Netflix Partners with Sarah Jones Opportunity Program
25 February 2025Press release from The Sarah Jones Opportunity:
We are pleased to announce Netflix’s partnership with The Sarah Jones Opportunity, an annual internship and job training program dedicated to the memory of the late camera assistant Sarah Jones. Supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, and in collaboration with the International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600, The Sarah Jones Opportunity gives participants the opportunity to work directly on an Atlanta-based Netflix production.
The Sarah Jones Opportunity consists of a 12-week paid internship/camera training program at Commander Camera, Atlanta where participants learn all aspects of digital cinematography. Participants also have the opportunity to visit production sets to observe camera crews at work and to begin building their network of industry contacts. After successfully completing the Commander Camera internship, participants are provided an additional one-week paid internship at Cinelease Lighting & Grip and Cinelease Studios. The candidate then earns the opportunity to work for 30 days as an ICG crew member on an Atlanta-based Netflix production. The participant will work as part of a show’s camera department, gaining practical experience and vital on-the-job training from established professionals. After full completion of the program, participants are then offered membership to Local 600 and can begin their freelance careers.
A bright young member of the Georgia film community, Jones worked in the camera department on a number of local productions. Her loss continues to be felt personally and professionally throughout the industry. With the support of the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Entertainment, The Sarah Jones Opportunity specifically targets aspiring filmmakers like Sarah who have a passion for working in the camera field but may otherwise not have access to the entertainment industry. Since its inception in 2014, the program has put seven participants through the Sarah Jones Opportunity who are now members of the International Cinematographers Guild.
The Sarah Jones Opportunity recipient for 2024 was Valeriia Luhovska, who immigrated to the US from Ukraine. Valeriia, who showed incredible commitment and drive to succeed in the program, was chosen out of over 270 applicants. She demonstrated without doubt the traits and personality that would carry on the Sarah Jones legacy. After months of training and on-set work with a Local 600 crew on the Netflix production, Cedar Lodge, we can certainly say this was a successful endeavor for all parties involved! We are very proud of Valeriia who will no doubt have a successful career in the motion picture and television industry.
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