Newark Offers Free Job Training For Movie, TV Careers

How to apply for Newark Film Works program that prepares residents for careers in film and digital media

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a vintage film camera icon repeated in a tight grid, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday tool of filmmaking into a modern pop art piece.Newark's new film workforce development program aims to equip local residents with the skills and connections to thrive in the growing entertainment industry.Newark Today

The City of Newark has launched a new workforce development program called Newark Film Works that will provide free training and career support for Newark residents interested in pursuing jobs in the film and television industry. The program is a collaborative partnership between several Newark-based organizations and is supported by a $750,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Why it matters

Newark is positioning itself as an emerging hub for film and TV production, with the upcoming opening of the Lionsgate Newark studio. The Newark Film Works program aims to ensure that local residents can take advantage of the growing opportunities in this industry by providing them with the technical skills, credentials, and professional networks needed to succeed in both union and non-union productions.

The details

Newark Film Works will offer two training tracks - Set Production Assistant Fundamentals and Set Grip and Electric Intensive. The program will enroll cohorts of participants over a two-year period and provide hands-on technical training, industry exposure, wraparound support services, and job placement assistance. Classes will be held at Express Newark and led by accomplished Newark-based filmmakers Yvonne M. Shirley and Nicole L. Thompson. In addition to the training, the program will organize free events at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to connect participants with the broader film and digital media community.

  • Applications are now open for the Newark Film Works program.
  • An in-person information session will be held on April 25, 2026.
  • Classes are scheduled to begin in June 2026.

The players

Ras Baraka

The mayor of Newark, who announced the launch of the Newark Film Works program.

Marcus Randolph

The President & Chief Executive Officer of Invest Newark, the city's economic development corporation that secured the grant funding for the program.

Desireé Hadley

The Director of the Newark Office of Film and Television, which manages film and TV production permits in the city.

Yvonne M. Shirley

The Director of Express Newark's Community Media Center and an accomplished independent filmmaker who will oversee the instructional coursework for the program.

Nicole L. Thompson

The founder of the Newark Film School and an accomplished independent filmmaker who will also oversee the instructional coursework for the program.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing an idea all the way through development to realize our city as an entertainment epicenter has been years in the making and will soon crystalize as our workforce and state-of-the-art facilities rise up together.”

— Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark

“Preparing Newark residents to participate fully in the growing film industry in Newark and New Jersey through programs like Newark Film Works is crucial for inclusive economic development.”

— Marcus Randolph, President & Chief Executive Officer of Invest Newark

“Newark is home to a vibrant and motivated population of residents who bring a wide range of interest and experience in the film and television industry. Through Newark Film Works, we now have the ability to formally tap into this talent pool and provide a clear, accessible pathway into the industry.”

— Desireé Hadley, Director of the Newark Office of Film and Television

“We believe Newarkers belong at the forefront of opportunity and development in the film and television industry—both in our city and across the state. Our mission is to make this program a powerful, effective part of that pipeline.”

— Yvonne M. Shirley, Director of Express Newark's Community Media Center

“As a film director from Newark, it brings me great pride to make filmmaking accessible to our community and to lead the Newark Film School in working with our partners to provide workforce and career and technical education, giving the next generation access to break into the film industry.”

— Nicole L. Thompson, Founder of Newark Film School

What’s next

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The takeaway

This program represents a significant investment in developing Newark's local film and TV workforce, ensuring that residents can take advantage of the growing opportunities in this industry and positioning the city as an emerging hub for media production.