Rock Valley College Seeks Applicants for Free Film/TV Workforce Training Program

Rock Valley College Seeks Applicants for Free Film/TV Workforce Training Program

• Students
• 09/25/2024

Following the success of its previous free Film and TV workforce training cohort, the Mass Communication program at Rock Valley College announces the next iteration of its immersive tuition-free, in-person Film and TV Workforce Training Program designed to provide participants with the training and knowledge needed to land entry-level positions on motion picture productions, TV commercials, independent shorts, music videos, and more.

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. This program is particularly intended to increase participation of women, gender non-conforming, LBGTQ+, and people of color in the local creative workforce.

"We are excited to bring back the Film and TV Workforce Training program to Rock Valley College. We've been a part of this program since its inception, and we are glad we can expand the program this year to more students than we have ever been able to before. Our thanks to Peter Hawley, Director of the Illinois Film Office, for his help and the creation of this program to support the film and TV industry here in Illinois," said Jerry LaBuy, IFO/RVC Film and TV Workforce Training Program Manager and Lead Instructor.

RVC Mass Com seeks participants who are passionate about film and TV and are committed to building a long-term career in Illinois' booming entertainment industry. BIPOC applicants and/or those who identify as female, gender non-conforming, and/or LBGTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications are open now through October 14^th for the first cohort of this training. Applicants selected for the first class will be notified by October 18^th. The first class for this group will begin the evening of Tuesday, October 22^nd.

This year's training program will have three separate cohorts of students and provide over 80 hours of coursework and hands-on film industry training. The first group will have classes that run from October 2024 through the end of November 2024. The next group will run from January to February 2025 and the final group for this year will run from April to May 2025. Students who complete the workforce training will earn a $680 stipend, however they are required to attend all 80 hours of provided training which will include weekday evening classroom instruction, as well as all day weekend field trips to area production facilities and TV stations.

The program has several key 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.

At the end of the program, participants who successfully complete course requirements will receive a "Certificate of Completion" and the aforementioned $680 stipend. This certificate qualifies trainees for job referrals and support finding placement through the Illinois Film Office.

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
• No prior experience in film and TV is required

For more information about the program and how to apply, visit here https://rockvalleycollege.edu/community/workforce-development/film-training.

Anyone interested in partnering with Mass Com at Rock Valley College as an employer or film production, with entry-level job vacancies for certified trainees, can contact our IFO/RVC Workforce Program Manager, Jerry LaBuy, at [email protected]

The IFO/RVC Film and TV Workforce Training Program is made possible through funding from the Illinois Film Office through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Jerry LaBuy, Program Manager and Instructor

RVC/IFO Film/TV Set Workforce Training Program

Jerry LaBuy has worked in radio, journalism, television, and film production for over 25 years. During his career, he has worked with filmmakers such as Lawrence Turman ("The Thing" "American History X"), Elizabeth Allen ("Ramona and Beezus" "Purple Hearts"), and Bing Liu ("Minding the Gap" "All These Sons").

Mr. LaBuy's extensive background includes award-winning work in news, advertising, documentary, and narrative production as well as sound design. He is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago (B.A.) and DePaul University (M.F.A.). Prior to his production career, he was on staff with the University of Southern California's School of the Cinematic Arts. He is currently the chair of the Mass Communication program at Rock Valley College.

Mr. LaBuy is also the Executive Director of the Mosaic World Film Festival; an event held every September in Rockford, IL. In addition to teaching, he runs his own film production company, The Caledonia Night Sky Co., which focuses primarily on commercial production and narrative filmmaking.

Media Contact

• RVC Public Relations
• (815) 921-4510
• Email RVC Public Relations
• RVC Communications Page