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 WINTER 2026 cohort of the program will run from mid-January 2026 to late February 2026.

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.

---

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.

---

 

Nathan Talan has worked in video production for over 10 years. He currently serves as the Media Lab Technician at Rock Valley College while also working freelance in commercial and corporate film production. In addition, he has contributed to a variety of independent short and feature film projects.

His short films have received several accolades, including recognition that brought him to the Cannes Film Festival as part of a winning 48-hour film competition team.

Nathan is excited to be a part of the IFOxRVC team and hopes to pass his love of filmmaking on to the students and help bring their creative visions to life