[StBernard] Nunez Community College Announces Professional Film and Television Industry Actor Training Program

[Westley Annis]

Nunez Community College Announces Professional Film and Television Industry
Actor Training Program

Nunez Community College is proud to announce its Professional Film and
Television Industry Actor Training Program. This program will kick start a
number of professional film and television industry workforce development
training courses, programs, and events offered to both students and the
general public through the college.   A grant awarded by the Greater New
Orleans Foundation (GNOF) will fund the initial Professional Film and
Television Actor Training Program that will run April-May 2015.  Twelve
scholarships will be awarded to qualified St. Bernard residents who are 14
yrs or older, and are seriously pursuing a career in the film and television
industry.  This is a full inclusion program, and individuals with
intellectual and physical disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Anyone
interested in auditioning for the program can apply by e-mailing your name,
age, address, acting or theater experience/resume, and recent head shot or
clear photo to jamielzimmer at gmail.com.  Include a brief paragraph describing
how this program will assist in your career aspirations. Deadline to receive
completed applications is April 3rd.  Qualified applicants with completed
applications will be invited to audition for the program.  Louisiana
resident, well known film and television actor and veteran acting coach,
Dean West, will instruct this one-of-a-kind training program. Industry
photographer Jackson Beals and make-up artist Jami Ross will also provide
each participant with an industry standard head shot.

 

Future Professional Film and Television Actor Training Programs and
requirements will be announced at a later date, and will be available to all
qualified Louisiana residents.

With the current film and television tax incentives, and rapidly growing
film and television productions in Louisiana, there is a high demand for
professionally trained actors.

State Senator J.P. Morell stated, "Tax incentives is a very good thing for
our state, and we have to do everything to foster it through a strongly
developed workforce."  Morell continued, "The industry has grown so much
that we are lacking in workforce development which is effecting the return
on the tax credits. Nunez Community College's efforts are directly
supporting job development in Louisiana and is making our investment
better."  

 

Ryan Fink, Director of Film and Television for St. Bernard Parish, commented
that this program is vital to both local film productions and actors, "A 5%
tax incentive is given for every local hire, which is beneficial to everyone
when a production casts Louisiana actors."  State Rep. Ray Garofalo
commented, "I've been a staunch supporter of the tax credits because not
only does it provide jobs, but it provides notoriety for Louisiana around
the world. Which has propelled our economy in ways that could not be
achieved without the Louisiana film industry." Rep. Garofalo continued,
"Nunez Community College is creating workforce training that is valuable not
only for St. Bernard's economy, but for our state's economy."  Will French,
President of Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association (LFEA), stated
"LFEA is a statewide organization with members and supporters represented in
every area of the film and television industry in Louisiana." French
continued, "We fully support qualified workforce development efforts like
this unique opportunity offered by Nunez Community College."  State Senator
Crowe added, "As the Chairman of the Louisiana State Senate Labor and
Industrial Relations Committee, I am pleased to see workforce opportunities
evolve as a result of our work in the Legislature." Senator Crowe continued,
"I have always supported, and will continue to support the tax credits that
have made us one of the top states in film production in the nation, which
means more jobs for Louisiana citizens."

 

Nunez Community College Chancellor, Dr. Thomas Warner, concluded "We are
committed to providing industry standard workforce development opportunities
to not only our residents of St. Bernard, but to all Louisiana residents who
are seeking employment in this industry."  Official supporters of the
Professional Film and Television Actors Training Program include: The St.
Bernard Parish Office of Film and Television, St. Bernard Parish Government,
St. Bernard Parish ADA Board, The Meraux Foundation, Louisiana Film and
Entertainment Association (LFEA), New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC),
Louisiana Economic Development Department of Film and Television, THE RANCH
Studio, State Senator A.G. Crowe, State Senator J.P. Morrell, State Rep. Ray
Garofalo, State Rep. Paul Hollis.

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