Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) and Urban League of the Upstate (ULUS) signed an MOU this morning at PRONK Studios to announce the launch of their new Film Academy, the latest addition to GIUMSC’s Innovation Institute. This new program joins the esteemed ELEVATE Drone Pilot Training Program and the Tech Academy, further expanding Goodwill's commitment to providing innovative education and career pathways.

The Film Academy is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to break into and thrive in the competitive world of television and film. This four-week course, offered in partnership with ULUS, introduces participants to essential industry skills and technologies. Participants explore multiple career pathways, including 3D Gaffing, Environmental Design, Virtual Production Support, and Optitrack Operator. The program is held weekly in Greenville, SC, and includes a training stipend for all participants.

"Too many American workers remain unemployed even though jobs in the IT industry are available due to an inadequate supply of appropriately trained workers. The ULUS has been focused on the SC film industry workforce for past two years and research we commissioned tells us that Generative AI and AI tools have also impacted almost every single core business and function of the film industry. Through our collaboration with Goodwill, we are going to ensure that the Upstate region has the diverse, well-trained creative, tech savvy talent needed to the current and future demand," said Urban League President & CEO, Gail Wilson Awan.

The Film Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare participants for various roles in the industry. Upon completing the course, graduates will equipped for internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities within the film industry in South Carolina.

"We are thrilled to launch the Film Academy in partnership with Urban League as part of our Innovation Institute," said Pat Michaels, President & CEO of GIUMSC. "This program is a unique opportunity for individuals to gain valuable industry skills and open doors to a variety of exciting career paths in the film and television industry."

This new offering is designed to create accessible and lucrative career opportunities for the community, continuing Goodwill’s mission of empowering individuals through education and employment.

For more information about the Film Academy, please visit goodwillsc.org/film.

About Urban League of the Upstate
The Urban League of the Upstate is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing equity by empowering the black community and underserved individuals throughout the region.