They chose to finish the project: Before Sierra Guyton was shot, her friends were working on gun violence PSA

Sierra Guyton`s friends were working on gun violence PSA before she was shot

Sierra Guyton`s friends were working on gun violence PSA before she was shot

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A group of Milwaukee kids made a PSA about gun violence -- filming it on a playground. Weeks later, one of their friends, 10-year-old Sierra Guyton, was shot in the head while playing on that very same playground.

Sierra Guyton was an active member of the Boys & Girls Club at the Clarke Street School.

Guyton's friends were working on a project about gun violence, when one of their own became a victim.

Natalie Cooper says the Clarke Street Boys & Girls Club partnered with Milwaukee Film for a six-week workshop.

During the hands-on workshop, they talked about the different components of film, and connected it to an important community topic that the children chose.

"The young people thought the issue of gun violence was most relevant for what they are dealing with right now. It was their vision," Cooper said.

Unbeknownst to them, gun violence would become a reality for one of their friends just weeks later.

"When Sierra was shot, everything became real for our kids. There were kids present," Cooper said.

Jonathan Jackson with Milwaukee Film says the kids' devastation became their motivation.

"It was a tragedy on a number of levels, but particularly for the youth. We gave them the choice of whether or not to complete the filming of this. They were even more adamant about finishing this piece because it made their message even more poignant and more important to get out there," Jackson said.

A final scene was added -- with a balloon release and a message of positivity.

"We wanted to celebrate the life of Sierra. We wanted to celebrate her fight, her courage -- all the things the community was able to do to come together to rally for a recovery. We as a community have responsibility to provide a safe environment for our kids and that`s the reason we have the campaign: 'Let the Children Live,'" Cooper said.

The PSA will be screened as part of the Milwaukee Youth Show during the Milwaukee Film Festival.

You can take a look at it below:

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.