Imagine growing up in the heart of Middle America, dreaming of a career in filmmaking but feeling like Hollywood might as well be on another planet. For so many aspiring creators, that dream feels out of reach. But Stacy Barton is here to prove otherwise. As the director of the Film Program at Augustana College, she’s not just teaching filmmaking—she’s transforming lives, empowering students to embrace cutting-edge technology and discover that they can create opportunities from wherever they are.
Stacy’s story is as inspiring as the work she does. From cranking 1920s 16mm cameras to directing documentaries in Chile, she’s experienced firsthand how resourcefulness and creativity can overcome any obstacle.
If you’ve ever doubted your ability to break into filmmaking or thought the industry was only for people with big budgets and coastal zip codes, Stacy Barton’s work will change your perspective.
For those unfamiliar, can you tell us about your role at Augustana College and what you’re building there?
I’m the director of the Film Program at Augustana College. I was hired in August 2022 to create the program from the ground up, which began declaring majors and minors with the start of the 2023-2024 academic year. We’re a small liberal arts college, so the focus is on a wholistic approach to filmmaking. Our program teaches students to take projects from concept through production, post-production, and distribution. We’ve invested in a production studio, an iMac lab, and industry-standard 4k equipment to ensure students have access to the resources they need.
My goal is to help students understand every part of the process, from crafting a great script to showcasing their films at our annual screening and awards ceremony.
You’ve had quite the journey yourself, from experimental filmmaking to documentaries and features. How does your experience influence how you teach?
I started in experimental film, shooting on 16mm cameras from the 1920s—hard to crank, awkward to hold—but that shaped my appreciation for the craft. I moved into long-form documentary filmmaking in grad school, creating a film in Chile about memory, activism, and women’s roles after the Pinochet regime.
That hands-on experience taught me to value creativity and resourcefulness. Today, I try to instill that same adaptability in my students, showing them how to balance the art and technical aspects of filmmaking, while embracing new technologies.
Speaking of technology, what excites you most about the advancements we’re seeing in filmmaking right now?
We’re in the midst of what I’d call “filmmaking 3.0.” The first era was celluloid film, the second was digital video, and now we’re moving into virtual filmmaking. This includes technologies like in-camera visual effects, LED volume stages, and game engines like Unreal Engine.
These tools make filmmaking more accessible, cost-effective, and creatively controlled. Schools like mine are especially excited about tools for pre-visualization and design. They allow students to build complex worlds and plan shots with precision, whether using green screens, motion tracking, or augmented reality.
How are students responding to this wave of new technology? Are they embracing it?
They’re definitely excited, especially about AI. We’re already using AI tools in our program to fix common student challenges in production, like focus issues or grainy footage from low lighting. Tools like Adobe Creative Cloud are integrating generative AI into programs like After Effects, making advanced techniques more accessible.
Unreal Engine is another game-changer. It’s designed with filmmakers in mind, making it easier for even beginners to create immersive worlds. We’re working toward integrating motion tracking and green screen technology into our curriculum, which is thrilling for both students and faculty.
With so many online resources for aspiring filmmakers, why is film school still relevant?
Great question! Film school offers three key advantages:
Deadlines: It forces you to create films. Life gets in the way, and having structured deadlines ensures you stay productive.
Resources: Students get access to equipment, technology, and infrastructure they’d never afford on their own, as students.
Feedback: Film school provides a supportive environment for constructive criticism. Your classmates and professors genuinely want you to improve.
Plus, universities have a vested interest in staying ahead of the technology curve. We invest in the latest tools to prepare students for careers in the industry.
What challenges do you face in bringing these technologies into the classroom?
Funding is always an issue. Cutting-edge technology is expensive, and schools often have to work with last-cycle equipment. Another challenge is finding faculty who are both experienced in these new technologies and passionate about teaching.
To bridge the gap, I’m focusing on creating partnerships with production facilities that I hope to collaborate with in the future, like CineSpace in nearby Chicago as one example. Giving students hands-on experience with advanced tools like motion capture and LED volume stages will inspire them to push boundaries. Moving forward, it will be important that film programs like mine tap into and partner with existing graphic design and visual effects departments or to build new ones that combine live action shooting with virtual production.
You’ve witnessed the transition from film to digital, and now to virtual production. Where do you see the film industry heading in the next three years?
We’re heading into a world where creativity is almost limitless. Virtual production will dominate, allowing filmmakers to create stunning visuals entirely in-studio. AI and machine learning will continue to streamline post-production, helping filmmakers refine their work faster and more efficiently.
I also see a renewed focus on spectacle. Studios will keep innovating to draw audiences away from their devices and back into theaters. Films like Wicked remind us of the magic of cinema—you have to experience it on the big screen.
What’s your advice for aspiring filmmakers navigating this rapidly changing industry?
Embrace the technology, but don’t lose sight of storytelling. A strong narrative will always be the foundation of great filmmaking. Be curious, adaptable, and willing to learn. And remember, technology is a tool—it’s your creativity that brings stories to life.
Stacy Barton’s work reminds us that while technology may revolutionize filmmaking, it’s the heart and soul of storytelling that leaves a lasting impact. As she continues to shape the next generation of filmmakers, her vision bridges tradition and innovation in the ever-evolving world of cinema.
