Movie boot camp for those with stars in their eyes
If you would like to be part of the growing television and movie industry in the Okanagan, Jon Summerland has an opportunity for you.
The film/television production business has grown strongly in the valley and with that growth has come new challenges—a lack of qualified labour, says the Okanagan film commissioner.
“So to get the ball rolling on developing new crews, Westbank First Nation and the Okanagan Film Commission will put on a bootcamp where attendees will learn the basic fundamentals of a day on set,” Summerland said.
“We hope that might ignite a passion in the attendees to further their training towards becoming crew members. The bootcamp won’t make them professionals in any way.
But it will introduce them to the jobs and a day-in-the-life on set.”
The marketing team and graphic design teams at the Centre for Arts and Technology have teamed up to design and donate a website; okanaganfilmfundamentals.com for the Take 2, Okanagan Film Fundamentals boot camp on Sept. 23 to 25.
“Attendees will experience two days of classroom and hands-on practical training from award-winning professionals and on day three, those gained experiences will be put into practice in the making of a short film,” said Summerland.
“It is a unique opportunity to network and learn from industry experts. Some of the most talented people in film and television will lead workshops that will guide attendees to understanding what types of jobs are available, what they are best suited to, what skills are needed and where do they fit.”
“And for individuals that already have career skills in electrical, construction, painting, retail, office, fashion and driving, they will learn what are the opportunities and how to transition their skills to this industry.”
There is also a module for actors led by Tempest Theatre and Film Society on Sept. 10 to 11 which will provide insight for actors who want to work in film and TV.
It wraps with a live audition for the roles in the short film being shot on day three of the bootcamp.
“This is an excellent opportunity to help people find work and a career in film and television, and perhaps realize they already have skills they can leverage in a new industry.” Summerland said.
“We need you. We desperately need crew and the opportunities are endless. We are about to launch some exciting new careers in film and television,” he said, and the boot camp is for those who want to fast-track their career in this industry.