Creative Outpost to offer training for media, film, technology jobs for youth, adults

LITTLE FALLS — Youth and adults interested in fields ranging from journalism to filmmaking can now seek training through the Creative Outpost, Inc., headquartered in Little Falls.

The non-profit has just launched its workforce development initiative “providing career pathways for upskilling workers in a changing economy and empowering low-income youth with trade skills for employment in the media, film and technology industries,” according to the group’s website.

Content creation is the focus, according to founder and chairman David E. Warner, of Little Falls, and the Creative Outpost will offer training by industry leaders working in film, video, podcasting, journalism and media.

He said the initiative was inspired by a handful of industry professionals with first-hand knowledge of the skills required. There is also a growing interest in filmmaking, video production, and content creation in Upstate New York locations including Albany, Syracuse, the Adirondacks and Little Falls.

Warner points out that the U.S. Bureau of Labor projects a 21% increase in the job outlook in the content development industries between 2020 and 2030, with about 18,000 openings for broadcast, sound and video technicians projected each year.

The 2021 national median pay was $23.58 per hour or $49,050 per year.

“I hope we’ll bring some of those jobs here,” he said, adding that he is hoping a content development hub will develop in Little Falls. “Today I met with the Little Falls High School administrators. It’s a real collaborative effort,” said Warner, adding that students have plenty of interest in the opportunities today’s technology offers.

Some want to create their own YouTube channels.

“We want to teach them to do it the right way,” he said.

Workshops are scheduled to begin in July with a focus on photography, film and an introduction to filmmaking created using a smartphone.

Leading industry professionals will deliver in-person instruction. Follow-up online course modules are also planned.

Adirondack landscape photographer Carl Heilman II will give a public presentation at 7 p.m. July 13, at the Rock City Centre on East Main Street, Little Falls, with a workshop scheduled the following day.

Other presenters will include well-known photographers Rick Sammon and Tony Sweet and local resident Matt Powers, who will lead a workshop on Scriptwriting for Cinematography.

For more information, visit www.creativeoutpost.org.

Online courses in flower arranging, watercolor painting and cooking are currently available.

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