WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |BRCC Creates New Programs to Entice Economic Development
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Now that two video game development companies are calling Baton Rouge 'home', those businesses are going to need skilled workers. As part of the agreement to bring a Dallas-based game maker to Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) is creating a new degree program.
Making flashy action scenes is what 'Nerjyzed Entertainment hopes to do in Baton Rouge, but designing video games is a tough job which calls for skilled programmers.
Nerjyzed CEO Jacqueline Beauchamp says to develop that workforce, her company is working with BRCC to create a new 2 year degree program for video game design. "It's all about workforce."
"We're going to be able to do animation, video gaming development," said Dr. Myrtle E. B. Dorsey, BRCC Chancellor during a Thursday news conference. "Our students are going to have the opportunity to be trained and eligible for high paying positions in the film industry, in the digital media industry."
According to East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden, "this will keep young people from having to leave Louisiana. They can stay right here in Baton Rouge, earn a good living and at the same time, be a part of a growing dynamic industry."
Holden says now that Baton Rouge is home to a video game company and a movie sound stage, he wants Hollywood to look at Louisiana as a multimedia one-stop shop.
Holden says Nerjyzed will employ about 80 people with salaries up to $75,000 per year.
Reporter: Avery Davidson
