Programs
Talented Professionals Local Businesses
At CNY FILM, we believe in growing careers, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunities through film and media. Our programs are designed to launch aspiring filmmakers into the industry, build a thriving commercial-production economy in Central New York, and create real-world training and job opportunities on set. From immersive fellowships and professional apprenticeships to community-driven commercial projects, each initiative opens doors for both creative talent and local businesses. Explore our programs below to see how you can get involved, support the next generation of filmmakers, or take your first step toward a career in film.
CALL TIME – Our Career-Launching Fellowship for Aspiring Filmmakers
What is CALL TIME?
CALL TIME is a 12-week career-launching fellowship for aspiring film professionals. In CALL TIME, the Fellows (i.e., trainees) receive immersive hands-on training and a paid apprenticeship on a professional film production.
The CALL TIME Experience
Here’s how CALL TIME works: the Fellows (i.e., trainees) collaborate with a full-scale crew of industry experts to write and produce a short film. Pre-production meetings double as workshops, where department heads give the Fellows a crash-course in the tasks associated with each department. Finally, the Fellows are hired as PAs (production assistants) during production, working under the department heads who show them the ropes.
Through CALL TIME, Fellows gain all the necessary qualifications and assets to launch a career as film crew. They receive a legitimate credit on a full-scale production, which is the most essential (yet elusive) qualification for an aspiring film professional. Fellows also develop a substantial professional network via the experts who train them and lead the production.
Each cohort of CALL TIME is captured on camera by a documentary crew, resulting in an inspiring story of the Fellowship collaborating on a film, overcoming obstacles, learning via trial-by-fire, building relationships with experts, and ultimately launching their careers in the film industry.
Get Involved
Support the program, apply as a participant, or partner with us to grow opportunities for local youth.
CNY on Camera – Growing Central New York’s Commercial-Production Industry
What is CNY on Camera?
CNY on Camera is an economic-development program to create opportunities in commercial production for Central New York’s film professionals. CNY on Camera aims to help the region’s film sector break into the $58 billion commercial-production market — specifically, the “mid-budget” market ($50k – $250k per commercial).
Win-Win-Win
New York State’s ESD (via Assemblyman Al Stirpe) has funded CNY on Camera to provide opportunities for CNY-based producers and directors to create “cinematic” commercials for local small businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations across Central New York (at no cost to the business). These “mid-budget” commercials will then serve as vital portfolio pieces, which are necessary to compete in the mid-budget market.
Thus, CNY on Camera is a win-win-win. Local production companies and directors win via the resulting portfolio pieces. Local small businesses and nonprofits win by receiving a free commercial with high production-value. And local film professionals win because the job market will expand with more mid-budget commercials.
Participate Today
- Nominate your favorite small business, nonprofit, or destination in CNY
- Work on the commercials: Training and paid opportunities available
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