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Trainee Program

Darko Sikman
Darko Sikman

What is the Trainee Program?

This will be the start of your career in the film industry, working your way towards full ICG 669 membership that includes benefits and more. The union members you work with during this program may be ones that could hire you in the future!

You will experience a diverse training journey that ranges from high budget features, to a low budget movie of week. The trainee phase is dedicated to becoming a 2nd Assistant in the Union. On average, most of the Camera Trainees graduate from the program between 1.5 – 2 years, depending on the buoyancy of the film market.

Equity and diversity are embraced at ICG 669. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note, the Trainee Program is independent from a Direct Application. If you wish to apply directly, please visit the Direct Application.

Locations

The Camera Trainee Program is offered in the following locations:

  • Vancouver, BC
  • Calgary, AB
  • Winnipeg, MB
Darko Sikman
Darko Sikman
Step 1

Please review the requirements to become an ICG 669 Trainee found here.

Step 2

The film industry can be tough and is not for everyone. Is the film industry right for you? Read here for more information.

Step 3

Find out what courses are required here.

Step 4

Fill out the application form found here, and ensure your resume follows the format found here.

Step 5

Refer to the Trainee Application Checklist to ensure you have included all necessary documents. If so, please submit your full application to [email protected].

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a camera trainee in our union, please read through these documents and confirm your eligibility.

Timeline

Typically, the full program takes between 1.5 – 2 years. You can see the full timeline here.

Trainee Program Bursary

We are pleased to announce our new Indigenous Camera Trainee Bursary. Please see here for more information and requirements of eligibility.

Future Trainee Program

UPDATE: The next Camera Trainee Program is TBD and we are not currently accepting applications. For updates on upcoming programs please subscribe to the mailing list below.

There is a one-time $50 fee for all applicants. Applicants will then be shortlisted through the interview process for enrolment in the program. Once accepted, there is a participant fee for the trainee onboarding portion of the program. Successful applicants will be notified of the Camera Trainee Program cost after the interview period.

If you have any questions about the program please email [email protected] to get more information.

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FAQ

Please sign up for the mailing list for the most up-to-date trainee program information. At this time intake is closed for all provinces.

No, by law trainees are to be paid no less than minimum wage when they work on signatory productions. The trainee wage varies depending on what type of production you are on, as well as what contract that production is signed to.

There is an initial application fee of $50 to apply to the program, this is a non-refundable cost.

The cost of the “Boot Camp” portion of the program can vary from year-to-year but generally lands in the $2000 price range.

Once you become a formal camera trainee and are being dispatched to set, there is a $50 quarterly trainee fee.

While working on set, 4% is deducted off your paycheque as working dues (after you become a member, this is reduced to 2%, and your quarterly trainee fees become quarterly member dues of $125.).

Yes, quite often Camera Trainees work as PAs, Grips, or in other departments between rotations. It is important that the Camera Trainee program be a top priority. Camera Trainees are not to work in any ICG 669 member positions.

We recommend you own a vehicle, but we understand the economic hardship. We do however insist that you must have access to a reliable vehicle at all times. If a vehicle is not accessible, a means to get to set safely and independently is non-negotiable.

The Trainee Program does not guarantee full time work. Every effort will be made to dispatch trainees onto opportunities, however, openings are dependent on the frequency of productions in each province.

Once an individual has passed “Boot Camp”, they become a formal Camera Trainee eligible for dispatch on Union shows. On average most Camera Trainees needs to acquire the minimum amount of days, assessments and reference letters required to apply to upgrade to become a 2nd Assistant. This may take between 1.5 – 2 years depending on buoyancy of the industry.