New NYC program trains teens for film jobs

“MediaMKRS is a first of its kind public private partnership that engages employers and unions from the start to create a credentialing system for media skills that translates into real jobs,” said the MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo. Photo via MOME.

By Victoria Merlino

The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, CUNY and youth media program Reel Works are teaming up to train young New Yorkers looking to join the New York City’s film industry.

MediaMKRS will be a three-year pilot work program that will train public high school and CUNY college students in film production, post production, sound mixing and more. The program is designed to offer teens and young adults of more diverse backgrounds in the city a talent pipeline directly to jobs in the film industry. 

The courses offered will earn participants digital badges that will better credential them for entry-level jobs in film and media.

"MediaMKRS is a first of its kind public private partnership that engages employers and unions from the start to create a credentialing system for media skills that translates into real jobs," said the MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo. "MediaMKRS will give more talented, young New Yorkers the opportunities and training they need to thrive in New York's growing media and entertainment industry."

The program’s advisory council includes industry leaders that can better connect students with careers, including executives from media giants like Viacom, HBO, CBS and Showtime.