About FTM

Film Training Manitoba (FTM) is a non-for-profit charity and our goal is to develop a highly skilled and adaptable workforce to support the activities of Manitoba’s film industry. FTM partners with Manitoba’s secondary and post-secondary schools, Manitoba film festivals, unions, production companies, associations, and a wide collection of industry stakeholders.

FTM collaborates with members of the film industry to identify the training needs within the community. With this information we offer practical, skill-based training that is targeted where labour gaps occur.

Our Vision

To provide world-class training and workforce develop to support the growth of Manitoba’s dynamic film industry.

Our Mission

Founded in 1999, FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program and we provide high caliber workforce development programs to sustain Manitoba’s dynamic film and television industry. FTM works closely with the industry to identify training needs within Manitoba.

Core Values

Practical. Innovative. Industry-driven.

Training

FTM’s online courses make training easily accessible! Through our website, FTM offers the basic courses for membership to ICG Local 669, and the Director’s Guild of Canada – Manitoba District Council.

FTM workshops are designed to offer Manitoba crews the opportunity to train for advancement within the industry. We deliver practical workshops that provide entry-level and advanced skill development for Manitoba crewmembers and we also collaborate with labour organizations and industry partners to put together workshops and presentations that provide our local crewmembers with advanced training and professional development opportunities.

FTM also offers extensive training for the development of writers, directors and producers, and works closely with ACTRA MB to develop courses for Manitoba’s acting community.

FTM recognizes the value of working with established institutions to lay the foundation for the future by partnering with post-secondary institutions.

Work Experience

FTM partners with local production companies to offer work experience opportunities. We work closely with IATSE 856 and DGC Manitoba to assess candidates applying to our work experience training programs and determine the level of training needed. All work experience opportunities occur within active film environments such as film sets, production offices or related facilities.

FTM’s wage subsidized work placements give interns the experience and professional growth they need to sustain a career in the film industry.

Our crew mentorship program offers mid to advanced-level training for crewmembers that want to move to a higher position in their department.

We provide subsidies to production companies that upgrade crewmembers who are advancing to a more senior position on a production. FTM works with these production companies to identify eligible crew and develop a training plan for each individual.

Outreach

FTM recognizes the importance of community outreach and we frequently liaise with educational and training institutions, as well as various organizations, to build support for Manitoba’s film and television industry. We conduct year-round visits to trade schools, universities, colleges and high schools to provide an opportunity for individuals to learn more about a career in film and television.

FTM staff is also available for career guidance and one-on-one consultations. Anyone can book an appointment with a training coordinator to discuss mapping his or her path to success in Manitoba’s film industry.

Sector Councils and What We Do

Film Training Manitoba is a member of the sector council program funded by the Province of Manitoba’s Economic Development and Training.

What Are Sector Councils?

Sector Councils are organizations dedicated to human resource development.

Sector Councils bring industry partners together to develop human resources solutions that are specific to their sector or industry. By acting as a bridge between different companies sector councils address human resources challenges, which benefit all industry partners. Having industry work with sector councils helps employers and workers by creating solutions that are tailored to the community’s needs and more responsive to the industry. The Manitoba government recognizes that a skilled, adaptable and productive workforce is essential for employers to complete locally and in the global market.

The Sector Council Program supports organizations in key Manitoba sectors to develop and deliver workforce training for new and existing employees to support business growth and prosperity.

With funding provided by Education and Training, these organizations:

• Consult with sector employers to identify immediate, short and long term skills and labour gaps and develop strategies to fill those gaps;
• Provide short-term training for existing workers to meet business goals such as increased productivity and competitiveness, new product and process development and increased market access;
• Provide training and other supports to assist entrepreneurs to grow their business;
• Advise post-secondary institutions on curriculum development and updates;
• Provide school-to-work bridge training to ensure graduates have the skills required by employers;
• Work with other organizations to inform Manitobans, including youth, Indigenous people, newcomers and those with disabilities about jobs and careers in their sectors; and
• Promote sector jobs and careers through career development activities in schools and through social media.

Film Training Manitoba is committed to creating an inclusive and healthy workplace where participants, instructors, and staff are treated with dignity and respect. As defined by the Province of Manitoba’s Human Rights code, FTM will not tolerate any forms of harassment and we reserve the right to remove anyone who is creating an unsafe environment.