Breaking Barriers in the Wardrobe Industry with I.A.T.S.E. Local 764

In the Fall of 2022, Reel Works partnered with I.A.T.S.E. Local 764 to launch the Inaugural I.A.T.S.E Entertainment Industry Wardrobe Training - a training designed to give access to careers in the Wardrobe Department to talented New Yorkers. On Saturdays, the trainees met with various members of Local 764 and were educated on topics ranging from How to fill out start paperwork and time cards to Quick Changes to Beading. Each week trainees were given wardrobe kit essentials to help build their kit and alleviate the financial barrier of building one on their own.

This unique program, made possible by Netflix and The Consortium for Workers Education (CWE), proved that by working in close partnership, employers, unions, educators and government can create pathways to careers and build a media workforce that reflects the diversity and strengths of NYC.

“It gave me amazing network opportunities and a foot in the door in a way that I would not have had if I did not get into the program,” says graduate Maria Khristina Acosta. “I would not have known about most of these job opportunities.” Currently, the trainees have been paired 1:1 with their mentors, who are Local 764 members who will help provide guidance and develop the network of their mentee in three phases over the course of six months.

To learn more about our MediaMKRS Career Development programs, visit our website here.