Feedback
Participants in our programs have had many greaat things to say about what we do at FTM. Take a look at some of the comments we've received.
Work Upgrade Program
(The Work Upgrade program) has given me an opportunity to learn a position that doesn't have other specific training opportunities. There are very few people in Manitoba able to fill this position and it is in high demand. Also the program has encouraged producers to hire me in this position, which is furthering my career in film. I am very happy to have had this opportunity! - Becky Pelto, First Accounting Assistant
The program gave me a peace of mind knowing that if something did go drastically wrong (knock wood) that I’d have that support and network of people. It’s a nice security blanket having this group that cares and are there to see me become a Props Master. They don’t have anything like that in Vancouver – there if you want to prop master you just sort of do it and hope for the best. Whereas here it’s like there’s a little family who like to see people grow up and then move out. - David MacVicar, Props Master
I really do want to thank Film Training Manitoba for allowing me to take part in the Work Upgrade Program. The upgrade has renewed my excitement and revitalized my passion for working in the industry. Everyday I am learning and facing new challenges, which is what makes work interesting and fulfilling. I have received great support from FTM.
Since starting out in the film and television industry in 2003 I have had the opportunity to partake in several FTM courses and programs. Each course, internship and training initiative was of great benefit to me and to my career. The Work Upgrade Program in particular was a great success. It was the beginning of 12 months of learning and upgrading my skills that will always be of great value to me. The program allowed me to step into a new and exciting position with a great support system to guide me through the tough times. I learned so much about production, post-production and management in my 3 placements and am now confident in the position of Production Coordinator.
The WUP made it possible for me to move beyond my assistant role and showed my superiors that I am capable of bigger and better things. I can honestly say that without the support of Film Training Manitoba I would be in a much different, and less desirable place in my career. FTM has given me the tools I need to continue to push forward and achieve my goals. For the sake of the industry in Manitoba, which already calls so many talented and hard-working people it's own, I sincerely hope that it remains possible for FTM to support the upgrading and training of familiar and brand new faces as we continue to produce world class crews.
- Jocelyn Shindle, Production Coordinator
Having the opportunity to participate in the Work Upgrade Program has been enlightening on many levels. To gain hands-on experience in an area of film that you are looking to expand into is invaluable. To do so in a manner that is less threatening than simply being thrown into the fray is much more productive in the long run. Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to work closely with a mentor who has invested a great deal in my development towards the world of Production Management. To me, this is one of the strong points of this program - the opportunity to stay connected to learning without being overwhelmed. In this manner I was able to achieve confidence in my accomplishments during the placement. I look forward to future placements with the program as there is much more learning to be done!
- Colleen Wowchuk, Assistant Production Manager
As an upcoming Gaffer in Winnipeg, I was very lucky to have taken part in the Work Upgrade Program. It came at exactly the right time for me, in that I felt it was time to progress to the next step (gaffing) of my career. The WUP gave me the opportunity to work on projects that I might not have been considered for in the first place. As a result, I have had a very busy year as have learned a great deal through these productions.
- John Clarke, Gaffer, Lighting Department
I just have to tell you how much I am loving this opportunity - stress and all and I am loving very much being a coordinator. I appreciate all that FTM and you in particular have done to make this a worthwhile experience.
- Tammy Marlowe-Johnson, Production Coordinator
The FTM Film Upgrade program provides the perfect opportunity for those who are looking to advance in their careers in film and television. I, myself, was stuck in the most junior position in my department for 5 years, unable to advance. But, once I joined the Film Upgrade program, I was given the opportunity to not only demonstrate the additional skills that I'd acquired over the years, but also to learn new aspects of the job and perfect my skills.
Producers are given a financial incentive to encourage training, and people participating as Upgrades are given the opportunity to grow and expand their knowledge base. It is a very worthwhile program, and should be encouraged. - Judy Penner, 1st Assistant/Payroll Accountant
[…] I would like to thank you and FTM for your generous support on this project, it seems to have paid off, I've had the good fortune of being offered the position of Key Hairstylist for [another production].
- Travis Marsalek, Key Hairstylist
Work Experience Program
[Today] I helped the 3rd AD, label walkie talkies, then we went to the curling club to assist the cast with their wardrobe for their curling practice. Kate showed me the paperwork she has to fill out for ACTRA and SAG every day. I learned so much and I was only there for the afternoon! Everyone is really nice and helpful.
