Educational partners, film industry pros to offer job training workshops

UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 12: First session is sold out!

A two-part workshop focused on film industry training will begin July 31 at the Robinson Film Center. The first session, called “Introduction to Film Production,” will be taught by movie producer Michael Flannigan (pictured) and held at the film center.

The first session is SOLD OUT. For additional information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The second session, beginning September 11, is called “Getting Your First Job in the Film Industry.” It will be led by leaders in the Shreveport-Bossier film industry, including Lampton Enochs (producer/unit production manager/cofounder of Louisiana Production Consultants), Cyndi Brenner (unit production manager) and Seth Hansen (assistant director). This session will be held at Southern University at Shreveport Metro Center.

Registration for the second session is currently closed. For more information, call at SUSLA at (318) 670-6696. There are no fees for this session.

The workshops are funded by the City of Shreveport and the United Way of Northwest Louisiana in partnership with the film center; the Consortium for Education, Research and Technology of North Louisiana (CERT); Southern University at Shreveport; Louisiana Production Consultants; Millennium Films’ Studio Operations; and CoHabitat Shreveport.

The program was announced by Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover and industry leaders at a press conference at 1:30 p.m. July 9.

About the workshops

The workshops are designed for people seeking jobs in the movie and TV industry, or for those contemplating a transition to film work from their current trade.

“It is with great pride that we can say today that our local and area film production has increased tremendously this year,” Mayor Glover said. “With our new film workshops, there is no question that we will grow even more, and with classes taught by renowned local film professionals such as Mick Flannigan, this will only boost us up to another level."

“Breaking into the industry is competitive, and it’s important for job-seekers to know how to present themselves to potential employers,” Flannigan said. “In these workshops, we will offer them a detailed overview of what kinds of jobs are available. We will explain how a movie production really works day in and day out. And we will offer insights into what they need to know to be successful.”

Mayor Glover added, “Shreveport is committed, and will continue to support, maintain and grow programs like this, to stay ahead of the game and build a solid, skilled and knowledgeable crew base here within our community.”

About Michael Flannigan

While heading up Nu Image/Millennium Films’ operations in Shreveport, Flannigan produced or executive produced seven movies in the area. Projects included “Cleaner” (2007) starring Samuel L. Jackson, “Mad Money” (2008) starring Katie Holmes, and “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” (2009) starring Michael Douglas. Flannigan was central to developing plans for the Millennium Ledbetter Heights Film Studio, which is currently under construction in Shreveport. Flannigan left Millennium Films in 2008. He currently lives in Shreveport and is leading a film investment fund.

Course offerings

Sessions will take place between 9 a.m. and noon Saturdays. Each multi-week session is open to 40 students.

The first session, “Introduction to Film Production,” will take place July 31, August 7, August 14 and August 21 at the Robinson Film Center (617 Texas St.). It will be led by Michael Flannigan. Students will be required to purchase the textbook “The Complete Film Production Handbook” (4th ed.) by Eve Light Honthaner. Cost is approximately $40. There are no additional fees for this course.

Students can register for the first session between July 9 and July 27 by filling out this online registration form, calling (318) 737-1145 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The second session, “Getting Your First Job in the Film Industry,” will take place September 11, September 18 and September 25 at the Southern University at Shreveport Metro Center (610 Texas Street). Course instructors and organizers are Lampton Enochs, a local producer, unit production manager and founding partner in Louisiana Production Consultants and Moonbot Studios; Cyndi Brenner (unit production manager); Seth Hansen (assistant director); and Diego Martinez, president of Studio Operations, a local division of Nu Image/Millennium Films. All are industry professionals living and working in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. They will provide an in-depth look at skills needed to land jobs in or as – the production office, accounting, animal trainers, art department, production design, set decoration, props, sound, special effects, camera, casting, catering/craft services, costume, electric, grip, locations, set medic, post-production, hair and makeup, and more.

Applications also can be found at the Robinson Film Center (617 Texas St.), room 104 of Southern University at Shreveport’s Metro Center, and CoHabitat Shreveport (610 Commerce Street, Facebook page).

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Alexandyr Kent, RFC’s Director of Education and Community Outreach, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (318) 459-4123; or Yolanda Gilyard, director of workforce development at SUSLA, at (318) 670-6673.