Film Training

We are seeking 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.

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

This year's training program will have three separate cohorts, providing over 80 hours of coursework and hands-on film industry training.

• First Cohort: October 2024 – November 2024
• Second Cohort: January-February 2025
• Third Cohort: April-May 2025

Classes are held Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Some classes will be held at the RVC Main Campus in the Mass Communication Department, while other classes will be held at City Stage Studios – a film and TV production studio owned and operated by one of our alums. There will also be some field trips on a few Saturdays during the program.

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.

At the end of the program, participants who successfully complete course requirements will receive a “Certificate of Completion” and a $680 stipend.

• This certificate qualifies trainees for job referrals and support finding placement through the Illinois Film Office.
• To earn the stipend, students 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.

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.

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Julia Moore, Program Instructor 
RVC/IFO Film/TV Set Workforce Training Program

Julia Moore has worked in film production for almost ten years. She graduated from Rock Valley College before going on to earn her Bachelors in Film Production from Huntington University. Immediately following graduation she moved to Los Angeles where she lived for years working in the film and television industry. She has worked for FOX, NBC, A&E, the Food Network, ABC, Warner Brothers, and many others. Her primary focus is on production design and set dressing. She continues to freelance as a videographer and set dresser in the Rockford/Chicago area. She has taught in the Mass Communication Department of Rock Valley College since 2022. Julia has a love for teaching and investing in the next generation of talented filmmakers.