For press information, contact Linn Sitler, (901) 527-8326

May 23, 2008 - James Spies, nationally-known film and television producer (“Nothing but the Truth”…”The Contender”…”Commander-in-Chief”), returns to Memphis to lead the first of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission’s long-awaited crew training workshops. Spies will lead the first workshop at the University of Memphis, June 7 and June 8.

Entitled “Breaking into Film and Getting Your First Job,” the two day, 10 hour intensive workshop will cover everything from using a “walky-talky” to set procedures and protocol to learning about “gripping” and “gaffing.”

Applicants must possess proof of residency in Memphis and Shelby County (driver’s license preferred), be at least 18 years of age or 18 on the next birthday, and be chosen by The Workshop #1 Selection Committee. The workshop application process is competitive; space is limited to thirty (30) students. Applications can be downloaded from The Commission’s website: www.memphisfilmcomm.org and faxed along with proof of residency and a letter of reference from professor, teacher, or work supervisor to: (901)-527-8326. All questions should be emailed to info@memphisfilmcomm.org.

Applications must be received by the end of the business day Thursday, May 29. Successful applicants will be notified Monday, June 2, if chosen by The Workshop #1 Selection Committee.

To graduate, workshop attendees must complete with a passing grade a final on-line test, covering topics discussed during the two days of class. Workshop graduates will be eligible for priority consideration for jobs through The Commission’s wage refund film trainee program on future qualified productions based in Memphis and Shelby County. Additionally, graduates will qualify for listing as “Production Assistants” in the next edition of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission Production Directory.

This workshop is part of The Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Incentive Program and as such encourages the active recruitment and training of women and Memphis & Shelby County citizens of diverse ethnicities.  It is co-sponsored by the University of Memphis.