HPA Launches Young Entertainment Professionals Program

The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has created a program designed to foster the development of the next generation of professionals.  Early in August, 2016, the HPA announced the launch of the Young Entertainment Professionals Program (YEP), sponsored by HPA Women in Post and supported by SMPTE.

The goal of YEP is to attract and mentor individuals in the workforce between the ages of 21 and 29.  YEP introduces these young professionals to working professionals, connecting them with events and resources that will further their careers, and encouraging them to be active in the industry. Applicants need not be members of HPA or SMPTE.  With no particular educational requirements or prerequisites, YEP is open to any man or woman interested in expanding their industry knowledge and building their media and entertainment career.

The inaugural mentoring event will take place at the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Loews Hollywood Hotel.

In order to be considered for the YEP program, applicants must complete an online application and secure one recommendation from an employer or, if their work was on an independent production, must supply a recommendation from a professional project supervisor. Up to ten qualified candidates will be selected from the applicant pool by a jury of members of the Women in Post Committee. The YEP application deadline is September 15, 2016.

Those selected will be notified by October 1, 2016.  The YEP members will be celebrated at a special event during the SMPTE Annual Conference and will participate in a full day of mentoring experiences, including private booth tours with technology companies, a roundtable luncheon, and entrance to the SMPTE-HPA Student Film Festival.  Additionally, one or more YEPs with notable industry accomplishments will be recognized as HPA Emerging Leaders at the 2016 HPA Awards. This newly established honor is determined by the HPA Board and requires no separate application. Recipients will be notified by November 4, 2016.

To learn more, please visit: http://www.hpaonline.com.