Archive: Business & Technology

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced yesterday the first-in-the-nation Empire State Entertainment Diversity Job Training Development Fund. Productions participating in the New York State Film Production and Post-Production Tax Credit Programs will see a small reduction in their tax credits that will be diverted into a fund for job training and workforce development across the entertainment industry. The fund was passed as part of an end-of-session comprehensive capital spending bill and will initially provide $1.05 million per year.

"New York's strength is in its diversity, and we are always looking for ways to enhance it," Cuomo said. "This first-in-the-nation program will provide new resources to propel us toward becoming the most inclusive entertainment industry in the country, while continuing to produce amazing film and TV productions."

The fund will ensure that the jobs related to the growth of New York's entertainment industry are filled by New Yorkers who represent the diverse nature of New York State. The legislation charges Empire State Development with creating regulations for the fund and administrating grants to create the program. ESD will solicit input and suggestions from the film industry, educational community and the public to determine the needs of jobs in the industry and ways to make the program most impactful.

This legislation builds upon the unprecedented job training partnership between New York State, Bronx Community College and IATSE Local 52. Announced in October with recruitment beginning in August, the Film Production Training Program at BCC is a new 14-week program that will train up to 100 students annually for work in union trade crafts, such as property, carpentry and electric. New York State awarded BCC a $375,000 grant to cover part of the cost of the two-year program.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said,"New York's diversity should shine through in the hiring practices of all industries, and today's announcement will provide over $1 million per year to provide needed job training and workforce development resources to help the state's entertainment industry continue to lead the way on diversity nationwide."

Charles Rivkin, Chairman & CEO, Motion Picture Association of America said, "The Motion Picture Association of America is committed to building a diverse and inclusive pipeline for our industry. Supporting creative professionals from a wide array of backgrounds not only promotes a diverse workforce but also ensures the stories we tell on screen reflect the diversity in our communities and audiences. We look forward to working with our partners and New York State on this innovative, first-in-the-nation program which will foster industry diversity in New York through new funding for job training and workforce development."

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