SIU Offers Free TV, Film Production Assistant Training

The 80-hour weekend program prepares participants to work as production assistants in the region and throughout Illinois.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Southern Illinois University Carbondale is offering a free, 80-hour weekend program to train participants to become television and film production assistants. The program takes place over four consecutive weekends starting on March 20 and includes a graduation ceremony on May 3. Participants who complete the entire program are eligible for a stipend.

Why it matters

The program aims to strengthen the film and television industry in Illinois by providing training and job opportunities for production assistants. This aligns with efforts by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and The Illinois Film Office to support the growth of the state's entertainment industry.

The details

The SI Film and TV Workforce Training Program provides hands-on training in various production assistant roles. Participants must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, be Illinois residents, and agree to complete future employment surveys. The inaugural program in 2025 trained 46 people, and organizers expect a similar number to be accepted this year.

  • The training program takes place over four consecutive weekends starting on March 20, 2026.
  • The graduation ceremony is scheduled for May 3, 2026.

The players

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

A public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois, that is offering the free TV and film production assistant training program.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

A state agency providing funding for the SIU training program to support the growth of Illinois' entertainment industry.

The Illinois Film Office

A state agency also providing funding for the SIU training program to support the growth of Illinois' entertainment industry.

Holly Sparkman

The program director of business operations for SIU's Office of Innovation and Economic Development, who can be contacted for more information about the training program.

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What they’re saying

“The inaugural program in spring 2025 gave 46 people the training and tools to become successful television and film production assistants. Organizers anticipate a similar number will be accepted into the program this year.”

— Holly Sparkman, Program Director of Business Operations, SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development (wmclradio.com)

What’s next

Interested participants should complete the online application soon, as space is limited.

The takeaway

This free training program from SIU provides an opportunity for Illinois residents to gain the skills and experience needed to work as production assistants in the growing film and television industry within the state, supporting economic development efforts.