Program Film Fridays

Questions? Call 801.532.7500 or email programs@spyhop.org.

Film

Film Fridays

Get hands-on filmmaking experience. No pre-registration or experience required; just show up!

15–19 AGE RANGE
Free COST
October 2 – December 3, '26 DATE
Friday, 3:00 PM–4:30 PM SCHEDULE
Drop-In SKILL LEVEL
Room 201 LOCATION

Whether you’ve never picked up a camera or you’ve been making videos for years, this drop-in program is for you! No pre-registration required; just sign up and sign in when you arrive. Learn from our team of professional filmmakers—from storytelling and cinematography to editing and sound. Each Friday, you’ll build your film skills, learn new techniques, and meet other teens who are passionate about film.

Jonathan Nelson

JONATHAN NELSON

Film Mentor

Hello! My name is Jonathan. I am a Korean-American Filmmaker and Cinematographer based out of Salt Lake City. I’ve worked in the film industry for the past 8 years in various areas. Right now I’ve honed in on shooting 16mm film.

Currently, I am in post production for a horror feature film and development for multiple 16mm film projects.

I love to pass down knowledge to the next generation of filmmakers and support them in all the ways I can. I’m constantly inspired by all the creativity that walks through Spy Hop’s doors.

Whitney Skauge

WHITNEY SKAUGE

Film Mentor

Howdy! My name is Whitney Skauge, and I’m a documentary filmmaker and portrait photographer originally from Bozeman, Montana. I am inspired by the belief that everyone has a story to tell. I love finding ways to document the softness and wonder hidden in everyday life. At Spy Hop, I love helping students discover the importance of their own stories, from the personal to the abstract.

I am grateful to have worked alongside incredible minds at film studios, media companies, and non-profits such as the two-time Academy Award® winning Breakwater Studios, the Sundance Institute, and Interloper Films.

Register for Film Fridays

We're so glad you want in! To get started, fill out this form with some basic information, and we'll email you with next steps.
Student Information
Parent/Guardian Information
Additional Information

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Spy Hop
PitchNic Premiere

PitchNic Premiere

A one-night-only event showcasing four original short films created by Utah's next generation of storytellers.

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PitchNic 2024

PitchNic 2024

Spy Hop’s PitchNic Premiere 2024 celebrated young filmmakers’ short films debuting on the big screen at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.

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Young filmmakers hit the ground running.

Young filmmakers hit the ground running.

For over 100 years, Utah has served as a backdrop for Hollywood films and television. But the draw to Utah isn’t down to our memorable landscapes alone–it’s also due to the talent we build to support these productions upon arrival.

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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Our classes are designed for in-person participation. Limited remote attendance may be possible in certain circumstances. Availability depends on the class format and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Absolutely! Many of our students self-identify as neurodivergent. We keep our classes small so that our students have the best experience possible, and our professional teaching artists can accommodate different kinds of learners and ensure special needs are met.
We keep all our classroom spaces an adult/parent-free zone (excluding staff) to ensure students feel free in their creative expression. If you'd like to see the building and learn more about Spy Hop, you can schedule a tour with our team outside of class time.
Sign up for our email list! We email updates about what's going on at Spy Hop, when new programs are available, and upcoming events.
There are lots of ways you can support Spy Hop: make a donation, attend an event, sign up for our emails, follow us on social media, or spread the word about Spy Hop. However you can give and show up for youth voice, just know that we're grateful you're a part of it all.
We've found that small program sizes give the best opportunity for creative learning and mentorship—because of this, most of our classes have a capacity of ten students.
Most of our in-house programs are for ages 12–19 years old. We occasionally offer programs or workshops for young people ages 19-25. We offer spring and summer camps for younger kids ages 8-12.
After you fill out the form for a program, our team will get back to you within 10 business days to confirm your spot. This can include scheduling an interview or a check-in, or confirming your interest in the class.
Spy Hop has a small parking lot on the North side of our building and is first-come, first-served. You can enter this lot on 900 S between Spy Hop and Vertical Diner. 2-hour parking is available along 900 S. Street parking is available on 200 W and 300 W. Washington Street and Jefferson Street have limited public parking, with big sections of 2-hour only parking. Please pay close attention to signage to avoid a ticket! Paid parking is also available across the street, at Triangles bar. Limited parking passes are available for students: please visit the Lab for more information.
Currently enrolled students can checkout equipment for short-term use on projects. We do not offer equipment rentals to the general public. For more equipment information please see the Lab for more information, and check out our Gear Policy.
Our programs open for form submissions on Tuesdays at 10 am—five weeks before the program begins.