Flight Log: 05 - Spring '26
- The Flight Crew
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2
We survived the winter at Flyover Film Studios, and we're looking forward to the busy season ahead. Check out some of the things we've been up to while it's been so Chili (Finger.)
In the News
Local and National news can't get enough of us! In case you missed any of these articles, this is your chance to get caught up.
The governor promotes film in illinois
Governor Pritzker visited Flyover in the same month that the Hollywood Reporter talked about more films coming to Illinois.
"The Prairie State, home to a trio of Dick Wolf 'Chicago' shows and FX's 'The Bear,' saw production expenditures hit a high of $703 million as other locales see declines in projects."
“For nearly 120 years, Illinois has helped shape the film and television industry — from the early days of Charlie Chaplin to today’s hit productions like Chicago Fire, The Bear, and The Chi,” said Gov. Pritzker in a statement. “By investing in our workforce, expanding our film tax credit, and building world-class production infrastructure, Illinois is creating good union jobs and attracting major productions from across the industry. With more than $700 million in film production in 2025, the message is clear: Illinois is a top destination to make movies and television.”
Click here for the letter from the office of JB Pritzker
The 2026 Flyover Film Expo
Resolutions stay strong after Flyover hosted their first ever Filmworkers Expo. Beautifully designed, decorated, and hosted by our Flight Crew, the day event included a morning of Department specific Education (ei: 4x4s!), multiple 10-talk backs, a substantial Gear Auction, Film-themes games, and a time to network with film-supporting vendors, locations, rental options, and other filmworkers!
Over 250 people came to this inaugural event introducing Flyover's campus expansion at the Rantoul Business Center. With snacks supplied by multiple catering and crafty providers, new classes announced, and new standing sets on the way, you will not want to miss it next year!
Thank you so much to all our vendors who came out, sponsored prizes, and gave the Expo a real experience! You really made it special for everyone!
Become a Filmmaker: Production Assistant Class at Flyover Film Studios
So you want to work in movies? With a workforce of millions, getting started is tough. Standing out is even tougher. But, Flyover is here to help! Becoming a Production Assistant is the most common way to get your start in the film industry. But what does a PA actually do? What does working in Production actually entail?
Flyover’s two-day course is here to answer all your questions! You’ll learn the fundamental objectives and lingo of all the key players on set. You’ll get hands-on experience with walkies, real film materials, and Behind-the-Scenes stories from productions past!
Keeping it Classy - Camera Classes at Flyover
Fourteen students graduated Flyover's first ever Camera Classes, a multi-week intensive that allowed students work with cinematographers and utility camera techs to learn the basics of working in the camera department. Graduates now are on rosters for Camera Utility and 2nd AC positions going into the upcoming 2026 season!
Spring Cleaning the art department all winter
Flyover Film Rentals: COMING SOON
The Flyover Film team has been hard at work all winter organizing thousands of art department pieces, props, and furniture. If you have a film, wedding, commercial, or music video coming up that needs art department help, come on by and get inspired!
We'll be ready to launch this rental platform soon - keep your eyes open!
If you need something now, get in touch with us.
Vendor Spotlight: Wizard Tower
Here at the Flyover Campus, we have a new vendor at The Command Center (the old Rantoul Business Center) that we're so happy to have. Welcome to Wizard Tower Productions! Check out all their offerings and keep an eye out for new offerings.
Brought to you by: FORGE FILM ACTING
Forge Film Acting has an office on our studio campus and provides weekly classes and weekend intensives. Here's what's coming up next for them:
Acting for Camera with Sarah Cayce
Work with casting director Sarah Cayce on your on-camera acting skills. This class is designed for actors of all levels, so whether you're an old pro or this is your first class, your camera technique will improve!
Wednesdays Starting April 22nd
Screenwriting 101 with Vijay M Rajan
Work with filmmaker and screenwriter Vijay M Rajan in his six-week screenwriting class. You may know him from producing films in town or teaching acting in California, but he's at the central forge teaching screenwriting this June!
Mondays starting June 8th
Comments