This summer season, younger filmmakers in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, are getting a head begin via a program that places cameras straight into their arms.
“Having free programming actually permits younger people who discover this area to go, ‘Oh, my God, I didn’t understand something like this existed, and that is my place, and that is the place I’m going to remain for so long as I presumably can,’” mentioned Adam Sherlock, program coordinator at nonprofit media arts heart Spy Hop.
Sherlock mentioned Spy Hop’s mission has all the time been centered on youth. Since 1999, Spy Hop has supplied a year-round curriculum to assist younger individuals discover storytelling via movie, music and digital media. College students have entry to state-of-the-art expertise, software program and skilled mentors to assist them develop and execute their concepts. From recording hip-hop beats to producing environmental documentaries to creating horror movies, the scholars are inspired to create with out limitations.
“At 18, 19, they’re making this hard-hitting documentary about trans rights and about altering the world, proper?” mentioned Sherlock. “That vitality and that pleasure will carry via to the remainder of their lives.”
Final 12 months, Spy Hop served greater than 18,000 youth between the ages of 8 and 19, reaching college students in additional than 120 colleges throughout Utah. The group provides free lessons and workshops, in addition to tuition-based applications.
Watch the video above to see how this one-of-a-kind media hub helps younger storytellers discover their voices and their futures.
