Summer Youth Employees learn about the film and television industry at special screening of Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
A group of lucky Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) workers will enjoy a special screening of Transformers: Dark of the Moon this afternoon, hosted by the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development. Mayor Vincent C. Gray will open the screening with remarks on why movie productions such as Transformers contribute to the city’s growing production industry and boost the economy. He also will encourage SYEP employees to consider jobs in the film and television industry and introduce Crystal Palmer, Director of the Office of Motion Picture and Television Development, who will discuss specific film and television jobs that exist and how films are shot in the District.
Dark of the Moon, the third installment of the highly popular Transformers series opened this week in the District, where the movie spent three days filming in October of last year. The film starring Shia Lebouf is directed by highly acclaimed director Michael Bay and produced by award winning producer, writer and director Steven Spielberg. Dark of the Moon was a first-of-its-kind production in the District, filming action scenes and special effects along many of the city’s historic streets such as Pennsylvania Avenue.
In just one week Transformers contributed heavily to the city’s growing production industry and the economy at-large. The production booked hundreds of room nights in District hotels, contracted with many DC-based vendors for a variety of goods and services, dined in local restaurants, shopped in neighborhood stores, and hired residents as cast and crew. The total economic impact of the one-week production is estimated to be nearly $2.5 million. The production also provided more than 180 jobs to local residents ranging from production assistants to extras.
As part of its mission to provide an enriching and educational experience for SYEP employees, the DC Film Office, beginning with Dark of the Moon, is exploring a film series that will be offered to youth throughout the summer.