From Central Illinois to the Big Screen
Nov-17-2025How EIU helped LeRoy’s Matt Williamson turn a lifelong love of movies into real Hollywood experience
(Charleston, IL) – When Matt Williamson graduated from LeRoy (Illinois) High School in 2022, he never imagined that just a few years later he would be working alongside Hollywood icons like Judy Greer, Sean Astin, John Goodman, and Bryan Cranston. But thanks to the hands-on opportunities he found at Eastern Illinois University, Williamson—a senior television and video production major—turned his small-town passion for movies into real industry experience on professional film sets across Central Illinois.
“I was a self-proclaimed movie nerd growing up,” Williamson recalls with a laugh. “I even had to get a special work permit to be able to work at the local movie theater in LeRoy. I just loved everything about film.”
Williamson admits that EIU wasn’t originally on his radar, but his first campus visit changed everything.
Eastern Illinois University senior television and video production major
Matt Williamson works on the set of Chili Finger, a feature film
shot across Central Illinois in 2025. The movie features such well-known
screen performers as Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Judy Greer, and Sean Astin.
“When I came here and saw the television production program, I was so impressed by how much experiential learning you get right away—even as a freshman,” he says. “I realized this was a place where I could actually do what I love, not just study it, whether that was in the production studio or through relationships I’ve built with mentors.”
That decision is paying off in ways Williamson never expected. Through EIU’s School of Communication and Journalism and its award-winning student media programs, he gained the kind of firsthand experience that helped him land a paid position as a camera utility on Chili Finger, a feature film shot across Central Illinois in 2025.
Williamson says the experience itself was unforgettable.
“Not only was I on a film set, but I was getting experience in the job I ultimately want to have,” he says. “My work mainly included setting up monitors on set, supporting the assistant camera team, and maintaining batteries for the camera department’s equipment. Seeing how a full production comes together—just all of it—it was absolutely incredible.”
Those kinds of opportunities, Williamson says, wouldn’t have been possible without the mentorship he found at EIU—a public regional university in Charleston, Illinois dedicated to building relationships with students that connect passion with opportunity, helping eager learners to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
Judy Greer, a featured cast member of Chili Finger, takes time for a photo with Matt Williamson.
Williamson is an Eastern Illinois University senior television and video production whose EIU
experiences helped land him a job on the set of the film, which was shot across Central Illinois in 2025.
Chili Finger features other well-known screen performers such as Bryan Cranston, John Goodman
and Sean Astin.
According to Williamson, three faculty members in particular made a lasting impact on his path: Drew Britton, Kelly Goodwin, and Joe Astrouski.
Britton, who directed and co-wrote the 2025 indie film Flytrapper, brought Williamson onto his project—an experience Williamson describes as life-changing. “Drew was so enthusiastic about film and helping students succeed,” Williamson says. “He wasn’t just good at what he did—he taught us how to create something that felt professional, that had quality.”
Kelly Goodwin, Williamson adds, was known for setting a high bar at WEIU News Watch, Eastern’s on-campus television station. He says Goodwin helped push him past his comfort zone. “She really pushed me to do my best work, especially on news pieces,” he says. “Because of her work and dedication, I ended up winning awards for news reporting and photojournalism in 2024 and 2025.”
He added Joe Astrouski to his list of mentors as well. Williamson describes Astrouski as “one of the busiest people I know, but someone who always made time for students. He gave thoughtful, honest feedback on your work. Even if the work you were producing was already good, he always finds ways to improve it and make it better. He showed me that there’s always room for improvement.”
Working on Chili Finger gave Williamson a glimpse into the life he had been preparing for since that first EIU campus visit.
“Film isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle,” he says. “It can be exhausting, but seeing all the pieces come together was the most rewarding feeling. EIU can help anyone follow their passion, and with some work and dedication, the outcomes can be amazing.”
Williamson admits for him, being on set wasn’t just a professional milestone—it is deeply personal.
“It was emotional getting that phone call saying I was hired for this experience,” he says. “To be from a town of just under 4,000 people and suddenly find yourself working on a film with people you grew up watching—it was surreal. I owe so much to the people at Eastern who believed in me and gave me the chance to learn by doing. The passion Eastern’s professors and faculty have for its students is unmatchable.”
From small-town movie buff to professional film crew member, Matt Williamson’s EIU story is proof that with the right support and opportunity, even the biggest dreams are achievable.
Sean Astin, a featured cast member of Chili Finger, takes time for a photo with Matt Williamson.
Williamson is an Eastern Illinois University senior television and video production whose
EIU experiences helped land him a job on the set of the film, which was shot across
Central Illinois in 2025. Chili Finger features other well-known screen performers such as
Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Judy Greer.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University—including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities—visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.
