A new partnership with entertainment industry giants Cast & Crew and Entertainment Partners has formed to create a vehicle that opens more opportunities in the Entertainment Industry for All, including Texas Southern University students.

The Center for Africana Futures Community Education Program, in partnership with Cast & Crew and Entertainment Partners along with leading film, television, and entertainment professionals, will provide a 16-week curriculum for a Production Payroll Accounting Certificate. The program will be offered quarterly.

Cohorts will attend weekly sessions led by faculty and industry experts. The 16- week program will culminate with the certification exam and access to employment opportunities with some of the top industry firms, studios, and production companies.

Producer/ Director/ Professor Dr. Tyrone D. Dixon developed this program with his relationships with industry leaders with the goal of filling the void of a shortage of accountants as well as participating in creating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Dixon shared the concept with his colleague and founder of the Center for Africana Futures Dr. Toniesha Taylor (Mellon grant recipient) and the program was born.

“We are delighted to join hands with TSU in a collaborative endeavor to empower individuals within production accounting education,” said Ivana Malcolm, SVP of Client Services and Customer Success at Cast & Crew. “Together, along with our Customer Success and Product Education team we are thrilled to embark on this partnership, eager to share our expertise, and support a diverse community of learners who will be a part of the digital production accounting transformation.” Ivana along with Lucas Dotzler, Sr. Manager, Product Education will help guide the program from Cast & Crew.

Entertainment Partners VP of Marketing, Steve Wegner; Senior Director-Services and Support, Kim Weddington and Manger Learning Enablement, Tyrone Robinson are excited and committed to thevsuccess of the Production Payroll Accounting Certificate Program.

“I am working in my passion and purpose and look to create opportunities for others. The entertainment industry is full of opportunities and avenues to enter but most people just don’t know. This program is one of many we plan to share that will create awareness of career opportunities that exist in the ever-growing entertainment industry. If you are looking for a career change or have had a great interest in film and television entertainment this opportunity could be for you” said Dr. Tyrone Dixon. Larry Robinson of Avatar Entertainment manages Tyrone Dixon.

The program will begin on July 15, 2023.

“This program is an excellent opportunity for us to provide community education focused on the future and current employment in the entertainment industry. I am very excited about the partnership that we are able to participate in and look forward to many years of productive engagement ”said Dr. Toniesha Taylor.