Lights, camera, action: How a visit from Hollywood is Giving Atlanta Students Job Prospects
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Lights, camera, action: How a visit from Hollywood is Giving Atlanta Students Job Prospects

Over recent years, the city of Atlanta has become a major film mecca. According to the Motion Picture Association of America, the Georgia film industry currently ranks third in the nation behind California and New York.

And the Atlanta Job Corps Center took advantage of this recent phenomena by connecting students with potential employers in the film industry. The center held its first annual Celebrity Film Industry Day. Center Director Annie Matthews says,

“Not only did this event teach our young people about the film industry including camera use, sound and lighting techniques, interviewing skills, directing, and script writing—it also introduced students to potential future jobs in the business.”

Business and finance students looked at opportunities as administrative assistants and other business positions. Culinary-arts students learned about the vast catering services needed within the film industry. And Home Builders Institute students looked into what it takes to get hired as set builders for TV shows and blockbuster films.

More than 50 professionals from the film and music industries attended the event at the Atlanta center and interacted with students, helping them prepare for the real world. The special guests were so impressed with the Job Corps program, they volunteered to come back as mentors to help students achieve success in their new careers.

“The visitors said they would like to come back,” says Annie, “come back and host assemblies and look for ways to create job opportunities and training for the students. Many say they would like to host presentations and even tutor students in math and reading.”