Fresh Films Begins Streaming Series In Rock Island To Build Rock Line Studios
Fresh Films, a Rock Island-based nonprofit production company, is using its latest streaming series to showcase how film and television production can fuel economic growth across the Quad Cities. The project is part of a broader initiative to build Rock Line Studios – a
campus with soundstages and other infrastructure needed to attract $5 million to $30 million Hollywood productions to the Quad Cities, creating jobs and positioning the region as a growing hub for the creative economy.
For the second summer in a row, Fresh Films is filming in and around the Quad Cities. Whereas last year Fresh Films produced a Groundhog’s Day film, this summer’s focus is on ghosts for streaming series Dearly Departed, a co-production with Rock Media that is planned for a Tubi and YouTube release.
Filming started on July 2nd and will continue through July 17 with multiple key scenes being filmed at First Lutheran Church in Rock Island. Additional scenes will be filmed at Augustana College.
“Most people do not realize the sheer number of people and services that it takes to create a film or TV show. Not just actors and camera operators – but set construction, wardrobe, production accounting, catering, hotel and transport. It’s a 50-person coordinated symphony of talent and service providers all working together.” said Kelli Feigley, managing director and Co-CEO of Fresh Films. Fresh Films is working with 10+ local restaurants for breakfast and lunch catering, are buying costumes, props and supplies at local retailers, have hired local actors & crew, and have non-local crew and actors staying at hotels in Moline. With a 40% tax credit from the Illinois Film Office, most filming and services are Illinois based, however visiting actors and crew are also enjoying restaurants, baseball, golf, movies and more on the Iowa side of the river.
Estlin Feigley (left), Fresh Films co-founder and chief creative officer, and Michael Wiebler, head of the new Rock Island Studios, at the Fresh Films office in downtown Rock Island (photo by Jonathan Turner).
As Illinois’ film industry grows from $700 million to $1B over the next four years, regions with film studios will receive significant economic benefits, and Fresh Films has been working with local partners and investors to raise funds to build the Rock Line Studios campus in downtown Rock Island. The build is backed by a $3.8M grant from the State of Illinois, the City of Rock Island, local private investors and
donors and recent support by Senator Mike Halpin’s office. An additional $1.6 million is needed for the project to break ground allowing the studio team to set an open date and begin selling the Quad Cities to producers, like Amazon, Netflix, and Hallmark.
“The studio in Rantool, IL just got another holiday movie. Without this essential production infrastructure, the Quad Cities will continue to miss out on these larger scale productions. While we can film here without a studio, larger $5 to $30 million NBC or Apple productions won’t come here without the studio infrastructure. We’re hoping our smaller production this summer helps shine the light on the huge opportunity that film and TV could bring to the Quad Cities.” said Feigley.
About the Series: Dearly Departed
When teenage Nyah uncovers a human skull buried deep in the woods, she awakens a terrifying gift: the ability to see and speak with the dead. Among the spirits drawn to her is Jason, a teenage boy who doesn’t know he’s dead. As more ghosts seek Nyah’s help, she is pulled into a web of long-buried secrets, family tension, and increasingly complex supernatural rules—while helping restless spirits find closure before they consume her life.
The 6-episode series is planned for release in late 2026 in partnership with YouTube channel Rock Squad.
In addition to a professional cast and crew, Dearly Departed is a training ground for the next generation of content creators that are part of the Fresh Films program. 80+ student filmmakers from both the QC and cities across the U.S. will participate in the professional production, gaining valuable experience that will jump-start their careers. For local youth that want to be interns on future projects, they should visit www.freshfilms.org.
The nationwide Fresh Films is based in Rock Island.
About Rock Line Studios
Rock Line Studios is a transformative purpose-built $12 million film and television production campus planned for downtown Rock Island, IL. Featuring two soundstages, support spaces, a workforce training center, and multiple outdoor lots, Rock Line Studios will be a 4 block campus located on 5th Avenue between 20th and 22nd Street. Built to attract mid-level productions with budgets ranging from $5 million to $30 million, the studio campus has the potential to bring 100+ jobs and millions of dollars in economic revenue and business opportunities to the Quad Cities. Learn more at freshfilms.org/studio.
About Fresh Films
Fresh Films is where creativity meets opportunity. For over 20 years, the organization has helped youth build careers in the creative industries through real-world film sets, training, and mentorships. Fresh Films alumni have gone on to work for industry leaders including Hulu, HBO, Marvel, Warner Brothers, NBC, Disney, BET, and Nickelodeon. Local and national partners ensure youth continue to learn on every production. Learn more at FreshFilms.org.
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