Press Release

UBC Lights Up Entertainment Electrics

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 10, 2003: UBC Continuing Studies' Professional Film Arts Program brings a unique course to the Lower Mainland: Hands-On LE/FE. The course teaches electrical code theory and provides hands-on practice with electrics for people in the entertainment industry. What makes it unique is the hands-on aspect, something that local electrical code courses don't offer.

"Many young entertainment industry lighting technicians receive informal and incomplete hands-on training in their workplaces," say Ian Pratt, Associate Professor, Department of Film, Theatre and Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia. "This course is an excellent opportunity for them to broaden and upgrade their practical knowledge while studying the code for their LE or FE certificate."

The nine-day course alternates between classroom time and hands-on practice with conductors, circuit loading, demand factors, grounding, bonding, protection, control, generators, lighting equipment and temporary wiring. Ray Boyle, Lighting Department Manager at William F. White studios in Burnaby, teaches the hands-on portion.

Boyle, who is also in charge of education and training for William F. White, has 44 years' experience in the entertainment lighting industry, working as everything from generator operator to gaffer.

The curriculum is based on Electrical Safety Branch guidelines, and students may choose to write the LE or FE code exam on completion of the course if they have a minimum of two years' experience in electrics for the LE exam or four years' experience for the FE exam. A current edition of the Canadian Electrical Code handbook is needed on the first day of class.

Hands-On LE/FE runs March 17-28, 9 am to 3 pm at the William F. White Training Studio, 8363 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby. The program cost is $650 (without code book) or $750 (includes code book). For more information visit the web site at www.cstudies.ubc.ca/film and chose "Courses" or call Joni Rose, Program Leader, at 604-822-0880.

Media Contact:

Joni Rose
Tel: 604-822-0880
Email: joni.rose@ubc.ca