Wayne County Community College District Sponsors Film Industry Conference

Wayne County Community College District Sponsors Film Industry Conference

Special One-Day Event Informs Public on Training Options for New Job Marketplace

DETROIT, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- As movie production becomes one of Michigan's fastest growing industries, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is preparing metro Detroit's workforce for more than 5,000 film-related jobs coming to the region.

WCCCD, in partnership with a consortium of industry professionals, is sponsoring a Continuing Education seminar titled, "The Business of Show Business," which starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009. The seminar, which is free to the public, will be held in the Welcome Center of the District's Northwest Campus, located at 8200 West Outer Drive in Detroit.

"This state is on the precipice of a powerful movement in media production," WCCCD's Chancellor, Dr. Curtis L. Ivery said. "We understand the need for training and skill development that will support this emerging industry. This seminar provides an opportunity for local citizens to see how they can successfully enter the field."

Speakers will include award-winning actress and Detroit native Lonette McKee; Emeroy King, chair of the Michigan Film Advisory Council; representatives from the Screen Actors Guild, Michigan Production Alliance, Digital Image Studios; and independent producers, casting agents and technicians in the film business.

The seminar explores "Below the Line" work -- a term for jobs that are the foundation for film production work. "Everything that is behind the camera lens is what we are talking about," said Lonette McKee, veteran of films including "Sparkle," the "Cotton Club," "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X," and others over a 35 year career. According to McKee, "This is the time to make sure that people have the right information they will need to make it in this business! This seminar will do just that!"

The state approved last year tax credits of up to 42 percent for filmmakers who bring their projects to Michigan. Because of the incentives, two movie studios plan to open in Metro Detroit, which are expected to employ more than 4,000 and indirectly create more than 1,800 jobs. Movie executives, such as the makers of Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino," also are choosing to film in Michigan because of the state tax credits.

WCCCD is committed to the continued development of new programs, hosting more community-based training sessions, improving student facilities and services, upgrading technologies, making capital investments in massive building expansion projects, training staff members to enhance their skills to maximize efficiency. "The Business of Show Business" is offered through the Continuing Education Division at WCCCD. For more information about the seminar, call 313-496-2704 or visit www.wcccd.edu.

Source: Wayne County Community College District

CONTACT: Tina Bassett or Vidya Moorthy, Bassett & Bassett, Incorporated,
+1-313-965-3010 (24/7), both for Wayne County Community College District

Web site: http://www.wcccd.edu/

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