Former CTE Student Accepted into the International Cinematographers Guild
Acceptance into the prestigious organization is a huge accomplishment for Jake and a testament to the power of SWBOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
"Being accepted into the Local 600 International Cinematographers Guild is a dream come true,” said Mr. Romer. “It brings validity to all the hours I spent at BOCES studying the equipment and learning all the technical aspects of TV production. I'm excited for the opportunities that being a member of the guild will bring and I look forward to expanding my network of industry professionals.”
At SWBOCES, Jake acquired concrete skills that he uses daily in his work, from basics like coiling cables and exporting media to preparing cameras for filming. The technical skills and experience he gained set him apart from other candidates and landed him high-level freelance gigs as a camera loader on major network TV shows such as "Law and Order: Organized Crime" and "Power".
As a camera loader, Jake is responsible for loading and unloading cameras, organizing equipment, and making sure that everything runs smoothly on set. It's a challenging and demanding job, but one that Jake is well-prepared for due to his experience in the TV/Production program.
“Our program provides a robust education and work-based learning experiences necessary for students to succeed in the entertainment industry,” said SWBOCES TV/Video Production teacher Michael May. “With our focus on real-world projects using industry-standard equipment, students are well-prepared for the demands of the industry and can hit the ground running upon graduation.”
Mr. May said that in addition to learning technical skills and hands on training in areas such as camera operation and video editing, students are taught important professional soft skills required in any work environment like time management, communication and collaboration.
For Jake, the TV/Production program at SWBOCES was the starting point for a successful career in the entertainment industry. It provided him with the technical skills, hands-on experience, and industry connections that he needed to succeed. And as a former student, Jake is a shining example of what can be achieved through CTE programs.
"I wouldn't be where I am today as a member of the International Cinematographers Guild without the skills and experience I gained at BOCES. It gave me a solid foundation in the industry and prepared me for the demands of working on set. I'm grateful for the opportunities that the program provided me and would recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing a career in TV/Production."
Mr. Romer said he is already receiving calls from fellow union members for future jobs.
"Being accepted into the Local 600 International Cinematographers Guild is a dream come true."
- Jake Romer, Former TV/Production Student at SWBOCES
