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West Kentucky Community and Technical College Hosts Production Assistant Bootcamp to Boost Local Film Industry

Paducah, KY (07/25/2024) — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PADUCAH, KY - July 25, 2024 - This August, West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) is set to host its first-ever Production Assistant Bootcamp, a two-day intensive training program aimed at equipping participants with the essential skills needed to work on film sets. The bootcamp, held in collaboration with Commonwealth Creative Entertainment, will take place on August 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the WKCTC campus located at 4810 Alben Barkley Drive in Paducah.

The Production Assistant Bootcamp will be taught by renowned producer Roger M. Mayer, whose impressive resume boasts over 100 credits, including collaborations with Dermot Mulroney, Natasha Lyonne, Chloe Sevigny and Lakeith Stanfield. Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the workings of a film set, covering everything from set etiquette and communication standards to talent coordination.

Brett Woodall, managing partner and co-founder of Commonwealth Creative Entertainment, and a native of western Kentucky, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "The subject of the course is ensuring we have an empowered workforce that producers can count on and that our region can be proud of." His recent feature film Kaitlyn's Chance was shot entirely in Paducah, highlighting the region's potential as a viable location for film productions.

Woodall noted that the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) program, which offers a 30% tax incentive on expenditures and payroll for qualifying productions in McCracken County, makes the area particularly attractive for entertainment companies. By training local production assistants, the bootcamp aims to further incentivize film crews to choose Paducah for their projects, reducing the costs associated with flying set personnel from traditional entertainment hubs like California.

Ashley Burns, Director of Workforce Solutions at WKCTC, is optimistic about the course's potential impact on the local economy. "The goal is to highlight to other production companies that western Kentucky is somewhere they want to be. We have a beautiful area here with a great community," said Burns.

Upon completion of the course, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible for hiring on future Commonwealth Creative Entertainment productions. Notably, the company plans to begin pre-production for a new feature film immediately following the bootcamp, with filming set to start in September. Course graduates will be among the first considered for on-set positions.

The bootcamp is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in film production, with a tuition fee of $200. Current WKCTC students are eligible for a $50 discount. With only 25 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis, early registration is encouraged.

For more information and to enroll, please visit the signup page.

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