MediaMKRS and ‘Made in NY’ Build Pathways in NYC Film and Television
(Left) Brian Joseph (Right) Kayla Scott
Alumni Expanding Access to Opportunity
This past summer, MediaMKRS collaborated with 'Made in NY' Production Assistant (PA) Training Program 2010 Alumni, Brian Joseph, to teach the IATSE Local 52 Sound Utility Training. Brian has been a Sound Mixer since 2013. He is one of the first two grads from the 'Made in NY' PA program to be sworn in to Local 52 for Sound in October 2019. Brian still regularly volunteers his time with the 'Made in NY' PA program, highlighting his commitment to supporting new talent in the industry.
“'Made in NY' was a life-changing program that allowed me to develop skills I did not even think that I had. Before becoming certified, I never even liked the idea of speaking in front of people, let alone eventually teaching classes. The instructors bring something out of you that allows you to branch out into the department of your interest. Those skills helped me find my way into the Sound Department. Since then, my goal has always been to be a resource to those who want to find out if they have the skills to work in that field. So they would not have to struggle to find someone willing to teach them, like I did. My goal is solely to give interested people the opportunity to learn and branch out on their own. Whether or not they'll have what it takes is up to each individual.” - Brian Joseph
Brian Joseph instructing for the IATSE Local 52 Sound Utility Training, Summer 2025.
While Brian headed the Sound Utility Training, earlier in the year, another 'Made in NY' Production Assistant Training Alumni, Cristian Suarez, taught a barbering class for the IATSE Entertainment Industry Hairstylist Training. This program is in partnership with Local 798, teaching licensed cosmetologists and barbers the skills needed to work in film, TV, and theater. Cristian graduated from the first cohort of the Hairstylist Training in 2022 and was sworn in as a member of IATSE Local 798 earlier this year.
“Before the 'Made in NY' Production Assistant Program, I was freelancing as a Barber. After completing training, I got the chance to work on set as a Set Dresser. When I was referred to MediaMKRS with the IATSE Entertainment Industry Hairstylist Training, it allowed me to combine my passions. Now, having come back to teach the barbering class has been valuable in showing me how far I've come, but also helping others to do the same.” - Cristian Suarez
Cristian Suarez instructing for the IATSE Entertainment Industry Training Barbering class, Winter 2025.
Even our very own Senior Recruitment Coordinator, Kayla Scott, is a graduate of a ‘Made in NY’ and Reel Works programs! She graduated from the Reel Works Summer Lab and the Reel Works Master Narrative Lab, before focusing on Post Production, completing the second cycle of the 'Made in NY' Post Production program. She went on to combine her interest with an internship at a female-led stop-motion animation studio, Mighty Oak, as a Post-Production Intern and then as an Operations Coordinator for a post-production facility. Like Brian and Cristian, Kayla returned to Reel Works to share opportunities with those who came after her.
Building Pathways: From 'Made in NY'
Launched in 2006, the 'Made in NY' Production Assistant Training Program was created by Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to expand access to the city’s film and television production workforce, primarily through entry-level production assistant roles. The breaking ground of this entertainment industry-specific workforce training paved the way for MediaMKRS.
More than a decade later, Reel Works built on this foundation with the launch of MediaMKRS in 2019. MediaMKRS equips early-career professionals with comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and access to industry professionals. Together, the two programs are providing pathways into one of the city’s most connection-based industries.
Through their shared missions of launching careers by creating access to opportunities in the exclusive entertainment industry, they are helping to cultivate the next generation of professionals within New York City’s media ecosystem.
A collaborative relationship between the two programs facilitates referrals for trainees and ultimately supports strong career growth from alumni. After obtaining foundational skills, like those of the 'Made in NY' graduates, early career professionals have the opportunity for upskilling in below-the-line careers with MediaMKRS Career Development trainings ranging from the camera department, to post production management, to the hair & makeup department.
Shared Graduates and Success Stories
Since 2019, MediaMKRS has accepted 47 graduates of the 'Made in NY' PA and Post Programs. Not only have they gone on to graduate from MediaMKRS Career Development programs, but they have also found their own success in the workforce.
MEET SCARLETT RAMOS
Made in NY Production Assistant Training, 2023
MediaMKRS, Paramount’s Content for Change Academy 2023
Recent Role: Art Production Assistant, Netflix
“MediaMKRS and Made in NY were where my journey truly began. Those programs gave me the tools, confidence, and community I needed to take my first steps into the industry. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work on a range of productions across different networks, and each experience reminds me how those programs helped me get my foot in the door.” - Scarlett Ramos
MEET ERIKA CALDERA
Made in NY Production Assistant Training, 2023
MediaMKRS, IATSE Local 52 Studio Mechanics Set Dressing Training, 2023
Recent Role: Costume Production Assistant, Warner Bros. Discovery
“Both the Made in NY and MediaMKRS programs were pivotal in helping me discover my place in the film industry and inspired me to pursue costume design with even greater passion. They gave me the tools, confidence, and community to pursue my creative path with purpose and determination.” - Erika Caldera
Looking Ahead
MediaMKRS and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations remain committed to expanding access to entertainment careers. For the 'Made in NY' Production Assistant Training, this involves pivoting the programming to be in alignment with the industry’s evolving nature. Similarly, MediaMKRS below-the-line trainings are developed based on the industry’s needs and plan to continue sourcing applicants from high-quality entry-level programs like 'Made in NY'. Together, they are shaping a more inclusive workforce for New York’s creative economy.
If you’d like to be a part of the future of New York’s entertainment industry workforce, feel free to check out the 'Made in NY' programs at bwiny.org/programs or are looking to upskill, you can visit https://www.mediamkrs.org/career-development to learn more about our upcoming programs.