Riverbender Features High School Filmmaking Workshop at SIUE
Posted July 22, 2026
Riverbender featured the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Mass Communications event with local high schoolers this summer titled "Script to Screen: Producing a Short Film." The hands-on workshop was held June 15–18 and 22–25. The camp guided eight students through the full filmmaking process, from writing scripts and planning productions to camera work, audio recording, lighting, editing, and distribution.
Cory Byers, an instructor in the Department of Mass Communications who leads the workshop, designed the program to help students discover their interests and talents while learning how much work goes into producing a film. Byers emphasized that filmmaking is accessible to anyone with a smartphone camera, even without a Hollywood-level budget, and encouraged participants to think of the experience as both a fun summer activity and a foundation for future creative or professional pursuits.
The workshop rounded out a summer of programming for Byers, who also led a TV production workshop for adults. SIUE's Department of Mass Communications offers concentrations in media production, journalism, strategic advertising, and strategic media, with upperclassmen able to pursue advanced coursework in TV production and short filmmaking.
Read more: RiverBender.com
