Screen industry session coming to Geelong

HUNDREDS of the next generation of Geelong film-makers will get a leg up next month when a new creative sector program makes its way into the region.

Last week, Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos launched the ‘Set Educated’ initiative, a new program supported by the Victorian government to supply workers to Victoria’s booming screen industry.

Starting off with sessions in Geelong and Melbourne on May 14 and May 20 respectively, the program will provide locals with a comprehensive introduction to screen and assist them with how they can transfer their skills from professions such as accountants, electricans and designers into the screen industry.

Based on their skills and interests, participants will be able to learn about camera operating, lighting and sound, giving them the knowledge they need to fill specific roles such as production officers, location managers, grips and gaffers, electricians, designers and accountants.

Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos said the program would be a great way of meeting growing demands in the sector.

“As the global demand for screen content continues to soar our local industry is rapidly expanding, and this initiative is one of the ways we are working to grow our screen workforce,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“Whether you are starting out or exploring a career change, this is a chance to call `action’ on a new screen career.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said it was fantastic that the Geelong community would get an opportunity to partake in Set Educated.

“It’s a great chance for people from across the region to explore opportunities in a booming global industry.

Through Vic Screen, the Labor government are working with mentoring organisation Media Mentors Australia and Victorian agency Freelancer Productions to facilitate the skills development program.

Media Mentors Australia co-founder Denise Eriksen said the opportunities were endless for those people interested in screen.

“We recognise that there’s a huge pool of people who would love to work in screen but may not know about jobs beyond producers, directors and writers.

“There are jobs are out there for people currently working in allied industries and we’ll be introducing participants to a world of possibilities and providing them the knowledge they need to take their places on productions.”

For tickets to the sessions in Geelong, head to mediamentors.com.au