Newark Offers Free Job Training For Movie, TV Careers: How To Apply

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the City of Newark. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Mayor Ras Baraka recently announced that applications are now open for Newark Film Works, a workforce development program preparing residents for high-quality careers in the growing film and digital media industry. Intake forms can be found at filmatnewark.com

Applicants must be Newark residents aged 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in entertainment and media production.

Newark Film Works is a collaborative partnership among six Newark-based organizations –Invest Newark, Newark Office of Film and Television (NOFTV), NewarkWORKS One Stop Career Center, Express Newark’s Community Media Center, Newark Film School, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The program will connect participants to hands-on technical training, industry exposure, wraparound support services, and direct pathways to meaningful work experiences in film, television, and digital media production. This workforce training initiative launch comes on the cusp of Newark and New Jersey’s film and TV rejuvenation.

Over a two-year period, Newark Film Works will host training programs for Newark residents, enrolling cohorts of participants and equipping them with the technical skills, industry-recognized credentials, and professional networks needed to succeed on both union and non-union productions. In addition to hands-on training, the program will organize regular free events for participants and community members at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, creating opportunities for industry exposure, networking, and engagement with the broader film and digital media community.

“Like a large-scale, grandiose production, what Newark is accomplishing today can only be described as ‘epic,’” said Mayor Baraka. “Bringing an idea all the way through development to realize our city as an entertainment epicenter has been years in the making and will soon crystalize as our workforce and state-of-the-art facilities rise up together. I am grateful to all our city partner agencies, the state’s Economic Development Authority, and our gifted and talented residents who have, and will continue to, bring this dream into reality.”

This program is generously supported by a $750,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). Newark's economic development corporation, Invest Newark, led the effort to secure the grant on behalf of the city. The agency’s CEO understands the value in offering film/TV workforce training opportunities to the city’s residents, especially with Lionsgate Newark opening next year.

“Preparing Newark residents to participate fully in the growing film industry in Newark and New Jersey through programs like Newark Film Works is crucial for inclusive economic development,” said Invest Newark President & Chief Executive Officer Marcus Randolph.

Newark has witnessed a consistent increase in film and TV productions filming in locations throughout the five wards. NOFTV manages all scouting and permit requests and sees residents eager to enter the field, to work, learn and advance their careers.

“Newark is home to a vibrant and motivated population of residents who bring a wide range of interest and experience in the film and television industry,” said NOFTV Director Desireé Hadley. “Through Newark Film Works, we now have the ability to formally tap into this talent pool and provide a clear, accessible pathway into the industry. This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in aligning opportunity with interest—ensuring that our residents can pursue sustainable careers in film and television.”

Two industry-aligned training tracks will be available for participants to choose from: Set Production Assistant Fundamentals or Set Grip and Electric Intensive. Production Assistant Training cohorts will be offered twice annually, during the summer and winter seasons. Set Grip and Electric Intensive classes will be offered three times per year, hosting cohorts in the summer, fall, and winter.

On Set Production Assistant (PA) + Production Essentials

This course prepares individuals for entry-level careers as Set Production Assistants. A Set Production Assistant is a person whose role is to assist various departments on and off set to help ensure the production operates smoothly.

Participants will:

• Learn the fundamentals of working as an effective and prepared PA
• Gain experience on both union and non-union productions
• Develop on-set etiquette, communication, and production workflow knowledge
• Earn an on-screen production credit

This pathway serves as a launch pad into multiple production career opportunities.

Set Grip & Electric Intensive (GE) + Production Essentials

This hands-on intensive class will provide individuals with foundational training in the Grip & Electric departments. Grip and Electric departments handle onset lighting and rigging.

Participants will:

• Learn key roles and responsibilities from pre-production through production
• Gain practical experience with grip equipment, rigging, and scaffolding
• Develop foundational lighting and electrical concepts
• Build technical skills aligned with in-demand production roles

This pathway prepares participants for specialized, skilled crew positions in film and television production. Entry-level production experience is required for this training track.

Further, each participant will receive:

• Resume Building and Power Skills
• Technical Skills and Hands-On Training
• Internship/Mentoring
• Job Placement Support

Participants will receive comprehensive wraparound services and mentorship to support their career development following program completion.

Classes are scheduled to begin in June 2026 and will take place at Express Newark, a center for socially engaged art and design supported by Rutgers University-Newark. Yvonne M. Shirley, Director of Express Newark’s Community Media Center and Newark Film School Founder Nicole L. Thompson are overseeing instructional coursework.

Shirley and Thompson are both Newark natives and accomplished independent filmmakers who have seen a great deal of success through their careers in the industry. Combined, their films have aired on Netflix, Lifetime, Disney, HBO, PBS, CNN and a plethora of other media platforms. Both filmmakers embody a desire to invest their in-depth passion and knowledge for filmmaking into Newark’s future film and TV workforce. Shirley holds a Master’s degree in film from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Thompson holds a Masters in Film & TV Production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts as well as a Masters in Learning Design, Innovation and Technology from Harvard University.

“Since 2017, Express Newark’s Community Media Center has supported Newark’s filmmaking community, and we are honored to expand that work in this meaningful way,” said Shirley. “We believe Newarkers belong at the forefront of opportunity and development in the film and television industry—both in our city and across the state. Our mission is to make this program a powerful, effective part of that pipeline.”

“As a film director from Newark, it brings me great pride to make filmmaking accessible to our community and to lead the Newark Film School in working with our partners to provide workforce and career and technical education, giving the next generation access to break into the film industry,” said Thompson.

Over a two-year period, Newark Film Works will host free training programs for Newark residents, enrolling cohorts of participants and equipping them with the technical skills, industry-recognized credentials, and professional networks needed to succeed on both union and non-union productions. In addition to hands-on training, the program will organize free events for participants and community members at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, creating opportunities for industry exposure, networking, and engagement with the broader film and digital media community.

“Between the opening of the Lionsgate Newark film studio in 2027 and the launch of Newark Film Works, Newark is on its way to becoming even more of a media-making powerhouse,” said New Jersey Performing Arts Center President and CEO John Schreiber. “NJPAC is proud to be part of this talented consortium of partners that will ensure Newarkers are ready to take advantage of this extraordinary moment for New Jersey’s creative economy. We look forward to supporting the partnership with community-engaged programs and events that bring emerging film and television professionals together to connect and learn.”

“Newark is home to extraordinary talent, and the time to invest in that talent is now, said – NewarkWORKS Director of Career Services Cody Piggot. “With the film and media industry experiencing unprecedented growth, we have a responsibility to make sure our residents are trained, ready, and first in line for the opportunities heading our way. This program is how we do that – and we're just getting started.”

An in-person information session will be held on Saturday, April 25 at 11a.m. at Express Newark, 54 Halsey Street. Newarkers who are seeking more information about the program, how to apply, and details on curriculum are encouraged to attend. Information and registration will be available at filmatnewark.com

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