When Matt Williamson graduated from LeRoy High School just a few years ago, he didn’t picture himself working alongside actors he had only ever seen on screen. That’s exactly where he has found himself as a senior at Eastern Illinois University, gaining experience on professional film sets across Central Illinois. What began as a fascination with movies, has grown into the kind of opportunity most young filmmakers only dream about, thanks in large part to EIU and their programs.

Williamson says movies were a constant part of his life growing up, and he even worked at his hometown theater to stay close to what he loved. EIU wasn’t originally his plan after high school, but one campus visit shifted that. He was drawn in by how quickly students could get involved in real production work and how much time they were able to spend behind the camera rather than just reading about it. That early exposure helped set the stage for everything that followed.

Through Eastern Illinois University’s School of Communication and Journalism and its student-run media programs, Williamson built a set of skills that led him to a paid job as “camera utility” on ‘Chili Finger,’ a feature film shot around Central Illinois in 2025. The role put him in the middle of a professional crew, handling equipment, supporting the camera department, and seeing the pace and coordination required to keep a film set moving. For a student who grew up studying movies for fun, stepping into that environment felt like a milestone that connected his past interests with a future career.

Along the way, Williamson points to several EIU faculty members whose guidance made a big difference. Of the faculty that supported him, Drew Britton, Kelly Goodwin, and Joe Astrouski. Today, Williamson’s story serves as an example of how a regional public university can open doors for students who come ready to learn.

More information about EIU’s programs and services is available at www.eiu.edu or through the Public Information Office at 217-581-7400.