CFCC partners with Cinespace Studios to relocate film program to active studio space
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Community College is taking its film education program directly into the heart of the industry through a new partnership with Cinespace Studios that will relocate the college’s Film and Video Production Technology program onto an active studio lot beginning this fall.
The partnership marks a significant step for the college and Wilmington’s growing film industry, allowing students to train in a professional production environment while learning alongside the day-to-day operations of a working studio.
Under the agreement, all Film and Video Production Technology classes will move to Cinespace Studios, giving students hands-on access to professional workflows, production spaces, equipment and industry practices.
“This partnership transforms the student learning experience by placing our students inside the environment where professional filmmaking happens every day,” CFCC President Jim Morton said. “Students won’t be just learning about the industry; they’ll be immersed in it.”
College officials say the relocation is designed to strengthen workforce development and provide students with real-world experience that mirrors professional film production. While class sizes will remain the same initially, CFCC plans to increase the number of cohorts and course sections over time to meet growing demand.
The partnership also makes CFCC the first community college in the nation to operate a Film and Video Production program on a Cinespace studio lot. Cinespace currently partners with universities in Chicago and Toronto, but Wilmington will be the company’s first collaboration of this kind with a community college.
“There’s no substitute for learning where the work actually happens,” said Keith Gee, co-chief executive officer of Cinespace Studios. “At Cinespace, we’re proud to create opportunities for students to train in and around active studio environments, gaining exposure to the people, departments and production workflows that bring stories to life. Following our education partnerships in Chicago and Toronto, we’re thrilled to expand that commitment in Wilmington with Cape Fear Community College.”
The collaboration extends beyond film production.
Beginning this summer, CFCC carpentry classes will also begin using studio space at Cinespace. The program teaches both introductory and advanced carpentry skills used in residential and commercial construction, including framing, tool use, safety practices, foundations and construction methods.
College leaders say the partnership will also support expanded continuing education and workforce training aimed at both students and working film professionals.
Planned offerings include Production Assistant Weekend Training, Grip and Electrical Rigging for Stage, Camera Department Operations, Set Lighting Operations and Special Effects Training.
The Film and Video Production Technology program will begin operating at Cinespace Studios this fall. More information is available through Cape Fear Community College.
