With more movies being produced in the Toledo area than there are people to work on them, The University of Toledo has developed Film Crew Training classes to enable people at any stage in their careers to learn from film industry professionals and quickly transition into a job.

Graduates will have the opportunity to work on major motion pictures scheduled to be produced in our area. Already, movies like “The Avengers” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, and “Ides of March” starring George Clooney, have been shot in our region.

“We look at the classes we will be offering as providing an outstanding career path in a real growth industry in Toledo and throughout our region,” said Betty Anzaldua, program director at UT. “There are hundreds of jobs available in our region which graduates of our Film Crew Training classes will compete for while participating in a job that promotes our area worldwide. University of Toledo Film Crew Training is truly your road to a new career.”

Running June 25 through July 27 and taking place on UT?s Main Campus, classes will consist of 90 intensive hours covering the topics of camera and audio and production and grip. The former will focus on an expansive gambit of learning about camera and audio equipment and their operation, cinematography, terminology, boom operation and the role of a film crewmember on a live set.

In the production classes, students will be trained to be production assistants, talent assistants, office assistants and will learn facets of script development, casting, location scouting, storyboarding, and post production concepts. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to produce a short film or commercial. Grip class includes training on lighting techniques, film equipment, scaffolding, and rigging.

Anzaldua estimated the beginning pay of program graduates to range anywhere from $15 to $25 an hour.

Students can select classes running from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information or to sign up now, visit universityoftoledofilm.com or call us at 877.387.1112.

For more information, please contact Jon Strunk at University Of Toledo at 419.530.7832 or Mort Meisner at 248.545.2222.

Media Coverage
13 ABC (May 10, 2012)