The Michigan Film Office and Education

The Michigan Film Office provides information on film, television, and digital media related programs in Michigan including state universities, community colleges, and trade schools.

In order to teach a trade, occupation or vocation for a fee or consideration of any kind you must be licensed to operate a proprietary school by the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (Reference: MCL 395.101). We will not be posting training opportunities except from licensed providers. For more information please go to www.michiganps.net 

Announcement

One of the goals of the Michigan Film Office has been to create and put in place educational competencies for all entities planning to offer training to develop new Michigan crew for the growing film industry.
Michigan Film Industry Job Competencies have been adopted by Michigan Film Office Advisory Council. These competencies are a standard that schools may voluntarily adopt as their measure to insure we have a skilled, trained, and quality educated film production workforce. Students may also refer to them as a guide to insure they are receiving the necessary education to be an effective candidate for a film production job in Michigan.

Link: Michigan Film Industry Competencies (pdf)
When considering a school students may want to ask the following questions as a guide to insuring they receive a quality education that properly prepares them for employment in the film production industry.

1. Is the school accredited and/ or licensed?
2. Does the school voluntarily agree to adopt the ‘Michigan Film Industry Job Competencies”?
3. Does the school have any job placement assistance, how many former students are working in the business, and what type of jobs do they have ?
4. Does the school have any relationships with the film unions , prospective employers, production houses , or producers?
5. Are there former students available you can speak with?
6. What length and costs are the programs they offer?
7. Are the instructors professionals in the field they are teaching and do they have credits to their name on productions?
8. Are there any complaints against the school? Were they resolved in a timely and effective manner?
9. What type of equipment and facility does the school utilize?
10. Does the school offer specific classes in the field you are planning on entering?

The answer to these questions will help the prospective student make an informed decision as to the best school for their specific needs.
If you have any questions please contact:
Richard Jewell
Workforce Development Manager
(517) 241-8589
jewellr@michigan.org

http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/Jobs-and-Training/Education/Default.aspx

Let's Save Michigan

http://letssavemichigan.com/blog/

Michigan can emerge from the current downturn stronger, more livable, and more likely to withstand future economic crises—but only if we convince our elected officials to put the right policies in place. To save Michigan, we must come together and fight for smart redevelopment and a rededication to our cities. Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, and other struggling cities shouldn’t be abandoned to sprawl and blight. They should be transformed into centers for culture and innovation to attract a talented workforce and tomorrow’s growth industries.
“The point of cities is multiplicity of choice,” Jane Jacobs once wrote. We completely agree. Downtowns should be dynamic hubs where jobs, stores, restaurants, and other amenities are all within walking distance. Through sustainable urban planning and careful tax-incentive programs, we can carve out vibrant neighborhoods in Michigan’s city centers, attracting a diverse mix of businesses and residents. Urge your state and local officials to support mixed-use buildings, people-centric zoning policies, and tax incentives for investing in cities.
We want to foster more livable cities through the development of alternative modes of transportation. As we work to resurrect our cities and streets, we must keep pedestrians and cyclists in mind. Urban neighborhoods are best experienced from the sidewalk, among the people, at ground level. Demand that your elected officials endorse public-transportation solutions, bicycle-friendly roads, and pedestrian-friendly open areas.
The state must dedicate itself to improving and maintaining quality of life for all residents. Funding for parks, public services, and the arts isn’t a luxury—it’s critical to the health of our cities and our state, and every Michigan resident’s future. We must be mindful of fiscal realities, but we must not allow our cities to be stripped of their unique character. Insist that your legislators embrace policies that support museums, restaurants, bars, libraries, and performance spaces—the lifeblood of vibrant cities

By changing its approach to its cities, Michigan can attract and keep a dynamic workforce that will carry the state through the end of the 21st century—and beyond.
Won’t you join our fight?

Student Voice and Film in Exploring Identity

Researcher Erica Halversion discusses the role of film-making in identity construction for adolescents.

Detroit Diary: Detroiter is a Finalist in Poetry Out Loud

Detroit Diary: Detroiter is a Finalist in Poetry Out Loud