Lights, Cameras, Jobs
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Updated: 8:36 PM Mar 2, 2009
Lights, Cameras, Jobs
Film training program will benefit 60 Michiganders.
Posted: 6:47 PM Mar 2, 2009
Reporter: Chris Sutter
Email Address: chris.sutter@wilx.com
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Over the course of the past year, there's no doubt that the movie industry has become very familiar with the state of Michigan.

"We've had over 71 projects filmed in Michigan. Over 30 films have been completed," Andy Levin of the Michigan Department of Economic Growth says.

And with even more movies expected in the state, Capital Area Michigan Works, Michigan State University and Lansing Community College want to train folks in town so they're ready for jobs in the film industry.

"You learn the terminology, you learn the language, you'll be better qualified to be hired on one of these sets than people coming in off the street," Doug Stites of Capital Area Michigan Works says.

But if you're expecting a glamorous job, Stites says, think again.

"People think you're going to be hanging around Sigourney Weaver and George Clooney, you're not. I mean you're going to work hard on these sets," Stites explains.

Doing the grunt work--- taking boxes of equipment in and out of the trucks. But, that hard work will be rewarded.

"The film industry pays really well...all the way up and down," Levin says.

Starting pay is 15 dollars an hour, and just because you start at the bottom doesn't mean you'll stay there.

"You'd be amazed. You talk to people in movies, famous people, people who become every kind of job at the top level...most of them started as production assistants. So you have got to get your foot in the door," Levin says.

Don't believe us? Amanda Brand is the publicist for Swank's movie--

"I mean you can start at the bottom and work your way all the way up to being a producer. It's up to you if you have the initiative and the drive to get there," Brand says.

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For more info contact Michigan Works at film@camw.net.


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