iFilm

At iFilm, our mission is to empower underserved minorities by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to create and develop the art of cinema. Through our programs and resources, we strive to level the playing field in the film industry and give a voice to those who have been historically marginalized. By nurturing a diverse community of filmmakers and storytellers, we seek to inspire change, promote empathy, and bring untold stories to the forefront of cinema. 

How we complete our mission:

Williams n Co is proud to partner with Ifilm216. All graduates of the ifilm initiative have the opportunity to be placed at Williams n Co with a paid position. Our ultimate goal is to help create a more inclusive and diverse local film industry. We believe that by empowering underrepresented voices and supporting them in their creative endeavors, we can help to bring about positive change and pave the way for a more equitable future in the film industry. With a focus on below the line jobs we can help non-union students earn enough hours to inevitably join the union, we plan to help the Cleveland Film Commision achieve its personal goals of growing a more thriving diverse workforce.    

FILM & TV INDUSTRY JOB TRAINING

Below The Line Talent
  • Grip And Electric
  • Location Management
  • Transportation
  • Production Assistant
  • Catering
  • Hair & Make Up
  • Wardrobe
  • Carpentry & Set decoration
  • Rigging
  • Drone Video Operation
Creating Jobs for In-Demand Workforce
  • Crew = over 50% of small film budget
  • 25 people per production
  • non union "local hires" $175-450/day
  • growth of local production
  • union wages $100,000 a year
Creating Connections
  • Expanding employment and trajectories
  • Pathways to college
  • On the job training and professional development
  • Apprenticeships for union trades
  • Pension and health benefits
  • On the Job Training
0

winning awards

0

completed project

0

best shots

0

happy clients

LABOR INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FILM, TV INDUSTRY

One Year Adult Apprenticeship Program (ages 21 and over)
  • 25-50 adults / year, paid $15 an hour
  • General Construction and Below The Line training
  • 4 years = 200 graduates
  • Vocational training for immediate hire
One Year Young Adult Apprenticeship Program (ages 20 and under)
  • 25-50 young adult / year, paid $15 an hour
  • Cinema Education
  • 4 years = 200 graduates
  • 1/3 graduates expected to be accepted college
  • 2/3 graduates complete vocational training, eligible to work on local productions

LONG LIVE CINEMA

iFilm Training BTS video

Scan the QR Code to donate to the iFilm 216 program and our latest documentary film.

Or click here to donate to the program via Cashapp.

Thank you so much for your support of our program, Cleveland, and the arts.

CONTACT

Gilberto Rivera | Executive Director iFilm Program

Gilberto Rivera is an accomplished filmmaker, artist, and producer hailing from the creative epicenter of Cleveland, Ohio. With a wealth of experience producing top-tier video content, Gilberto has collaborated with A+Media and served as a producing partner at Williams and Co.

A true veteran of the independent film scene, Gilberto cut his teeth in the early 2000s, raising over $100,000 for his first two horror feature films while at Water Street Productions. From there, he honed his skills in pre production, managing budgets, crew, and casting to bring his cinematic vision to life.

Gilberto’s talents don’t stop at filmmaking, though. He is also a gifted artist who has lent his skills to create storyboards for films, commercials, promos, and short films. Among his notable clients are the Cleveland Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Cuyahoga Community College, Cuyahoga Crime Stoppers, Metro West CDC, and Bandai.

In addition to his work in the industry, Gilberto is also committed to sharing his expertise with the next generation of filmmakers. He previously served as a film instructor and Education Director at the Ohio Media School and is now the executive director for the non-profit ifilm216 program. Through this role, he focuses on enhancing the curriculum and bringing his filmmaking educational expertise to the organization.

Looking to the future, Gilberto dreams of helping Cleveland become a thriving hub for the film industry while continuing to write and produce feature films. With his unparalleled talent and dedication, there’s no doubt he’ll succeed in bringing his cinematic vision to life.

Contact Gilberto at: gilberto@williamsnco.com