Date: May 9, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Location: 245 McDermot Ave – 2nd floor
Registration fee: $50.00 (Register using the form below)
Intro to the Construction Department — $50.00
About the Workshop:
During this one-day training session, veteran film professional Russell Normand will provide an introductory course on the construction department for the film and television industry.
This course will provide participants with a greater understanding of the construction department’s workflow across the stages of film production.
The course will cover the following topics:
• What to expect from the construction department?
• The job classifications and descriptions of the construction department
• Safe workplace practices
• Common construction materials and tools used by the construction department, with examples
• Construction department minimum qualifications
About the Instructor:
Russell Normand is a local construction coordinator with IATSE 856. He began his career as a welder but later transitioned to carpentry, where he found greater happiness. In 1994, he enrolled in the Apprentice Program at the Red River Community Centre to study cabinet making, completing the course four years later and earning his journeyperson ticket. A few years later, a friend already established in the film industry reached out to inform him that a production was searching for carpenters. After a conversation with the department head, he was hired on the spot, where he then began working in the mill, crafting set pieces—an entirely new experience for him that ignited his interest. This role was both challenging and enjoyable, allowing him to express his creativity in project development.
In 2005, after completing several shows, fulfilling his hours, and taking the necessary courses, he became a member of IATSE 856. He started as a scenic carpenter, eventually advancing to head carpenter, and currently works as a construction coordinator.
Russel has worked on some of the largest productions in Manitoba, including: Shall We Dance? (2003), Capote (2005), White Out (2009), Fractured (2019), and Little House on the Prairie (2025). Throughout his career, he has worked on over 50 feature films and made-for-TV productions.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.