There’s nothing like beginning on set of a big production. Here, Chris Mably csc is checking out the set at a virtual production masterclass for virtual production. The CSC-Herc On-set Apprentice Program will enable eight mentees to have a paid four-week stint, shadowing a DP on a tier A set.
Photo credit: Angel Lynne
(November 28, 2024) The Canadian Society of Cinematographers is thrilled to announce a partnership with Herc Entertainment Services (HES) to launch an innovative On-Set Apprenticeship Program. This initiative will provide eight paid one-month placements for cinematographers from underrepresented communities, supporting the CSC’s commitment to equity in the film and television industry.
Building on the success of the Field of View Mentorship Program, the apprenticeship addresses the lack of access to Tier A sets for BIPOC and female cinematographers, according to CSC CEO Susan Saranchuk.
HES Business Development Manager Chris Doran emphasizes the program’s transformative potential: “By supporting these apprentices, we’re not only contributing to their professional development but also bringing fresh perspectives and new stories to the industry.”
Industry statistics highlight the need for such initiatives. A 2023 study found that only 8 per cent of cinematographers on the world’s top-grossing films were women, and USC research reported no women of colour as directors of photography in the top 300 movies from 2016 to 2018.
Applications for both the CSC Field of View Mentorship Program and the new On-Set Apprenticeship Program open on November 4, 2024. Pairings for the mentorship program will be announced by January 31, 2025, with apprenticeship candidates notified throughout the year.
Doran encourages apprentices to seize the opportunity, saying, “You bring unique strengths, perspectives, and creativity to the table, and we’re excited to see how you’ll shape the future of film.”
For program details, contact:
– CSC CEO Susan Saranchuk: susans@csc.ca
– Chris Doran, Business Development Manager, HES: Chris.Doran@hercrentals.com
