Participants in the program at Television City included James Staten, left, and Jaleesa Hazzard, board members for Yes2Jobs; Adeena Bleich, of Television City; Irene Phan, of the MBS Group; Lauren Pizer Mains, of state Senator Ben Allen’s Office; and Thao Tran, field deputy for Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District. (photo courtesy of Television City)

Television City hosted its second Illumination Training of 2024 on May 4-5, providing exposure to entertainment industry jobs for people in historically underrepresented communities.

The Illumination Training program was established in 2020, helping participants build skills that position them for careers. The hands-on and practice-based program features experienced industry professionals as instructors who remain committed to mentoring participants long term, bridging the gap between learning about the industry and landing a job.

The training is part of Television City’s Changing Lenses initiative, which seeks to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the entertainment industry through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, industry leaders and community stakeholders. Changing Lenses sponsors the Illumination Training program to promote its mission of providing mentorship opportunities and career pathways for the next generation.

“Our training is designed to teach the skills of the trade while also opening pathways to long-term careers within our industry,” said Irene Phan, senior vice president of global ops and finance for the MBS Group, founder of the Illumination Training program. “Unfortunately, economic issues and an acute shortage of available studio space have pushed film and television productions, jobs and opportunities outside Los Angeles.”

Four seniors from Walt Whitman High School participated in the program along with representatives from Yes2Jobs, a career development program that prepares high school, college and entry-level candidates for careers in media, technology, finance and health care services.

“It was inspiring to watch students and participants engage in hands-on training that lays the groundwork for careers in below-the-line production jobs,” said Adeena Bleich, vice president of community relations for Television City. “We are thrilled to work with the Illumination Training program and our other partner organizations to ensure the entertainment industry in Los Angeles is as diverse and dynamic as our city.”

For information, visit tvcstudios.com and the-mbsgroup.com.