The cameras will be rolling on Sunday and Monday, July 20-21, in Rock Island’s Arts Alley where Fresh Films, the award-winning production company based in that city, will be shooting key scenes for its upcoming feature film “Six More Weeks.”
Filming on what Fresh Films called “a heartwarming, family-friend feature film” began on Wednesday, July 10, and was expected to run through Aug. 1, the production company headquartered at 428 19th St, Rock Island, said in a news release.
“We are so excited to bring a Fresh Films production to the Quad Cities, and partner with so many local businesses that are supporting the film!” Fresh Film founders Kelli Feigley and Estlin Feigley said in the release.
“Our program training future filmmakers and content creators operates locally and nationally, and with this fun and ambitious feature film we are able to further our mission to get youth work-ready right here in our local community.”
Fresh Films describes the plot as: “Desperate to stop his parents’ divorce, 11-year-old Benny kidnaps the town’s beloved groundhog to extend winter – buying himself six more weeks to fix his family. It’s Home Alone-style mischief meets heartfelt family storytelling.”
The production of this film from Fresh Film’s professional cast and crew also will serve as a training ground for the next generation of content creators that are part of its training program, Fresh Films said.
More than 100 student filmmakers from both the QC and cities across the U.S. – including Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago – will travel to the Quad Cities to participate in a professional production, gaining valuable experience that will jump-start their careers, the release said.
Hands-on experiences
Program participants, in eight groups of 10-15 students, will receive hands-on experience in real film production, giving them a critical jumpstart into careers in media, film, television, and digital content. Participants will also explore other arts and culture of the Quad Cities during their downtime, Fresh Films said.
“This is truly a transformative experience for our students that gives them more than just technical skills. They’ll interact with award-winning professionals in a variety of functions, and walk away with an industry credential that is foundational to starting a career.” Ms. Feigley added in the release..
Prior to the production, students participated in after-school training programs with Fresh Films and other industry professionals to build their skill sets across a number of filmmaking and industry-specific functions.
The Fresh Films filmmaking program is free to youth with no requirement for previous film experience. They operate locally with year-round programs in both Rock Island and Davenport, that are open for all Quad Cities youth.
Alumni of the Fresh Films program work as directors, producers, and screenwriters, and also hold positions in marketing, post-production, social media, partner marketing, art direction, media, and HR. Many Fresh Films alumni have gone on to work for industry leaders including Hulu, HBO, Marvel, Warner Brothers, NBC, Disney, BET, and Nickelodeon.
Learn more at FreshFilms.org or follow it on:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshfilmsdt/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshFilmsDT
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreshFilms
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freshfilmsdt/
