CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND)—Parkland College students interested in pursuing a career in film will soon have the opportunity to work as interns with film and TV production professionals.
Rantoul-based Flyover Film Studios and two Champaign-based film production companies have joined forces with Parkland College, significantly broadening the horizons for students pursuing an Entertainment Technology AAS degree and enhancing the program's offerings.
Parkland College Theater Director Brian Morgan says this will enhance the current program, "Our new partnership with Flyover Film Studios, The Line Film Co., and Shatterglass Films brings a new layer of marketability for the area's entertainment-industry trainees."
Flyover Film Studios operates from the former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul from a $1.1 million grant from the Illinois Soundstage Capital Grant Program.Â
The studio president, Jennifer Shelby, says, "As a lifelong Champaign resident who has taken classes at Parkland College, I know what a gem the college is for this community," Shelby said. "My stepfather, Henry Green, served as the director of development and was on the steering committee responsible for creating Parkland. I could not be more proud to now be part of the growth of programming at the institution. It will lead to job creation, and will help build a vibrant industry in Champaign County." Shelby is also the co-owner of Shatterglass Films of Champaign.
As a Parkland Alum and a representative with Flyover Film Studios, Dustin Hoke says the new partnership will give hands-on experience, "I know firsthand the high-quality education that students receive from Parkland College, and I am elated to help foster opportunities for students to gain the skills necessary to become world-class film workers with employment opportunities here in Champaign County."
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