Teens get hands-on experience filming TV pilot

Kyle Johnson is a lifelong movie lover who enjoys making short videos.

Two weeks ago, the 16-year-old Aurora resident got a glimpse at what it takes to become a professional filmmaker.

He was among a group of Chicagoland teens - including one from Naperville and another from Elgin - who helped film a television pilot right here in the suburbs.

The youngsters were picked for the project by Fresh Films, a company that puts teenagers behind the camera for movies, television shows and documentaries to teach them about the behind-the-scenes, production side of filmmaking.

"Our mission is to grow teen confidence, build work skills and build life skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving," said Kelli Feigley, managing director for Fresh Films. "We do it through the lens of film."

As part of a free summer program, Johnson and 12 other selected teens worked to film the pilot of a television show written by three students from Augustana College in Rock Island.

The family-oriented show, "Miskits," tells the story of a group of children with genetic flaws in a future society where most people are genetically enhanced.

"You know you're not quite perfect (because your arm keeps falling off)," the synopsis reads, "but that's no reason to be put out to pasture."

"The question is whether they can change their destiny," said Feigley, adding that the show combines drama and comedy.

Once completed, the pilot will be reviewed by a panel of TV network executives.

During filming, each teen had the opportunity to try every behind-the-scenes role.

In addition to running the casting call, the teens worked to find locations, props and costumes. They also - with the assistance of a small group of professionals - did a multitude of tasks on set.

"We rotated through positions so everyone got to do everything at some point," said Johnson, who's going to be a junior at Oswego East High School. "It's a great experience."

Johnson said he most enjoyed being a cameraman. "You're right there in the mix the whole time," he said.

Sergio Godinez said he signed up for the program because he has a couple friends interested in film.

"This seemed like a good chance to try it out," the 17-year-old Naperville resident said.

Being on set gave him a greater appreciation for how films are made and what goes on behind the scenes. "It opened up my eyes to filmmaking in general," said Godinez, who is going to be a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School.

For example, he said the days of filming were longer than he expected. "It definitely is a lot of hard work," he said.

The crew filmed scenes at locations in Franklin Park, Aurora and Downers Grove. Godinez even offered up his parents' house in Naperville for a scene.

"I thought my mom would kind of freak out," he said. "But she was cool with it."

Gwen Sihanath, who is going to be a junior at Larkin High School, said the experience forced all the teens in the program to work as a team.

"What I enjoyed the most is the friendships that you make with each other." the 16-year-old Elgin resident said.

The teens are expected to find out later this year if the pilot is chosen to become a real television series.

"I'm excited because I will be able to say that I was part of a TV pilot," Godinez said. "If it does get picked up by a TV network, I think that would be really cool."