CHAMPAIGN — Individuals seeking to break into the Illinois film industry have about three weeks left to apply for a free, intensive training program.
Applications are open for the Central Illinois Film and TV Production Training Course, which is presented by Shatterglass Studios in partnership with the Illinois Film Office and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
A link to apply is available on Shatterglass’ Facebook page or at illinoisproductiontraining.com. Applications are open until Feb. 5.
“If you’re unfamiliar, this is a TUITION-FREE, 8-week intensive workforce program designed to train individuals to be able to join the Illinois film and TV production industry,” Shatterglass shared in a social media post.
Unlike the past two iterations of the program, this session will focus on two specific aspects of the film industry: set construction and grip/electric work. Ideally, applicants should have some experience in these areas, according to Shatterglass.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live in Illinois. Additionally, they should be ready to enter the workforce immediately.
For instance, a freshman in college who is expecting to stay in school for another four years is not likely to get a spot in the program, said Luke Boyce, founder of Shatterglass.
“It is a state-funded program, and so as a result, we have quotas that we have to meet on placement,” he said. “So we have a high quota to get individuals who go through the program into the workforce.”
The state’s film and TV workforce training program was created to get more trained individuals into the film industry in Illinois, with workers being especially needed in Chicago, he said.
The local version of this program has a relationship with the Champaign film office, and the individuals in charge are professional filmmakers from the area.
Boyce said that there is a “pretty good chance” that students will be working on a real production during this year’s program.
Additionally, a couple of other productions are expected to come to the area in the spring, providing more opportunities for work.
Graduates of the program will also be added into databases that may help them be hired for other productions in Illinois in the future.
“We’ve had quite a few people that have gone on to now kind of become part of the film family here,” Boyce said. “We’ve seen some people really step into roles here really well and already kind of move up in the ranks.”