Augustana College students gain filmmaking skills

Nine young students spent the last few weeks at Augustana College writing and shooting two original short films under the guidance of Augustana assistant professor Stacy Barton as part of the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program run by Quad City Arts.

“These talented young people have already written exceptionally creative short scripts, each five to 10 minutes long, that we will move into production and then post-production in just a few weeks,” said Barton, who directs Augustana’s film program. “The program will conclude on July 11th, when the films will premiere that evening. We can’t wait to show the QC community what we’re creating!”

The final Quad City Arts show will be held on July 11 from 6-7 p.m. at the Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch Community Room, 2715 30th St.

The Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program provides paid creative arts internships to students ages 15-21 in the region, according to a news release. The program, first launched in 2000, provides mentoring, support and funding to young people who work with professional artists during a five-week experience. This year, interns are working on projects in film, mural painting and digital storytelling.