- Jennifer Dunthorne, Assistant Directing Department Intern
[Jennifer has]…great eagerness, responds well to critique, very hard worker, asks great questions.
- Megan Heke, Trainer for Assistant Directing Intern Jennifer Dunthorne
The FTM intern program was an excellent stepping stone for me in the film industry and allowed me access to an on set environment for training, leaving me an opportunity to progress towards the IATSE 856 training program - Michael Kelly, Lighting Department Intern
Before I began the internship, I was desperately trying to find a job or a placement where I would be passionate about my work. This internship gave me that. I have never in my life done a job before that I loved as much as this one. - Kiran Dhillon, Production Office Intern
I’m finding all of the knowledge and experience that FTM equipped me with extremely beneficial.
- Chantelle Kadyschuk, Locations Intern
Joseph was an excellent intern, mature, willing to work and to learn. He brought a lot to the location department on The Box Collector. - Cathie Edgar, Trainer for Locations Intern Joseph Lunn
[Marcel’s strenghths are his ] enthusiasm and obvious intelligence…. a pleasure having him on set.
- Laurence Mardon, Trainer for Lighting Intern Marcel Kreutzer
It was a great placement, I look forward to my next one [after completing] Set Etiquette and Intro to Paper I was able to follow sides with ease. - Cody Clark, Sound Department Intern
Matt is very clever, he is reliable and attentive. He will be an excellent addition to the grip family.
- Gabriel Daniels, Best Boy Grip on the film Snatched on Matt Schween, Grip Intern
I think Matt has a good understanding of the job, he would benefit from more work experience.
- Rob Thomson Trainer for Grip Intern, Matt Schween
Daniel was the most outstanding person I have had the opportunity to work with as an Intern. He was aware of and listening to what his role would be in the department. I would include him on my sound team any time and recommend that his talents be explored through any assistance the industry can provide.
- Leon Johnston, Trainer for Sound Department Intern Daniel Jebb
My placements have been fantastic. It’s been such a good job. The people are great here making it a really fun environment to work in. Thanks for helping find the placement for me.
- Mary McDonald, Writer Intern placement (Partnership with The Achievers Program)
[We] cannot thank you enough for this opportunity! It couldn't have gone better and we have now established a very strong bond with [our Mentor] Jackie [Lind].
- Lori Stefaniuk and Patricia Kress, Next! Casting FTM Mentorship Participants
Film Training Manitoba Workshops
I wanted to thank you for bringing me in last weekend to teach the auditioning workshop…everything was perfect. You are organized, efficient and really good with detail. The staffs at the workshop were also absolutely wonderful. All my needs were taken care of. The equipment was good quality and there were no technical bumps. Thank you so much, it was a great experience and I am extremely impressed. Thanks again.
- Jackie Lind, Guest Instructor, The Art of Auditioning
I did not want to miss the opportunity to mention how much I enjoyed the Expo Camera Master Class. I think everyone at FTM did a wonderful job in bringing together all the right elements and people. Claude Forest was also very good at moderating, provoking thought and ingesting all that information and breaking it down into understandable concepts for the audience. All in all it was a very valuable learning experience for myself and I would like to thank Film Training Manitoba for that. FTM and its staff should be commended for a job well done. Congratulations and keep up the great work!
- Claude Savard, Participant, Manitoba Film and Training Expo, November 2009
On behalf of PS Wpg. [PS Prairies Production Services LTD.], would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put together the intro to rigging, lighting and grip workshops. As a local filmmaker and rental house attendant in this industry, this workshop was well informative on many of topics including gear, knowledge and industry qualifications. Such are required to help create this art form. I would like to personally thank Rob Rowan, Connroy Finnigan, Ryan.B[eresford] and Mike Marshall for all there instruction and would like FTM to know that I would pay more for this information in the future. Thanks again.
- Eric Shaftansky, Participant, Manitoba Film and Training Expo, November 2009
Just a note to tell you once more that I really enjoy coming out to Winnipeg to teach for FTM. The students were terrific, the space is perfect, the gear you provide is top-notch, who can complain about the hotel, and your oversight and organizational skills are beyond compare. Had a great time, and I think the students learned a lot. The feedback forms certainly showed they did. Thanks again. I'm happy to come back any time.
- Peter Skagen, Guest Instructor, Audition Hell