Congressman Steve Knight visited the Lifton Institute of Media Arts and Sciences recently to learn about the opportunities the program is offering returning veterans in and around the Santa Clarita Valley.

Knight toured the hands-on film production school in Castaic, where veterans are encouraged to learn movie industry skills to help transition them back into civilian life, shortly after a breakfast he held at Sand Canyon Country Club.  

The Lifton Institute of Media Arts and Sciences provides a free 10-week course for veterans. Over the course of the rigorous two and a half month schedule, participants learn a wide variety of skills that can be used in local film productions, including hair and makeup, camera operating and light operations.

Knight has repeatedly stressed one of his priorities while in office is to take care of veterans.

He thanked Jimmy Lifton and the LIMS program for their work in bringing veterans back into the local economy. Around 80 percent of the veterans who go through the free program find industry jobs in Los Angeles County once they complete the course.

“Thank you for the tour and for helping our veterans find jobs in the movie industry,” Knight said in a facebook post.

Matt Miller, a former military policeman, graduated from LIMS last month. In a KHTS on-air interview right before he graduated, Miller said the program gave him a second chance.

“I was actually having trouble finding a job as a disabled vet, and I’m really glad I found the LIMS opportunity,” Miller said. “After I graduate, they give you assistance in helping to get jobs all over Hollywood and Los Angeles.”

Another guest on the tour, KHTS Co-owner Carl Goldman, said the tour made him proud to work with the program.

“We’re proud to be partnering with the Lifton Institute of Media Arts and Sciences for their veteran program,” he said. “It’s a perfect training for vets as they transition from the military into a career.”

Goldman said the potential of the program, which is relatively new in the community, is still growing.

“Our congressman, Steve Knight, is excited with the potential of this for our veterans,” he said. “We’re looking forward to expanding the program.”