In response to the enormous international demand for below-the-line crew training programs, the Global Audiovisual Training Center-GATC, the international banner of the Latin American Training Center-LATC, is expanding its programs beyond IberoAmerica to other regions of the world, with the signing of the new MOU with the Movie Producer Association (AMP) of Nigeria.
In August, GATC partnered with Olsberg SPI, the international creative industries consultancy based in London, to address the skills shortages that the audiovisual sector is contending with on a global basis, by offering high-quality bespoke training courses for audiovisual industry professionals. SPI has conducted numerous technical studies for workforce mapping and crew skills reviews around the world and has consistently recommended workforce development programs and public policies to strengthen audiovisual industries as they develop and seek to attract investment and international productions.
In October GATC conducted a Technical Update Program for Audiovisual Professionals in Spain sponsored by Spain Film Commission. Taught in Spanish by renowned industry professionals, the Program included a series of 10 online Master Classes on Production Coordination, Line Producer, Music Supervision, HDR, Visual Effects, Postproduction Supervision, Film Trailer, Sound Design, Direction Assistance and Locations.
The GATC expansion was also highlighted in December at the the Ventana Sur 2023 international film market in Buenos Aires with the panel, “The Film Industry and Technical Training: The weak link in the audiovisual production chain”.
The new MOU with the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria provides for a pilot program conducted by GATC via Zoom in English, in March 2024, and will consist of 5 Masterclasses with topics to be determined by mutual agreement. The classes will be open to residents of Nigeria, and will be free of charge to AMP members, and available at a nominal fee for non-members.
“I am very excited about this new ground-breaking agreement,” emphasizes GATC President, Steve Solot. “It is the first milestone of GATC international operations in Africa, and the partnership between the GATC and AMP is an excellent model for film industries in other nations of the region seeking to attract international productions of films, series, and other audiovisual content.”
“This new venture between AMP and GATC represents another example of the leadership of our association both to benefit our members and their needs for skilled crew for their productions, and also to help ensure that Nigeria is prepared to receive international productions of film, television and other audiovisual content.” declared Amb. Dr Queen Blessing Ebigieson, National AMP President.
About the Movie Producer Association of Nigeria: The AMP is the premier Nollywood film producer association that represents, protects, and promotes the interests of its producing members in film, television, and news media. Registered over 27 years ago, AMP invests in its core values that benefit the industry at large. These values are rooted in facilitating employment of its members, advocating for sustainable practices in production that minimize human and environmental harm, ensuring a set culture that advances safety and creates viable pathways into the guild for the next generation of producers, particularly those from populations under-represented in the industry. The AMP hosts several educational, mentoring, and professional networking programs during the year.
