Spy Hop

08/18/2026

Have you ever wanted to headline your own music festival? Direct your own short film? Or maybe even develop your own video game? Well, do I have great news for you! All that is possible and more with our fall programming! ✨

What are you waiting for? Classes are filling up fast and we’ve got a seat with your name on it! 🫵

Register now or explore all our classes — https://spyhop.org/in-house-programs/

08/17/2026

We’ve been hiding a BIG secret 🤫… but now it’s time to spill the beans. Our website just got a MAJOR glow-up and we couldn’t be more excited to finally share it with you all! ✨

Designed with functionality in mind, our new website makes it easier to explore all our classes, meet your mentors, and stay up to date with all things Spy Hop. 👀

Our new website was designed by local creative agency The Grounded Company

08/10/2026

Time is running out folks...

The submission deadline for Spy Hops Backyard Film Bash is fast approaching! Have you submitted yet?

Submit Now — https://filmfreeway.com/BackyardFilmBashShortFilmCompetition

08/10/2026

Apply now! 🎬👾🎸🎧

Don't know where to start? There are many ways to find YOUR path at Spy Hop! Choose your starting point, and use this framework to guide you.

07/23/2026

Everyone, say hello to Mary Allison, the newest addition to our Pod! 🐳✨

Stepping into the role of Statewide Media Arts Mentor, Mary Allison will bring the Spy Hop magic into the farthest corners of the state, and who knows, she might leave with a little trinket or two! 🤭

Everyone, join us in welcoming Mary Allison! 👏

07/21/2026

It's time to Power Up Spy Hop! 👾🎮

Our students have spent the past year turning an idea into a real, playable game. Now it's done, and you're invited to play it!

Hear from the teen designers and coders who built it and when you're not playing, peruse the gallery wall and experience a full year of design student work! ✨

👾 Design showcase | Bites | Live Q+A
📍 Urban Arts Gallery
🎟️ Free Tickets — https://pixelgallery2026.funraise.org/

07/20/2026

07/08/2026

SUBMIT YOUR FILM BY 8.14.26!

Spy Hop’s Backyard Film Bash is a national short film competition and outdoor festival, open to filmmakers across the country. Over $20,000 will be awarded with a first place film taking home $10,000! Beyond the screen, the BFB is a vibrant, family-friendly outdoor festival, featuring live music, food vendors, interactive art, and hands-on creative experiences. A one-night, open-air celebration of storytelling—where big ideas meet backyard vibes.

It’s a space to amplify bold voices, champion youth creators, and bring filmmakers and audiences together under the same sky. Funny, heartfelt, experimental, or completely unexpected—if it’s bold, we want to see it.

The premiere event will be September 19, 2026 at Smith’s Ballpark.

Hope to see you and your BFF at the BFB!

https://filmfreeway.com/f/BackyardFilmBashShortFilmCompetition

07/06/2026

We're hiring! 🎬✨

Do you love working with cameras, gear, and all things media tech? Spy Hop is looking for a Lab Assistant to help run our Equipment Lab! Think checking gear in/out, running orientations, keeping cameras charged and ready, and much more. Come be a part of something meaningful.

📍 Part-time | In-person | Salt Lake City
📩 Apply today — link in bio

07/02/2026

Worth your salt?!?! Prove it 🫵👀

The Backyard Film Bash is well underway and the submissions are piling in, but don't worry if you haven't submitted, you have until August 14th to submit your film.

A quick reminder, the films MUST have a maximum runtime of 7 minutes (including the credits) AND they must include this year's signature item: SALT 🧂

Don't delay, submit now — https://ow.ly/HgqE50ZjMvs 🎬