Broadway Stages is dedicated to strengthening the communities where we work. We are not only active in fostering social and environmental initiatives that benefit our community, but also proud of the jobs that are created by the productions that call our facilities home. One of the major draws to filming in New York is our talented workforce.  The active generation of talent for the future of our industry is critical, which is why we support organizations like Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI). 

BWI has empowered marginalized communities across New York City for more than two decades by creating realistic paths to stable, upwardly mobile careers.  Each year, the group assists more than 900 individuals in overcoming employment challenges and achieving long-term success. 

BWI knows there are many obstacles to success. To help smooth the road, they provide resources and support that allows trainees to focus on building a career. Participants can get help with tax preparation, access to benefits, financial literacy, and assistance with legal and transportation issues. Moreover, there are job replacement services, personalized career counseling, and continuing education workshops for graduates for two years after they complete their training program. 

BWI training programs include two specifically related to the film and television industry as well as others: 

• The “Made in NY” PA Training Program and Post Production Training Program: For TV and film production careers. It is a collaboration between BWI and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

• The Production Accounting Training Program: Trains on budgeting, tracking expenses, and managing payroll in the film and television industry

• Brooklyn Networks: A free 6-week, full-time training and job placement program for careers in voice and data telecommunications cable installation

• Brooklyn Woods: A free,7-week full-time training program in woodworking skills, cabinetmaking and fabrication

• Red Hook on the Road: Offers classroom-based and behind-the-wheel training leading to an NYS Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

• The NYCHA Resident Training Academy: NYCHA residents get the skills training for and placement in various careers with NYCHA and its contractors

• The KindWork Customer Experience Fellowship: A free 6-week training program that covers customer support software platforms and best practices for work in Customer Experience, Customer Support, or Customer Success careers in the technology sector.

While work brings a much-valued paycheck, getting work and keeping that coveted job requires an upfront investment. Trainees can apply for the Tools of the Trade Fund to overcome these hurdles. This fund can help pay for life expenses like childcare, groceries, and MetroCards. It can also be used for credentialing costs and the required tools and equipment for a new job. 

BWI graduates earn an average of $20 an hour, and 75% are placed in jobs that provide benefits. If all of this sounds attractive and you want to learn more, check out one of their upcoming information sessions.

If you are an employer looking for a great new member for your team, BWI can connect you with a candidate. Their graduates are trained, credentialed, and ready to work. You can be confident they have a firm grasp of the basics of their chosen industry and hands-on experience in real work environments. Click here for more information. If you don’t see your field listed in the currently offered training programs, BWI can develop and deliver customized training for your organization. Just contact them to get the process started. 

Broadway Stages knows the value of a well-trained and dedicated workforce. Our team has made us one of the largest growing film and television studio production companies in New York. We know that our industry and communities will remain strong thanks to outstanding organizations like Brooklyn Workforce Innovations. Consider giving them your financial support and keep an eye on the great things they do on Instagram and Facebook.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information. We also include a link to our blogs about many of the jobs that make a production come to life.

One of New York’s largest growing full-service film, television, live streaming, commercial, live performance, and music video studio production companies, Broadway Stages has been an integral part of New York for over four decades. With more than 60 soundstages located across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, we currently have over 4 million sq. ft. of integrated soundstages, support space, locations, parking, and in-house lighting, power, and grip rental service available to handle all types of production.

Together with our clients, we have employed thousands of people, and have created hundreds of local jobs. We are dedicated to giving back to our community through education, the arts, social and environmentally focused programs. We have a hyper-local focus and work primarily with local businesses for our production needs. We actively demonstrate our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability with our rooftop solar panels, agricultural and wildflower gardens, and related educational programs.