example, “Netflix laid off 15 people in its film department as part of reorganization after Dan Lin took over for Scott Stuber.”
However, there’s reason for optimism about the future of film and television, with promising initiatives underway. It starts by solidifying the workforce through local film crew training programs and experiential opportunities to build a stronger foundation. Many regions are following this model with positive results.
How Georgia is Training Local Film Production Crews
The Georgia Film Academy is setting a precedent in the industry and the state through numerous partnerships with studios and universities to advance the future workforce. They are a training organization that offers education, resources and networking to thoroughly guide students and professionals with the intention of broadening the statewide industry.
Georgia Film Academy’s Lighting & Grip Combo Class. Photo credit: GA Film Academy Facebook
Assistant Vice Chancellor of the Georgia Film Academy, Scott Votaw, said, “It’s a hands-on experience that will help expand the pipeline of local talent ready to meet the needs of global productions.”
The Georgia Film Academy has partnered with Assembly Atlanta, an innovative hub for TV and film. “It’s a destination where creativity and community come together,” added Justin Campbell, VP of Studio Operations. “Partnering with the Georgia Film Academy allows us to open our doors to students who will become the creators, technicians and visionaries of tomorrow.”
Training local film production crews enables aspiring film directors, set workers, and general talent to gain real-world industry experience. It also promotes determination and an appreciation for the craft while supporting newcomers and professionals alike. The passion that is necessary to work in filmmaking starts at the beginning of one’s career, and it’s where a hunger to learn more is born.
The film office crew pipeline program has resulted in many students being accepted into the internship and apprenticeship programs and has led to work with reputable films and television series such as Stranger Things and Captain America: Brave New World. Partnerships with the University System of Georgia and Technical College System include professional courses among a wide range of film genres. More than 30 colleges and institutions are involved today.
Streamlined Talent Programs in Ontario, Canada
The below-the-line roles in film, such as production accounting and technical work, are crucial in sustaining the foundation of high-volume productions. A consistent issue is the lack of properly trained or educated employees. In Ontario, programs are in place to address this issue and strengthen the film industry, driving growth across the province. One such example is Ontario Creates.
Ontario Creates at the Marché du Film supports over 70 Ontario producers in new business collaborations and builds business opportunities for Ontario’s film and television sector. Photo credit: Ontario Creates Facebook
The solution is, first, awareness, and second, companies willing to invest in training local film production crews in the region. Ontario Creates is an agency of the provincial government whose mandate is to be a catalyst for economic development, investment and collaboration in Ontario’s visionary industries. They focus on music, books, magazines, films, television, and interactive digital media sectors, both domestically and internationally. This agency demonstrates how the creative entertainment industry has significant potential to bolster the economy with the right time and effort.
Ontario Creates’ positive message and business expertise welcome a broad spectrum of companies and employees to invest with them. They represent Canada’s passion and commitment to imaginative industries. Various employment opportunities are available on their website for interested candidates.
Incentive-Backed Film Production Training Initiatives in Louisiana
The NOVAC-IATSE Partnership in Louisiana is a film office crew pipeline program designed to train for “below-the-line” or behind-the-scenes roles in the film industry. The New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) has entered into partnerships with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), high schools, trade schools and community colleges to develop the creative workforce, which creates opportunities for grant-funded awards.
Collaborative programs provide educational opportunities to film students. Photo credit: Freepik
Both NOVAC and IATSE trained at least 300 participants to work in various departments on Louisiana film sets. In addition to entry-level training, the program will develop rigorous, hands-on, practical programs in specialized crafts to increase community access to higher wages and training in areas such as production design, set decoration and scenic painting.
A new state law, Act 44, was signed by Gov. Jeff Landry in 2025 to drive the success of Louisiana’s film industry. The primary goal of this act is to bring more business to the state by adjusting the current film tax credit. The updated program is designed to attract productions to film in Louisiana by reducing taxes and ultimately production costs, such as equipment rentals. This makes it a highly appealing, cost-effective option for directors and film crews.
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Tips to Build Your Film Crew Pipeline Program
- Internship placements on live sets: Provide aspiring film workers with the opportunity to dip their toes in a real-world set. Investing in aspiring talent ensures longevity in the film industry and helps train future innovators.
- Embedded industry mentors: Education is a huge part of attracting people to this industry and giving them the correct training for films in the future. Many recent graduates are seeking mentors in their fields, creating an opportunity for them to learn from professionals.
- Modular certifications: This ensures safety and confidence in this industry.
- Flexible scheduling: Recognize that the schedule for young adult students will differ from that of older adults in the industry, and it’s important to prioritize both for various reasons.
- Hiring recent graduates: This supports ongoing film industry talent development with fresh-out-of-the-industry learners who may have a different perspective or willingness to work. Utilize fresh talent and creative minds that are eager to learn and move up in the industry.
How to Form Lasting Program Partnerships
Other regions can replicate success by establishing film offices and partnerships, offering the same amenities Ontario Creates uses, for example. Location scouting, production support, and government liaisons are all ways to broaden the horizons of film crews worldwide. Doing so can attract a new audience.
Partnering with government entities and building a film reputation that extends beyond a small group is a sure way to build business relationships, strengthen the economy, and secure the ability to offer grants to aspiring directors. Each type of partner: education, unions, and studios offer different things. All are valuable assets to broadening the training within local film production crews.
A few things to consider:
- Educational partnerships typically focus on training, internships, and opportunities for interested participants. Education will focus more on building the correct foundation for a film crew/finding new talent to add to your team.
- Partnering with union film crews allows the project to be dealt with by a group of professionals. This is a highly efficient and secure way to produce quality, professional films. Film unions typically set and enforce standards for wages, hours, safety regulations, and benefits, resulting in stable working conditions.
- Partnering with studios means an abundance of experience involved in the work, since studios typically have vast knowledge on making various types of films and hiring many skilled professionals. Studios often partner with unions, which are schools themselves, so it’s a great place to network and get a feel for the environment. This choice will expose your team to industry-leading standards and promote career advancement.
Global demand for crew is very high, yet crew supply for film production has not kept pace. Following the example of a thriving workforce development program through local film crew training and film production training initiatives will ensure a positive future for the industry while making it secure for future generations.
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