The film industry is facing a critical challenge: a global shortage of trained crew, particularly in emerging markets. This issue is a significant bottleneck for the industry's growth, as more regions invest in tax incentives to attract production. The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) and Stage 32 are addressing this problem head-on with a new education partnership. This initiative aims to strengthen local talent pipelines, enabling productions to hire locally, qualify for incentives, and maintain budget integrity. The partnership will be unveiled at the AFCI's Power of Place Global Film Commission Network Summit in Cannes, focusing on global production opportunities and challenges. The goal is to create a more sustainable and competitive production landscape by equipping film commissions with the tools to develop talent locally. This includes training courses taught by working professionals, such as Mike Fantasia (Top Gun: Maverick) and Miranda Carnessale (Barbie), ensuring that local crews meet international standards. The program will roll out globally in June, offering training, certification, and ongoing education to AFCI members. This initiative is a crucial step towards a more robust and resilient film industry, where local talent can thrive and support the growth of production in their regions.
