I am responding as one of the coordinators of the program. Although the program is focused on training students to work in union positions by union professionals, there is no requirement that they have to continue on to join a union, but they have the option to do so, following normal union application procedures. They also have the option to take the training and work on independent films as non-union workers. Having union training prepares people for doing both types of production work. That’s why we’re doing it this way.
I am responding as one of the coordinators of the program. Although the program is focused on training students to work in union positions by union professionals, there is no requirement that they have to continue on to join a union, but they have the option to do so, following normal union application procedures. They also have the option to take the training and work on independent films as non-union workers. Having union training prepares people for doing both types of production work. That’s why we’re doing it this way.