The NYC Made in New York production assistant program recently celebrated its 15th year providing media opportunities to the five boroughs. 

As a tribute to the program, News 12 heard from the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, as well as from graduates about the opportunities it can provide.

"You don't have to have any experience. That's the whole point. It's to provide entry-level opportunities, so that people can move up through the ranks of the industry," said Anne Del Castillo, the commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment.

It is a five-week immersive program designed to give New York residents a hands-on learning experience.

Students of the program study and practice technical and soft production skills that are required to have a successful career in film and television.

"If it's something that they've always dreamed of doing; they can't see themselves doing anything else, then it's for them. But they also have to put in the work," said Brian Joseph, a program graduate.

The competitive application process is open to unemployed New York residents from throughout the five boroughs, who are at least 18 years old.