Scholarships Available for Film Crew 101 Certification Program
October 13, 2020 - As part of a partnership with the Oklahoma Film and Television Academy (OFTA), the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) is pleased to offer Film Crew 101 Certification Scholarships in service of the continued education and growth of the state’s camera-ready workforce. Opening its doors in September, OFTA is a short course program focused solely on training students to meet the growing demand of Oklahoma’s film industry for skilled workforce members. Physical classes are offered at OFTA’s headquarters in Spencer, Oklahoma, however, OFTA also provides a number of online resources for learning and education, including their free Film Crew 101 podcast series, which is available on most major streaming platforms. OFTA’s Film Crew 101 podcast highlights different departments within film and television production and features educational commentary from special guest artists within those respective fields. The variety of topics include careers in departments such as post-production, sound mixing, hair, make-up and gaffing as well as production management, coordination and assistance. “The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at what every position on a film set does, taking a deep dive into what they do, how they do it, and how much they earn,” said Richard Janes, co-founder of OFTA. “The series has quickly become one of the top film podcasts on Apple trending in America, the UK and India.” An extension of the podcast cast series, the OFTA Film Crew 101 Certification Program is a self-guided learning tool that uses the podcasts and unlocks quizzes related to each episode. Upon successful completion of all podcast program requirements, OFTA will issue the participant an official “career-ready” certification. Presently, OFTA offers 38 episodes in this program, with more being added each week. OF+MO is providing 100 scholarships to eligible applicants for the program, which traditionally costs $97. “With respect to the current pandemic and associated challenges facing many other sectors in the state, Oklahoma’s film and television industry has reopened its doors, welcoming nearly two dozen productions since May, all of which are seeking to employ locals in a variety of departments and positions,” said OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky. “We hope by offering scholarships to OFTA’s Film Crew 101 Certification Program we will further grow our workforce and provide new, exciting educational and career opportunities to those who may have been displaced within their previous industries or may be financially struggling at this time.” Oklahoma’s skilled, talented workforce is essential to support the state’s growing film and television industry. Job opportunities extend far beyond what is seen on-screen with nearly every imaginable trade playing a critical role in the film and television industry, which can offer sustainable careers for most everyone. In fiscal year 2020, film and television production in Oklahoma created 4,206 full and part time jobs. Applicants for the Film Crew 101 Certification Program must be 18 years of age or older and a current citizen of the United States. Must possess a strong interest in the Oklahoma film and television industry and commitment to build an inclusive work environment. No previous film experience is required. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, while meeting the application requirements. Applicants will be notified by October 30, 2020, if chosen. To apply, visit okfilmmusic.org/ofta-scholarship-application.
