The West Virginia Film Office will host a two-day workforce training master class from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25-26 at Bethany College’s Mountainside Conference Center in Bethany. This hands-on skills training will be provided by film industry veteran Demian Resnick, a New York-based location manager, who will focus on the skill sets needed to become a location scout.
“The master class is a key component for building upon the state’s film industry labor pool,” said Lisa Wells, Industry Relations Coordinator for the West Virginia Film Office. “Through hands-on instruction and interactive scouting demonstrations and activities, participants in the master class will learn the basic fundamentals of location scouting as well as an overview of location management.”
Location scouts are among the first people hired on a film production. Scouts search for, photograph, and secure filming locations based on a script and requests from producers, directors, and other production personnel. Every production, regardless of size, requires location scouting and management.
“Since May 2013, the Film Office has trained nearly 300 people in different skill sets through its workforce training initiatives, which are an essential factor in the continued growth and sustainability of the state’s film industry,” said Pam Haynes, Director of the West Virginia Film Office. “The Film Office is helping to diversify the state’s economy by providing workforce training opportunities to a wide range of skilled laborers who have an interest in working in the film industry. By learning new skill sets, these residents are increasing their opportunities to be hired on myriad productions filming in the state.”
Demian Resnick is considered one of the industry’s top location managers for feature films, television productions, and commercials. Starting his career as a production assistant, he quickly moved to the locations department, where he gained the majority of his experience. A few of Resnick’s credits include “Super 8,” “Cloverfield,” “Almost Famous,” “The Blacklist,” “The Leftovers,” “Mr. Robot,” and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”
All participants are required to bring a digital still camera. A laptop computer is recommended but not mandatory. Also, participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes for outdoor photography. In case of rain, photography exercises will occur inside.
Registration is required for the master class and is available on a sliding scale. Due to the limited number of seats available, seating will be reserved only upon receipt of the registration fee. If you are not a current member of the Film Office’s online Crew and Vendor Directory, register by June 10 and pay $70. After June 10, the cost will be $85. Current members of the Film Office’s online Crew and Vendor Directory pay $55. Current high school and college students can take advantage of the workshop for $35. Veterans of the Armed Forces may attend the workshop at no charge. For more details, contact Lisa Wells at wvfilm@wv.gov or call 304-957-9366.
The West Virginia Film Office is a section of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, Tourism Division. Follow the Film Office on Facebook.com/wvfilm or Twitter @wvfilm.
