It’s been a little over one year since the Stage 32 Certification program launched, and it is rapidly transforming the global landscape of film and television training, bridging gaps in education and workforce development for the entertainment industry in ways never seen before. The benefits are being felt by the people being certified and by the production communities that we are working with.

As the world’s leading online platform for film and TV professionals, Stage 32 launched this dynamic, accessible, and affordable certification program that is making a profound impact across continents—from North America to Africa, Europe, and beyond. Our approach is not only helping individuals build practical skills, but also supporting local film industries and economies by creating a pipeline of job-ready talent.

One aspect of Stage 32 Certification that allows us to support so many people and communities is the program’s global reach and adaptability. We are currently working with over 40 film commissions across the United States and internationally, including recent partnerships in Costa Rica, Poland, Croatia, South Africa, Uganda, Canada, Hungary, Jamaica, Austria, and the Middle East. In the United States alone, Stage 32 has delivered training opportunities in states like Florida, Georgia, Utah, Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, and Nevada. These collaborations are designed to meet the unique needs of each region’s film industry, training local talent in essential below-the-line roles such as production accounting, location management, and production assisting. For example, Stage 32 recently trained 20 new production accountants in Pittsburgh to support major productions and is currently preparing new crew members in Hawaii for an upcoming wave of shoots.

“Stage 32’s Certification program is a resource for filmmakers wanting to increase their skills, and presents a solid set of experts working in production with a goal to grow workforce participation and communicate hard-earned knowledge to crew wanting to learn a new skill, or enhance their existing skill level. Consistent production knowledge across the industry supports all crews, and the accessibility of courses benefits Montana crews in all areas of the state.” – Allison Whitmer, Montana Film Commissioner

In Costa Rica, Stage 32 Certification has been described as a “game changer” by local producers, who praise its flexibility, industry-relevant curriculum, and the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned professionals. The courses are designed to fit around the busy schedules of freelancers and working professionals, making high-quality film education accessible to a much broader audience. This adaptability is crucial in regions where traditional film schools may be out of reach or too expensive, and where the need for skilled crew is urgent due to growing production demand.

“The Costa Rica Film Commission is boosting the technical skills of our film workforce. We must create the right liaison with our partners. This is as important as the program itself, to have the best training for our services production companies and get them prepared for bigger projects in our Film Friendly Zones developed all over the country.” – Jose Castro, Recent Costa Rica Film Commissioner

In Africa, Stage 32’s partnership with the International Trade Centre for the “Opportunities Are Here” program in Uganda is a testament to our commitment to nurturing emerging talent. The initiative, backed by the European Union, offered participation for Ugandan citizens and residents aged 18 to 35, providing them with world-class training and the chance to be listed in Stage 32’s global database of certified filmmakers. This not only gives young creatives the tools to launch their careers but also opens doors for international collaboration and co-productions, helping to strengthen the local industry and showcase African storytelling on the world stage.

“We are excited about the potential of the Ugandan film industry, with its strong talent and capacity for original storytelling. Our partnership with Stage 32 Certification provides direct access to top industry professionals and expertise, giving a launchpad for OAH filmmakers to kickstart their careers in film production.” – Heather Barnes, Creative Industries Development Advisor at the International Trade Centre

Europe has also embraced Stage 32 Certification, with film commissions in countries like Cyprus, Slovakia, and Poland working alongside the platform to train their local workforces. The program’s universal approach—focusing on practical, job-ready skills taught by industry veterans—ensures that graduates are immediately employable and able to contribute to productions anywhere in the world.

“We welcome Stage 32’s Certification program in Slovakia to provide training for below-the-line crew members so that it can help build the next generation of filmmakers in Slovakia.” - Zuzana Bieliková, Slovakia Film Commissioner

A key innovation of Stage 32 Certification is its global database of certified professionals. All those we are certified are automatically entered into a searchable portal accessible by film commissions, streamers, and production companies, making it easier than ever for employers to find qualified crew for projects in any region. This not only increases job opportunities for individuals but also helps film commissions maximize the value of their production incentives by ensuring a steady supply of skilled local talent.

Ultimately, Stage 32 Certification is democratizing film education and workforce development, breaking down barriers of cost, geography, and access. By partnering with dozens of film commissions and organizations worldwide, with more announcements coming soon, Stage 32 is helping to build sustainable, thriving film industries in every corner of the globe—one certified professional at a time.

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