Following the success of its Spring 2024 cohort, Chicago Filmmakers announces the fifth iteration of its immersive tuition-free in-person Workforce Training Program designed to provide twelve participants with the training and knowledge needed to land entry-level positions on motion picture productions.
Created in response to a high demand for qualified workers in Illinois’ rapidly growing industry and to increase diversity in the field, the program aims to be a pathway for workers, especially from groups underrepresented in the film industry, to access entry level jobs in the feature film and TV sector.
Trainees from Chicago Filmmakers’ previous cohorts secured work on shows for Showtime, HBO Max, FX Productions, Sony / Apple+ TV, NBCUniversal, AMC, and Warner Bros, and worked on TV series such as THE BEAR, DARK MATTER, SOUTH SIDE, THE CHI, CHICAGO MED, CHICAGO P.D., and SHINING GIRLS. Cohort members also worked on WIZDOM, DELI BOYS, PEYTON AND ELI’S SPOOKY ADVENTURE: A PLACES UNIVERSAL SPECIAL, 61st ST, WE GROWN NOW, RESIGNATION and the documentary ONE GOLDEN SUMMER, as well as on TV commercials, independent shorts, music videos, and more.
The Chicago Filmmakers’ Workforce Training Program seeks twelve participants who are passionate about film and TV and are committed to building a long-term career in Illinois’ booming entertainment industry. This program is particularly intended to increase participation of women, gender non-conforming, LBGTQ+, and people of color in the local creative workforce.
Applications are open now through the deadline, October 13th.
The Program will provide over 100 hours of coursework and hands-on film production training from November 2024 through the end of January 2025 with evenings and weekend day class schedules. Students are required to attend 80 hours of both core training plus one or more 15-hour long specialty workshops held at Chicago Filmmakers’ facility at 1326 W. Hollywood Avenue in the Edgewater neighborhood.
Core curriculum includes Introduction to the Film Industry Workshop, Production Assistant Training, Digital Filmmaking Bootcamp, and a Career Coaching Class. Specialty Workshops include three training opportunities for Assistant Production Office Coordinator, Assistant Production Accounting Clerk, and 2nd 2nd Assistant Director.
At the end of the program, participants who successfully complete course requirements will receive a “Certificate of Completion” and a $500 stipend. This certificate qualifies trainees for job referrals and support finding placement through the Chicago Filmmakers’ Workforce Training Program.
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be age 18 or older to apply
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent (GED)
- Must be a current resident of Illinois – Must be legally eligible to work in the US
- Must provide proof for being fully vaccinated for COVID-19
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit here.
Anyone interested in partnering with Chicago Filmmakers as an employer or film productions with an open entry-level position for certified trainees can contact our Programs Manager, Leila Sherbini, at lsherbini@chicagofilmmakers.org
Chicago Filmmakers’ Workforce Training Program is made possible through funding from the Illinois Film Office through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Walt Disney Company.
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