IATSE VOLT FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING & TRAINING + MEMBER Q&A WITH DANN LISIK
In April 2025, IATSE 891 launched IATSE VOLT (Virtual Opportunities for Learning and Training) – an online learning tool that allows the Union to deliver virtual self-paced courses and training content to its membership. As IATSE 891 continues to work on providing a variety of training opportunities to members, IATSE VOLT allows members to access training content in a time and place that works best for them.
At IATSE 891, our members make up some of the most talented, skilled, and safety-driven crews that film has to offer. By participating in training, members invest in their professional growth, strengthen their skillsets, expand their knowledge, build confidence, and ensure a safer workplace for everyone. We welcome you to learn more about IATSE VOLT and participate in training! View the IATSE VOLT FAQ here.
IATSE VOLT is available to all IATSE 891 members in good standing. To get started, please request a license by emailing volt@iatse.com.
IATSE VOLT MEMBER EXPERIENCE INTERVIEW: DANN LISIK
In this Member Q&A, we spoke with Dann Lisik. Dann has been in the Union for almost 10 years and is a member of the Special Effects, Construction, and Grips Departments. With his career spanning multiple departments and roles, Dann also serves on the IATSE 891 Health and Safety Committee and is an active member and the Training Trust Fund Director at IATSE Local 118. Check out some of Dann’s work here!
- Why do you use IATSE VOLT?
I believe that the more education we have, the more employable and valuable we become to the industry. The more skills we can provide to producers, the more reason they have to come here (British Columbia).
- How did you find the overall process from obtaining a license to completing courses on IATSE VOLT?
It is really user-friendly. As a dad of three, there are times when I only have a five-minute window. What’s amazing about IATSE VOLT is that I got to take a bunch of courses that only took me about five or six minutes. One of them was a box cutter course. There are courses that range from five to 15 minutes and others that take longer.
The “I don’t have time” excuse doesn’t work here, because the program allows courses to fit into just about any schedule.
To be honest, I’m very impressed. To have access to that (IATSE VOLT) as a Local… I am very proud. It’s an exciting time for 891.
- Do you have a favourite course or learning experience from IATSE VOLT so far?
I’m a nerd for Robert’s Rules and Parliamentary Procedures, so I enjoyed the Mastering Motions course. I think it’s quite valuable for a lot of our members to understand, especially when they’re reviewing upcoming resolutions for meetings. The course clarifies why things are written the way they are, why specific information is included or why some information members expect to see is missing.
- Why should members give IATSE VOLT a try?
I think there are many benefits to it. Plus, by paying our dues, we are already contributing to this, so why wouldn't you use it?
A lot of people say, “Oh, but I don’t get paid for that.” While it is true that you aren’t directly paid by taking online courses, having those skills make you more employable.
There is also a lot of variety. There is a course called 4 Reasons Sharper Blades are Safer and it explains why a sharp blade is safer than a dull blade. It was all very valid.
If people are saying they don’t have work, but want to pick up work in other departments, there are fully specified courses for that. For example, there is a Script Supervisor course as well as a Grips course. These courses allow you to become more versatile and employable.
We, as a Local, have developed something that members can do in their own time. They can sit at home, learn, and become more engaged.
Access training content anytime and anywhere with IATSE VOLT! Request a license today by emailing volt@iatse.com. Thank you for your continued commitment to learning and skill development.
Interview and editing by Erica Lim, IATSE 891 Copywriter.
Thank you to Dann Lisik for sharing his experience and insights. This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.
If you have any questions, inquiries, or feedback about IATSE VOLT, please email volt@iatse.com. For any other training-related questions, please email training@iatse.com.
