A partnership with the governments of Canada and Manitoba will ensure that Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is keeping film professionals abreast of emerging technologies and widening the pool of highly qualified filmmakers.
Funding of $25,000 from the Province of Manitoba and $108,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada toward this initiative was announced today by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification; and by the Honourable Andrew Swan, Manitoba Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade.
"Our Government recognizes that new technologies can help broaden the capacity of rural and northern communities to access training programs through the establishment of online courses," said Minister Toews. "This investment will enable Film Training Manitoba to further develop the skills of current crewmembers and attract new students to the film industry."
"It is essential for people working in film to have opportunities to learn practical skills in the environment in which they want to work," said Minister Swan. "Film training in Manitoba has been very successful. We have the right combination of people, expertise, facilities and financial incentives to attract and encourage film production."
As a result of changing technologies in the film industry, Film Training Manitoba will acquire specific high definition (HD) equipment, including cameras and projectors, multi-media/computer equipment, lighting and related accessories and storage equipment. This equipment will allow FTM to extend its current training curriculum into the new area of digital film production by the development of new courses. New computer equipment will enable FTM to establish a resource centre within its office to provide, free of charge, a workstation for training individuals that do not have access to a computer in their home.
FTM will also establish a web-based education program that will provide an opportunity for rural and northern residents of Manitoba to take film training 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without having to leave their communities. Video and still photography images captured during HD classroom training will be used to enhance on-line courses, the website and career outreach initiatives. "Film Training Manitoba strives to deliver training opportunities to Manitoba crewmembers that will allow them to stay current with today's technology and remain competitive within the industry worldwide," said Neila Benson, Executive Director, Film Training Manitoba.
Incorporated in May of 1999 as an independent, not-for-profit organization, Film Training Manitoba offers a variety of training opportunities to Manitoba filmmakers of all levels. FTM is dedicated to providing high caliber training and professional development programs to sustain Manitoba's Film Industry. It works closely with the film industry to identify the training needs within the community. With this information, FTM offers practical, skill-based training to address labour gaps, and delivers practical workshops that provide entry-level and advanced skill development for Manitoba crewmembers.
The organization partners with local production companies to offer on-the-job experience opportunities within active film environments, such as film sets, production offices or related facilities. FTM also recognizes the value of working with established educational institutions to lay the foundation for the future. It does so by partnering with Red River College and the University of Winnipeg.
For additional information contact:
Luisa Matheson
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-0280
Joe Czech
Communications Coordinator
Communication Services Manitoba
Telephone: (204) 945-6778
www.gov.mb.ca
