As the only state in the country to have a diversity provision as part of its Film Tax Credit, Illinois is dedicated to its mission to diversify the film industry. To that end, the Illinois Film Office and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have worked diligently with the local production community to promote and encourage minority training and hiring. The Illinois Film Office provides a Diversity Guide (available under the Production Guide tab) and we are always here to answer questions. Please check our website for upcoming diversity events.

Some of the recent training events we’ve sponsored include:
 
Set Construction Training Session with IATSE Local 476
The Studio Mechanics Local 476, the Illinois Film Office and the University of Illinois BIS joined forces to host a 20-day intensive Movie Set Construction Training Class that took place Jan 14- Feb 11, 2008.  The program trained students from an existing partner program at Dawson Technical Institute at Kennedy-King College. The goal of this intensive training session was to offer union memberships to those who complete the training. The class was taught inside the Dawson Technical institute construction shop utilizing two construction coordinators from Local 476 as instructors.

Grip and Electric Training Session with IATSE Local 476
February 20, 2006 the Illinois Film Office and IATSE Local 476 hosted a minority grip/eclectic training program with a grant from DECO's Workforce Development.  The program provided for 14 students to train on the basic techniques of construction and operation.  The classes were held at the Essanay Studios with two members from Local 476 as instructors.

Production Assistant Training Seminar
September 6, 2008 AICP and the IFO held a training seminar for forty individuals at Essanay Studios. Participants learned what productions assistants do for various departments and were given information and demonstrations in camera assistance, hair and make-up, set design, grip, and loading and unloading equipment trucks.

Minority Vendor Mentor Training Seminar
In October 2007, the Illinois Film Office and the Illinois Production Alliance held a Minority Vendor Mentor Training Seminar with the goal of increased supplier diversity in the visual media industry in Illinois.  The vendors represented the areas of accounting, cleaning services, catering, and hair/make up.  The four-hour session provided a small group of vendors with one-on-one training.  The vendors worked with the mentor on the specifics to their craft.  Participants were also provided free admission to the day's IFP events located at Columbia College. 

Minority Vendor Mentor Training Seminar II
Because of the success of this pilot program, The Illinois Film Office along with the IPA held another session modeled on this one but expanded to include more vendors and mentors on March 15,  2008 at Kennedy King College.

As a result of these, a minority-owned cleaning service secured a contact with an  independent film and a minority-owned accounting firm worked on two major studio movies.  Two other vendors, a catering company and a hair and makeup technician, are currently working with their respective mentors on additional training and on-the-job shadowing. 

Diversity Awareness Seminar
In June 2007, the Illinois Film Office hosted a diversity self-awareness course that consisted of open interactive discussions, group interaction exercises, and key presentations.  The information provided from the course gave the enrollees practical information on how to deal with diversity challenges impacting the film industry workplace.  Representatives from both the Teamsters and the Studio Mechanics Unions participated in the event.