PDM Productions, LLC Application 2024

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Research (initial work to identify and understand the problem)

The tech and creative industries in Los Angeles are thriving, yet access to employment opportunities within these sectors remains uneven, particularly for underrepresented communities. Despite the city's reputation as a global entertainment hub, many local talents face barriers such as a lack of industry connections, training, and resources needed to succeed. This disparity hinders economic growth and diversity in creative fields. By establishing a new production company specializing in music, film, television, sports, entertainment, and hospitality, we aim to bridge this gap. Our goal is to provide accessible pathways to employment, hands-on experience, and professional development. This initiative will not only enhance the local talent pool but also ensure a more inclusive industry, driving innovation and cultural richness in Los Angeles.

This grant will support the establishment of a Los Angeles-based production company that specializes in music, film, television, sports, entertainment, and hospitality. The initiative aims to address employment disparities by creating a comprehensive program that offers local talent access to training, mentorship, and job opportunities in these creative and tech-driven industries. Our project will include several key components:
1. Training and Workshops: We will offer hands-on workshops and training sessions led by industry professionals, focusing on both creative and technical skills needed in production, post-production, event management, and digital content creation.
2. Mentorship and Networking: We will develop a robust mentorship program, pairing emerging talent with experienced professionals to provide guidance, career advice, and industry insights. Networking events will be organized to help participants build valuable connections.
3. Internship and Job Placement:The initiative will create internship opportunities within our production company and with our industry partners. We will also facilitate job placement services to help participants secure permanent roles in the tech and creative sectors.
4. Community Engagement: To foster a sense of community and support, we will host regular events, such as panel discussions, screenings, and showcases, where participants can present their work and receive feedback.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will see a significant transformation in its tech and creative industries. Local talent from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds will have greater access to high-quality training, mentorship, and job opportunities, leading to a more inclusive and equitable workforce. This influx of new voices and perspectives will drive innovation and creativity, enriching the content and experiences produced in music, film, television, sports, entertainment, and hospitality. Economically, the county will benefit from increased job creation and career advancement opportunities, reducing unemployment and underemployment in the creative sectors. Socially, the enhanced representation and engagement of local talent will foster a stronger sense of community and cultural pride. Overall, our initiative will contribute to a more vibrant, diverse, and dynamic Los Angeles, solidifying its status as a global leader in the creative and tech industries.

Measuring success for our early-stage project includes:
1. Participant Enrollment and Diversity: Track the number of participants enrolled in our training programs, with a focus on diversity metrics to ensure inclusion of underrepresented groups.
2. Training Completion Rates: Measure the percentage of participants who successfully complete our workshops and training sessions.
3. Job Placement and Internship Rates: Monitor the number of participants who secure internships or job placements within six months of completing the program.
4. Mentorship Engagement: Assess the effectiveness of our mentorship program by tracking mentor-mentee interactions and satisfaction surveys.
5. Participant Feedback and Satisfaction: Regularly collect feedback from participants to gauge their satisfaction and areas for improvement.
6. Industry Partnerships: Evaluate the number and quality of partnerships established with industry stakeholders to provide training, mentorship, and job opportunities.