Unama’ki – Cape Breton, N.S. – The Cape Breton Partnership is inviting the public to nominate individuals, businesses, and Unama’ki – Cape Breton, N.S. – The Cape Breton Partnership, in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), is seeking expressions of interest for the Film Accelerator Program, a program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to work on professional film sets.
With the film industry growing rapidly on Unama’ki – Cape Breton, the training will help strengthen the Island’s industry-readiness by equipping local residents with the skills needed to work on productions while helping address employment gaps in the region.
“Our goal is to make Unama’ki – Cape Breton a self-sustaining, premium film location,” said Bill Culp, Creative Economy Development Officer and Film Industry Liaison with the Cape Breton Partnership. “We know the interest in film as a career is already here, with previous courses we’ve administered reaching capacity in just a few days. When productions call our office looking for crew, our goal is to be able to draw from a strong database of local residents who are trained, qualified, and ready to work on set.”
The program will consist of three courses with limited capacity:
- Grip and Lighting: Have you ever watched a movie or television series and wondered how filmmakers create those dramatic shadows, glowing sunsets, smooth camera moves, or perfectly lit scenes? The Grip & Lighting Department is where much of that movie magic happens, and this exciting hands-on course is designed to introduce participants to the creative and technical skills behind it all.
Perfect for people who enjoy working with their hands, tools, teamwork, and problem- solving, this workshop offers an introduction to one of the most important departments on any film set. Participants will learn how the Grip team work closely with both the lighting and camera departments to help shape the mood, atmosphere, and visual style of a scene.
From trainees and assistants to Key Grips and Lighting Technicians, this department can open the door to a creative, fast-paced, and rewarding career working behind the scenes in film and television production.
- Locations Audio: On every film set, the Sound Department creates the soundscape of the story. In this hands-on course, you’ll discover the art of capturing clean, professional sound on location while coordinating with the environment around you. Sound Department positions include the Production Sound Mixer, the Boom Operator, and the Utility Sound Technician/Cable Puller. This course is a great introduction for anyone interested in sound, music, technology, or working behind the scenes in film and television.
- Production Assistant (PA): An excellent entry level crew position in the film industry, PA’s support the production team by performing a wide variety of tasks to keep a film set running smoothly. Being a Production Assistant requires flexibility, reliability, and strong communication skills in a fast-paced environment. PA’s often get exposure to multiple departments, learn the workflow of a professional set, and build valuable industry connections that can lead to long-term careers in film and television.
Each course will run for three to five days, beginning this fall. Selected participants will receive an email confirming their acceptance by mid-September.
To be eligible, registrants must be unemployed. The program is being offered at no cost through the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration’s “One Journey” program with support from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage.
To submit an expression of interest in the Film Accelerator Program, visit: https://forms.gle/cAcmUQA9BynCxYP16