THE NEWARK FILM WORKS TRAINING APPLICATION IS NOW LIVE
About Newark Film Works
Newark Film Works is a workforce development initiative designed to prepare Newark residents for high-quality careers in the growing film and digital media industry. Through a collaborative partnership among six Newark-based organizations—Invest Newark, Newark Office of Film and TV, NewarkWORKS One Stop Career Center, Express Newark’s Community Media Center, Newark Film School, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center—the program connects participants to hands-on technical training, industry exposure, wraparound support services, and direct pathways to meaningful work experiences in film, television, and digital media production.
Over a two-year period, Newark Film Works will host training programs for Newark residents, enrolling cohorts of participants and equipping them with the technical skills, industry-recognized credentials, and professional networks needed to succeed on both union and non-union productions. In addition to hands-on training, the program will organize regular free events for participants and community members at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, creating opportunities for industry exposure, networking, and engagement with the broader film and digital media community.
With the opening of Lionsgate Newark Studio Complex anticipated in 2027, along with increased film and television production driven by the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, Newark is poised to see significant growth in career opportunities within the entertainment and digital media industry.
This program is generously supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
Newark Film Works FAQs
Q: How can I apply to Newark Film Works?
A: You can apply online on the FilmatNewark.com website once applications open. Applications are scheduled to open in early April 2026.
Q: What classes will be offered by the Newark Film Works program?
A: Newark Film Works will provide in-person training in two areas of study. One class will train students to become on-set production assistants, and the second class will train students in the grip and electric trades.
Q: Where will classes be held and when will they begin?
A: Classes will be held inside Express Newark’s Community Media Center. The CMC is located on the Rutgers University campus downtown Newark and will begin in late June 2026.
Q: How much will Newark Film Works classes cost?
A: All Newark Film Works classes will be completely free for Newark residents to enroll and participate.
Q: Will there be an option to take classes virtually?
A: No, if you are interested in enrolling into the Newark Film Works classes then you are required to participate in classes in-person.
Q: What is grip + electric on a film/TV set?
A: Grips set up rigs, stands, and mounts for lights and cameras. The grips control light using flags, diffusers, reflectors, and bounce boards. They also build dollies, tracks, and camera rigs Grips primarily shape and control light physically and rig things safely. They are also the head of the grip department, works closely with the cinematographer.
A: The electric crew handles the actual lighting equipment and power. Electric set up and operate lights, run cables and manage power distribution, adjust brightness, color, and intensity of lights. They maintain generators and electrical safety. The gaffer is the head of the electric department, executes the lighting plan from the cinematographer. The gaffer (electric) decides what light to use and how bright and the key grip (grip) decides how to shape, block, or position that light.
Q: What is an on-set production assistant?
A: An on-set Production Assistant (PA) is an entry-level crew member who helps keep everything on a film or TV set running smoothly. They don’t specialize in one department—instead, they do a bit of everything to support the crew.
PAs handle a wide range of tasks, often jumping in wherever needed. Tasks can include helping control the set, assisting different departments (camera, grip, electric, wardrobe, etc.), running errands, managing background actors, locking up locations so no one walks into a shot, and communicating messages between crew members. On-set production assistants are basically the extra hands and eyes that keep production moving efficiently.
Last modified: April 10, 2026