Program Random Reels

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

Film

Random Reels

Get hands-on experience filming silly scenes, wacky commercials, and viral news clips.

12–14 AGE RANGE
Free COST
October 26 – November 17, '26 DATE
Monday & Wednesday, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM SCHEDULE
Foundational SKILL LEVEL
Sound Stage LOCATION

Time-travel back to a world before streaming and social media reels, and into the random world of cable TV.  This beginner-friendly class is all about learning basic filmmaking skills and working together as a film crew. From wacky commercials and viral news clips to black-and-white movies and comical sitcoms, you’ll team up to write, record, and edit a variety of TV spots for audiences to “channel surf” between (aka: the original scrolling).


You’ll get hands-on experience with cameras, lighting, and sound gear: learning to properly expose a shot, capture voices and sound, and set up scene lighting. Grab a camera, join the crew, and hit record. No pressure—just fun, skill-building, and lots of opportunities to try new roles behind the camera and beyond.


Gear + Software:

  • Canon T6i DSLR cameras
  • Light panels
  • Boom mic kits
  • Adobe Premiere Pro

Great for students who want to explore the basics of filmmaking in a relaxed, tech-and-teamwork sandbox. No experience needed—just curiosity and a collaborative spirit!

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.

Join the Waitlist for Random Reels

This program is currently full. Join the waitlist and we'll notify you when a spot opens up.
Student Information
Parent/Guardian Information
Additional Information

All fields marked with * are required.

Random Reels photo Random Reels photo Random Reels photo Random Reels photo Random Reels photo
Random Reels photo
Random Reels photo
Random Reels photo
Random Reels photo
Random Reels photo
Random Reels photo
Random Reels photo

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.