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Algiers Film Production Job Training Program Receives Entertainment Development Fund Award
Posted Wed Jan 25, 2023 11:32am
BATON ROUGE, La. — A program that trains young people to work behind-the-scenes in the film and television industry recently won an award from the Louisiana Entertainment Development Fund. Nonprofit Old Algiers Main Street Corp. will receive $274,631 over two years for a recreational workforce training project in the Algiers District of New Orleans.
Old Algiers will focus on pedagogical training for careers in filmmaking, including grip/electrician and costumes. The organization will partner with the International Federation of Theater and Stage Employees (IATSE) to deliver courses and training, and LB Landry High School to provide training facilities. It will also liaise with film studios currently operating in the community to meet employment needs.
“Louisiana’s filmmaking industry continues to be a source of high-quality jobs in our state, and my administration has worked hard to ensure that Louisiana workers have the skills and opportunities to fill these jobs,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. Bel Edwards said. “The industry’s success has made possible our Entertainment Development Fund, which is supporting innovative workforce development programs from Shreveport to Arcadiana and from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.” Old Algiers Main Street Corp . ’s latest award will extend the program to another location, allowing the industry to benefit from a pipeline of home-grown talent.”
Workforce training and career opportunities have been a focus since 2020 for the organization, which is based in the Old Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans on the west bank of the Mississippi River.
“This is a game changer for our community and we are excited for the opportunity to partner with LED and its Office of Entertainment Industry Development,” said Valerie Robinson, Chairman of the Board, Old Algiers Main Street Corp. . “By partnering with our local high school, LB Landry, we hope to prepare the pipeline for our students, who are needed by our film studios and production companies. Partnering with IATSE will allow us to draw on their extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. “
With funding from the WK Kellogg Foundation, Old Algiers Main Street Corp. developed the #EquityRising initiative, which partners with community businesses and others to identify local youth in need of skills training and job placement assistance. The effort began with a certified nursing assistant training program, and the Entertainment Development Fund award will allow the organization to expand its workforce training efforts into the film and television industries.
“The Business Alliance of New Orleans applauds LED for funding our partners in Old Algiers Main Street Corp’s #EquityRising initiative,” said Norman E. Barnum IV, President and CEO of NOLABA. “Through this award, young people in New Orleans will learn valuable skills that will enable them to enter the entertainment industry, providing high-growth, high-paying jobs that are readily available in Algiers and across the city. This award showcases collaboration and leveraged NOLABA’s initial investment in a pilot #EquityRising program to support workforce training efforts for Algiers residents. Workforce development programs like this one help advance culture, equity and prosperity in New Orleans.”
This is the 10th Recreation Development Fund award announced by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development since the program’s inception. Previous awards have gone to institutions of higher education and nonprofit community programs in Shreveport, Natchitoches, Lafayette, Thibodeau, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.
About Old Algiers Avenue Company
Old Algiers Main Street Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the Old Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans, which includes the neighborhoods of Algiers Point, McDonogh and Whitney. It is a member of the Louisiana Main Street Program and an accredited member of the National Main Street Program.For more information, please visit OldAlgiersMainStreet.org.
About Louisiana Entertainment
Louisiana is one of the top destinations in the world for film production; digital interaction and software development projects; live performances; and sound recording. With its state-of-the-art facilities, abundant talent, productive communities and competitive incentive programs, Louisiana is an ideal place to grow the entertainment industry.For more information on Louisiana films, digital interactives, live performances and recorded programming, visit Louisiana Entertainment, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, at LouisianaEntertainment.gov
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