Partnership between HBO's The Gilded Age, IATSE Local USA 829, Reel Works and Stockade Works Provides Hands-On Experience and Career Pathways
Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program Advances Training for a Diverse and Inclusive Film and Television Workforce in New York State
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of an innovative costume design and wardrobe training program, developed in collaboration with HBO's The Gilded Age, United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, Warner Bros. Discovery, ReelWorks, and Stockade Works. The program, supported by an ESD grant, equipped eight aspiring costume designers and wardrobe professionals with essential skills and industry connections in New York's thriving film and television production sector. By prioritizing inclusivity in recruitment, the initiative aimed to develop a more diverse regional talent pool for costume design, broadening opportunities and enhancing representation within the industry.
Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "This innovative partnership showcases New York's dedication to cultivating talent for our thriving film and television industry. By merging classroom instruction with hands-on experience on a major HBO production, we're creating job opportunities and reinforcing our state's leadership in entertainment. This program illustrates how strategic workforce investments can fuel economic growth and open doors to fulfilling careers. We extend our sincere thanks to our partners—HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, IATSE Local 829, ReelWorks, and Stockade Works—for their invaluable collaboration in making this initiative a success."
Warner Bros. Discovery Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Euan Lampitt said, “Creating stories that entertain and inspire audiences is at the heart of what we do, and these stories come to life through talented individuals with diverse skill sets and backgrounds working together on production. We are grateful for the support of ESD and partnership of Reel Works, Stockade Works and Local 829 in bringing HBO's The Gilded Age Costume Training Program to life. Initiatives like these are pivotal in creating career pathways for people of all backgrounds and strengthening our industry and workforce.”
Stockade Works Founder Mary Stuart Masterson said, "The program perfectly illustrates how Stockade Works partners within the industry to create pathways to careers in entertainment for upstate New Yorkers. With The Gilded Age filming both upstate and in New York City, it was an ideal fit for this cross-state training initiative. Warner Brothers Discovery, HBO, Reel Works, and Local USA 829 were outstanding partners, our work together ultimately strengthening the industry for all of New York. Moving forward, each regional training partner will continue to support these trainees, who are poised to build long and successful careers in Costume Design."
Reel Works Co-Founder & CEO John Williams said, "I am incredibly proud of this partnership we have collectively fostered, and the invaluable hands-on training we are able to provide to our early career-professionals. As an aspiring costume design professional, there is arguably no better place to get your feet wet than on the set of a prestige period drama like The Gilded Age."
Local USA 829 National Business Agent Carl Mulert said, "Ensuring that there is a pathway to not only enter the entertainment industry but also show up to work knowing that there are opportunities to grow and learn in your craft is paramount to not only our members and colleagues, but to the strength and success of the entertainment industry. We are delighted that—alongside Reel Works, HBO, and Stockade Works—we can continue to build meaningful offerings and opportunities not only for the USA 829 membership, but also for the broader community of up-and-coming artists and designers who are looking to learn, network, and better understand the industry comprehensively."
The Gilded Age Costume Designer Kasia Walicka Maimone said, “It is important to cultivate new talent for our industry. We are proud to participate in a program that enriches our teams. We truly hope that film and TV work will remain in New York State, a state with solid infrastructure for production and incredible crews that we help to grow.”
The 3 week program offered a comprehensive learning experience, including classroom instruction led by Local USA 829, work readiness training and wrap-around services provided by ReelWorks and Stockade Works, and on-set learning opportunities during the production of The Gilded Age's third season. Four trainees from New York City and four from the Capital Region, identified and recruited by ReelWorks and Stockade Works, participated in the program, which featured sessions in both Troy, NY, and New York City. Upon completion of the training, all trainees have access to extensive career resources and support from program partners, including:
- Inclusion in Warner Bros. Discovery’s Access to Action database for future production hiring.
- Participation in bootcamps and networking opportunities.
- Access to directories and job portals from ReelWorks and Stockade Works.
- Ongoing mentorship and support from career success managers.
As part of the FY 2024 Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul secured a historic expansion of the New York Film Tax Credit — one of the most robust and competitive film production incentive programs in the nation. As part of the budget, New York State raised the film tax credit's annual cap to $700 million, added a capped credit for "above-the-line" salaries alongside the existing credit for "below-the-line" salaries, restored the credit to 30% for qualified expenses, and increased upstate filming up to 40% and added production costs. These changes will further increase the program's stability, help attract productions, and provide a boost to New York's film industry, which is one of the largest union employers in New York State.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313