FILM & TV INDUSTRY WORKFORCE Training Program

Building a More Inclusive Creative Workforce

Now Accepting Applications for the Winter 2025 Training Cycle!

Part of our Workforce Development Initiative, Chicago Filmmakers’ Production Assistant Training Program is a tuition-free series of classes and hands-on film production exercises intended to equip trainees with the essential knowledge and entry-level experience to prepare for Production Assistant jobs on Illinois Television and Film productions.

The program will provide 80+ hours of training over the course of a few months (February-April) with evenings and weekend daytime class schedules. Students are required to attend all 80 hours of core training plus one or more specialty workshops held at the Chicago Filmmakers’ facility at 1326 W. Hollywood Avenue in the Edgewater neighborhood. 

We are seeking 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 intended to particularly increase diverse participation in the local creative workforce. BIPOC applicants and/or those who identify as female, gender non-conforming, and/or LBGTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Goals

  • Educate participants on production processes, safety procedures, paperwork, set terminology and other protocols needed for workplace readiness.

  • Expose participants to various entry-level film crew positions and help launch sustainable careers in Illinois' booming film & TV industry.

  • Connect participants with local productions and industry decision-makers through field trips, mentorship and networking opportunities.

  • Encourage workforce diversity and inclusiveness on local productions and in the Illinois entertainment industry as a whole.

Ideal Candidates

We are looking for residents of Illinois who are passionate about film and are committed to building a long-term career in Illinois movie production. In addition, most production assistant roles require regular access to a car. This program is open to all applicants who meet the criteria below and is especially intended to support workforce diversity in terms of race, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

Eligibility 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

  • No prior experience in film and TV is required

Please note all workshops will be held at Chicago Filmmakers’ facility located in the Edgewater neighborhood. Participants are responsible for their own travel and meals.

Program Requirements

Participants are required to attend in-person at least 80 hours of training from February through April. Mandatory workshops will be scheduled on weekends and weeknights. Participants must provide their own transportation to and from Chicago Filmmakers at 1326 W. Hollywood Ave., Chicago 60660. Applicants must be age 18 or older, be a high school graduate or have a GED, and must be a current resident of Illinois. We require students to commit to all training dates if selected to participate in the program.

Program Schedule

February 2025 to April 2025; Exact Dates TBD / Part time-Evenings and Weekends

Questions?

Applicants: If you have any questions about Chicago Filmmakers’ Workforce Development, the Production Assistant Training Program, or the application process, please contact coop@chicagofilmmakers.org.

Partners: Anyone interested in partnering with Chicago Filmmakers as an employer or film production, with entry-level job vacancies for certified trainees, contact coop@chicagofilmmakers.org .

Program Sponsors

Chicago Filmmakers’ Workforce Training programs are supported in part 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.