Fresh Films Brings Feature Film ‘Six More Weeks’ to the Quad Cities
Fresh Films, the Rock Island-based production company, is bringing the heartwarming, family-friendly feature film Six More Weeks to life right here in the Quad Cities. Filming will take place for 22 days from July 10 to August 1, with key scenes shooting in Rock Island’s iconic Arts Alley on July 20 and 21.
“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!” said Kelli Feigley and Estlin Feigley, Founders of Fresh Films. “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.”
About the Film: Six More Weeks 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. In addition to a professional cast and crew, Six More Weeks is a training ground for the next generation of content creators that are part of the Fresh Films program. Over 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.
Because of the generosity of funders, Fresh Films programs are offered free to students to learn about the film business.
Program participants, in 8 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 & culture of the Quad Cities during their downtime. “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.” added Kelli Feigley.
Empowering the Next Generation of Creators 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 always 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 QC 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.
Fresh Films works with teens across the country to give them hands-on experience on every aspect of TV and film production.
As a non-profit, Fresh Films has received generous support locally from: The Regional Development Authority (RDA), Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, Bechtel Trusts, Rock Island Community Foundation, HavLife, Quad City Community Foundation, Iowa Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Film Office and the United Way of the Quad Cities.
Additional industry partners that support student training and mentorship include: NBC, Sony, Paramount, Fremantle, Roku, Lifetime Movies and United Talent Agency.
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. With every project, Fresh Films proves that empowering young creators isn’t just good for their future—it’s good for storytelling. Learn more at FreshFilms.org.
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