Advancing Skills & Connections for Jobs in Illinois’ Film & TV Industry!
What
Paid Film Training Program
Access to Guest Speakers
Tour Opportunities
Paid Summer Internships
Who
Illinois-based creators ages 18-29 of any experience level
When
In-Person Sessions:
Tuesdays & Thursdays from January 12–May 18, 2027
Virtual Sessions:
Every other Wednesday from January 13–June 2, 2027
Where
Location 1:
Chicago, IL @ Roosevelt University (6–8pm CT)
Location 2:
Chicago, IL @ IFA Chicago—TBC
Location 3:
Rock Island, IL @ FF Offices (6–8pm CT)
APPLY BY
December 11
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Fresh Films Alumni Work at
HBO
Hulu
Disney
Marvel
Netflix
Lifetime
& Hundreds More Companies!
Accelerated Paid Film Training Programs in Chicago + Rock Island
Ready to kick-start a career in the entertainment industry? Then apply for the Fresh Films Accelerated Training Program to advance your skills and your connections to access jobs in the rapidly growing film, TV, and media production industries.
This is a competitive PAID training program with only 15 training spots per location.
- Open to Illinois residents ages 18–29
- You must have graduated high school (can be in college or the workforce)
- You do not need previous filmmaking experience
- You must have a passion for film and be able to commit to the full training program January to June (see dates below)
- Pay: $700 stipend, distributed incrementally throughout the program
If you meet the criteria above, apply now! The application deadline is December 11, but application reviews will be done on a rolling basis.
Program Overview
The program uses hands-on production training, guest speakers and workforce skills sessions to get you job ready.
As part of the program, you will:
- Produce 4 projects to add to your portfolio while gaining industry insights from Hollywood Pros at Sony, Fremantle (producers of American Idol), and other studios
- – Produce an Unscripted “How-To” Video
– Make a Music Video for a real musician
– Produce a Documentary Short
– Create a 5-minute Short Film - Have the chance to get certified in Adobe Premiere editing
- Have an opportunity to earn a paid summer internship on the set of a TV or Film production (and earn IMDb credit!)
- Gain industry connections and insights via speaker sessions & studio tours
- Sharpen your resume and interview skills to access internships & jobs
Specific Training Session Dates
Please note that trainees are expected to attend all of the following program sessions:
- Weekly hands-on filmmaking sessions:
- – In-person at training locations listed below
– Tuesdays & Thursdays from January 12–May 18, 2027
– Program times vary by location - Soft Skills & Industry Speaker Sessions:
- – Virtual via Zoom
– Every other Wednesday from January 13–June 2, 2027
– 6–7pm CT - Additional dates TBD for studio tours, meet & greets, and industry training sessions. Please note that some of these sessions may take place in early June.
