Teens Apply Skills Learned at Downers Grove Library

Submitted by the Downers Grove Public Library.

After two successful rounds of hands-on camera training, Downers Grove Public Library Teen Services Coordinator Lynette Pitrak is thrilled to see teens putting what they learned to use outside of the library.

DGPL received a $5,000 Best Buy Foundation Community Grant in 2014, and invited high schoolers to create their own documentary during an eight-week training program, View From the Director's Chair. The curriculum was led by independent film producer Laura Zinger and took participants from the beginning pre-production stages all the way to a public film screening of their work at the Tivoli Theatre.

Structured after the View From the Director's Chair filmmaking course, a photography follow up was offered in 2015. Taught by College of DuPage photography professor Michael Taylor, View From Behind the Lens curriculum covered camera basics, lighting techniques, and the editing software Lightroom.

Now, after both programs have wrapped, teens are actively using what they learned.

Lynette was approached by Amelia Cosmas, the parent of a student who needed professional headshots to apply for a college theater program. Amelia got quotes from businesses. "The photos needed for my daughter to apply would have cost $175 or more." Lynette put them in touch with Niara Briggs, 18, who completed both the filmmaking and photography programs offered by the library. Niara used equipment loaned from DGPL, and her sharpened skills, to take the headshots.

In addition to the cost benefit, both Amelia and her daughter were pleased with the finished products. "Niara did great work. She was flexible with scheduling, responsive, and sent the edited photos quickly." It was a win-win.

Jasmine Smith, 19, always knew she wanted to go into film, so applying for an entertainment-based internship in Berlin, Germany was a no brainer. Because of her previous participation in View From the Director's Chair, Jasmine knew just who to ask when she needed a letter of recommendation - film producer and curriculum instructor Laura Zinger. "I learned so much from Ms. Z. Most importantly that your content must captivate your audience."

Jasmine was accepted into the weeklong internship where she worked behind the scenes for the Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin. Odin’s Eye Entertainment company was so impressed with her performance that she has been invited back to prepare for the Cannes Film Festival in May. Jasmine is also using her knowledge locally. "I've filmed weddings and birthday parties. I understand the equipment and the editing process better because of the library program. We covered a lot in a small amount of time."

These programs were planned to show teens how to use some of the equipment and software that is available through the library. Also, "We hoped to support participants’ passion for the creative arts," Teen Services Coordinator Lynette explained. "But knowing they can use, and are using, these skills outside of the library setting is more than we expected. I'm incredibly proud of them. And I'm proud of programs like this."

Library staff are hard at work planning the next round of technology curriculum. See dglibrary.org for information on services provided by the Downers Grove Public Library.

Image1 - Niara Briggs, 18, with View from Behind the Lens photography instructor Mike Taylor.
Image2 - Jasmine Smith, 19, in front of the Berlin wall during her internship at the Berlinale Film Festival.
Image3 - The headshot Sonja Kudulis, 18, submitted with her application.