by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Interested in getting involved in film production? If so, you’ll want to check out Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s SI Film and TV Workforce Training Program.
The SI Film and TV Workforce Training Program prepares participants for careers as film production assistants. Photo provided.
It’s an intensive, 80-hour weekend program that prepares participants to serve as production assistants in the region and throughout the State of Illinois, strengthening the film and television industry. The program takes place on four consecutive weekends beginning Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22. The training follows the same schedule each of the next three weekends. The sessions will take place at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale. A graduation ceremony will take place on May 3.
No-cost, valuable training
The training is free, and those who complete the entire program are eligible for a stipend.
Space is limited, so those who want to participate should complete the online application soon.
The inaugural program in spring 2025 gave 46 people the training and tools to become successful television and film production assistants. Organizers anticipate a similar number will be accepted into the program this year.
To participate in the program, participants must:
- Be 18 or older and have a verifiable high school diploma or GED.
- Be an Illinois resident and plan to work in the film or television industry in Illinois.
- Participate in all 80 training hours.
- Agree to complete future employment surveys.
Program acceptance is not guaranteed for applicants. For more information, visit the website or contact Holly Sparkman, program director of business operations for SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, at hsparkman@siu.edu.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and The Illinois Film Office are providing funding for the program.