Friends double as actors and models, gear is to be carried around everywhere, and countless hours are spent in front of a computer screen editing- this is the life of filmmakers and photographers. So much effort and time is put into each short film and each photograph, and now there is a place to show off and take pride in their work. This year will mark the third year since the Spring Creek Festival was founded by multi-media coordinator, Trent Jones. The arts festival is to be held at the Jones Center on October 14-16.

Student filmmakers and photographers are given the opportunity to showcase their projects as well as the chance to compete in on-site competitions. The festival serves as a clear pathway into the fields of broadcasting, film, production, and photography.

“The most enjoyable part of the festival is relationship building. Spring Creek Festival has high school, college, industry, and government officials from around the Midwest present. This provides opportunities for people to find colleges they want to go to or find jobs they want to get into. It also provides opportunities for students to learn about other fields they may not have been exposed to,” said Trent Jones, founder of Spring Creek Festival.

Representatives from film programs, colleges and universities, professional in the arts, broadcast television, film and entertainment, events and photography all participate.

“At the Spring Creek Festival, there were a lot of networking opportunities. Being at the festival allowed me to explore college options and a possible career in those fields after college,” said junior Nathan Plowman.

The festival includes mail-in competitions, workshops, the College Career Tech Expo, and a showcase of student work. Spring Creek’s also on-site’s competitions are a favorite of many students who have participated.

“We had to do an on-site competition, and got to make a promotional video for Spring Creek. My favorite part was actually getting to film and edit the video while we were there,” said WETV student, Andy Mcgowen.

Over the past two years, around 2000 people have attended, with 600 participants last year alone.

“It was a really great opportunity to walk around and talk to college recruiters and meet so many other students,” said Mcgowen.

This year, two major awards will be given out at the Spring Creek festival. The Harvey Jones promise award will go to a program that overcomes adversity and continues to provide quality opportunities for students, and the Bernice Jones service award will go to a teacher who consistently provides opportunities for their students.

With new awards, workshops, and  competitions, students and community members alike are anticipating what the Spring Creek Festival will hold this year.

“[You can expect] excitement, engagement, relationship building and some of the best, most talented students in the Midwest you will ever see,” said Jones.