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FILM PROFESSIONALS INDUSTRY TRAINING & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
SPRING 2025

Navigating the post-film school environment and beginning a career in the film industry is more challenging than ever. Having an excellent education remains vital, but mentorship and gaining the tools to navigate the complex career entry points often associated with gig- economy film and media industry jobs is essential.

The Film Professionals Industry Training & Mentorship program is specifically designed to reinforce and build upon the existing skillsets of film school graduates, currently enrolled film students, and new-to-the-industry workers who have previous film-set experience but have not been able to make the film industry a regular means of employment.

We provide hands-on training with one-on-one mentorship. Training and mentorship is with film professionals actively working in New Mexico’s film industry. We combine professional seminars with key insight: (1) how to build your filmmaker network, (2) sustain your career, and (3) connect you with a mentor working in the film industry who will provide valuable insight, connections, and career advice.

The hands-on seminars focus on Grip, Electric, Camera and Production skill. Participants are chosen through an application and interview process. Priority is given to recent graduates from New Mexico’s community college and universities, who live and work in New Mexico and are seeking a mentorship opportunity. We will also consider New Mexico residents who have begun their careers in the film industry and are looking to build upon their current knowledge and develop new relationships with active department heads.

This program is offered in partnership with Santa Fe Community College. For more information regarding this partnership contact SFCC Director of Workforce Development, Dr. Monique Anair, (505) 428-1060.

SESSION 1 MENTORS - SPRING 2025

Dwight Dollins – Key Grip 

Anthony Bartra – Best Boy Grip

Sean McClellan – Chief Lighting Technician

Henry Sime – Assistant Chief Lighting Technician

Liza Bambenek – Camera Operator

Jon Deiner – Production Supervisor 

WHO CAN APPLY?

The program is currently geared towards recent graduates of any film program (trade school, intensive, or university program) who is seeking to get their foot in the door.

HOW CAN I APPLY?

Please submit your resume and a single page cover letter via the link at the top of the page. This will take you to a Google Form where you can submit your application for review.

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?

The initial in-person sessions will span the course of 4 weekends, spanning from May 3rd to June 1st (with Memorial Day weekend off). Participants must commit to the full 4 weekends in order to be considered.

Post program, we expect the mentors and mentees to connect on a regular basis (how regular and in what format is to be determined by the mentor and mentee on an individual basis). We will follow up with the mentors and mentees at intervals over the next year to track progress and assess the mentorship success.

WHERE WILL THE PROGRAM BE HELD?

The in-person sessions will be held at the Serious Grippage & Light warehouse in Albuquerque.