Program Intro to Filmmaking

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

Film

Intro to Filmmaking

Learn to make short films: from start to finish.

15–19 AGE RANGE
Free COST
September 8 – October 14, '26 DATE
Tuesday & Thursday, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM SCHEDULE
Foundational SKILL LEVEL
Room 201 LOCATION

Lights, camera, action! In this hands-on intro class, you’ll learn how to make short films from start to finish. Using scenes and story arcs you already know and love, you’ll put your own twist on classic film moments—writing, shooting, and editing them with a small crew. Along the way, you’ll get a crash course in everything from camera work to editing to film theory—and walk away with a handful of short films (and a big-picture view of what it takes to make one).


Gear + Software:

  • DSLR cameras
  • Lighting & sound gear
  • Screenwriting software
  • Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve

Great for anyone who wants to try filmmaking for the first time or explore the full process from script to screen. No experience needed!

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.

Register for Intro to Filmmaking

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.
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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.
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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.