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

The classes and field trips for the FALL 2025 cohort of the program will run from mid-October 2025 to late November 2025.

Classes are held Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with some field trips on a few Saturdays during the program.

Students who complete the workforce training will earn a 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 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 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 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. 

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 production design and set dressing. She is currently based in the greater LA area and continues to freelance as an editor and set dresser. 

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.

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Lonnie Iske has been in the film industry for 20 years, running her own company, Vixen Productions, since 2006. Through Vixen, she has had the privilege of working with clients from around the world, producing everything from social media content to large-scale brand campaigns. 

Over the years, Lonnie and Vixen’s work have earned multiple accolades. She was honored with a Women in Filmmaking Award in 2017, and several of her passion projects have gone on to screen in select arthouse theaters nationwide. 

A proud alum of Rock Valley College, Lonnie now gives back to the place where her own journey began. As a current Instructional Technician for the Basic Video Production courses she is passionate about mentoring the next generation of storytellers and helping students discover their creative voices through film.

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Luca Sauceda is a filmmaker that’s been working in the field since 2019. Starting his education in Jackson, Michigan he quickly moved on to Columbia College Chicago to pursue Film Directing & Animation. He is a graduate of Rock Valley College where he received both his certificate in Media Production and his position as the Mass Com Lab Technician. 

Outside of school, Luca spends his time shooting Live Music, Documentary, and Commercial work for Vixen Productions. Interviewing is a natural skill for him, so you can also listen to him as the Co-Host of the animation movie podcast “On Twos.” Luca takes much pride working in a field where he can help students find their “Artistic Voice.”