Augie welcomes new film production facilities
Augustana College on Friday morning celebrated the launch of its new film major and film production facilities at Sorensen Hall, at 38th Street and 7th Avenue, Rock Island.
The renovation of the first-floor space (formerly housing the college’s IT department, which moved to the basement level) included creation of a state-of-the-art production studio, with a 20-seat iMac lab, LED lighting grid, green screen, recording studio, professional equipment and private editing suite.
Stacy Barton, director of the film program, joined Augie in fall 2022 and she launched the Augustana Student Film Showcase in October 2023, at Olin Auditorium. She teaches students all stages of film production, including all genres.
“We look forward to a future full of local partnerships, as more film majors are attracted to Augustana,” Barton said Friday at a formal ribbon-cutting. They plan to show Augie student films this May in a free showcase at Last Picture House in downtown Davenport. The juried festival will culminate in student awards next October during Augie’s Symposium Day.
Last fall’s juried event included short videos made in film courses during the previous academic year. Last October’s event featured 18 student films, in the genres of documentary, narrative fiction, experimental and public service announcement.
Junior Matthew Chezum, a film and chemistry double major from New Windsor, Ill., won the best narrative fiction and audience choice award at last October’s film student showcase for his live action short “S’mores.” His film (3 minutes and 49 seconds) featured marshmallows caught up in the Salem witch trials.
He will take a crew production class and edit his film for the May film showcase.
“There is such a rich arts scene — whether it’s music, live music every week somewhere, and especially film,” Chezum said Friday. “It seems natural that Augustana would get a film program and I feel so grateful for the work they’ve done to put together this facility.”
“I feel very grateful to be part of the inaugural class of film majors,” he said, noting the curriculum is very hands-on and relevant.
“I just want to say, I’m super thankful and excited to keep learning,” Chezum said. “Watch out Quad Cities, and watch out Hollywood, because this program is going to produce great filmmakers and great films.”
Feeling emotions in film
“The greatest part of creating a film is compelling other people to truly feel the emotions that the story gives, whether that is through the music or the camera angles or the script or even the makeup and costuming,” he said. “The beauty in a group of people all experiencing the same feelings and sharing in that is quite beautiful to me, and film is the greatest medium when it comes to not only telling a story, but also conveying all of the subtle sentiments and personality of that story.
“Creating films is a passion of mine, but I wouldn’t complain if it brought in some money too,” Chezum added. “A career in film could mean lots of different things whether I am directing small indie films or being part of the crew on a blockbuster movie. I’m learning what I can here at Augie so I can maximize opportunities when they inevitably show up.”
Augie provost Dianna Shandy said the college’s department name change from the former Department of Theatre Arts to the Department of Theatre and Film reflects vital synergy between the two areas of study.
“Augustana’s rich tradition of theatre arts is enhanced by the college’s new film major and minor,” Shandy said Friday. “Cross-curricular opportunities build students with the skills to enter the modern workforce prepared and confident in their abilities.”
“The growth and interest in our film program is very exciting, and I’m proud to say Augustana students remain committed to telling powerful stories,” she said. “It’s hard to over-emphasize the power of film in telling those stories.
“Augustana educates students broadly and deeply, and the film program is an excellent opportunity for students to take courses across several departments,” Shandy said.
“Augustana prepares its graduates for the world, and the importance of strong storytellers are always in demand,” she said. “The jobs they take may lead them to Hollywood, or to put down roots right here in Illinois and the Quad Cities.”
Jennifer Popple, associate professor of theatre arts, is happy with the merged department.
“It seems like a really natural connection, one that we needed for a long time,” she said Friday. “Our students are graduating and going into an industry that is really connected.”
Theater majors want to do not only live theater, but film, TV and commercials, Popple said.
“What we’re hoping to do is expand the number of classes we have, like having a course on acting for the camera,” she said. “It felt like such a natural fit and I’m really excited, ’cause it offers up — theater will always be important to the world, but it also speaks to the realities of streaming and film and television.”
Augie is still looking at ideas and opportunities on how to combine film and theater activities, Popple said.
There are about 24 film majors and minors, and 45 theater majors and minors. Barton may look at hiring more faculty, and work with local filmmakers to teach, Popple said.
For more information on the new film major, click HERE.
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