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The Wasatch Adventure Filmmaker Workshop is an incredible opportunity for both aspiring filmmakers and those looking to hone in their skills

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Program Overview

The Adventure Filmmaker Workshop is a valuable opportunity for both established independent filmmakers and those looking to pursue adventure filmmaking, to progress their careers and skillset. We’ve brought in a talented lineup of highly successful filmmakers to teach this jam-packed 2-day event that will help participants develop their craft and skills, network with fellow filmmakers, and interact with industry leaders. 

This all takes place within of the Wasatch Mountain Film Festival April 20-23, where impactful stories are told through the lens of adventure.

Workshop Presenters

Cole Sax

Cole’s work has taken him all over the world, telling stories, creating documentaries, branded content, and commercials for companies including YouTube Originals, Snapchat, The Olympics, Facebook, Nike, and more. His work has garnered hundreds of millions of views worldwide, landed him on the 20 in their 20’s list, received Gold Telly awards for directing, a Clio Entertainment Award for editing and more.

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Will Saunders

Will is a highly creative commercial advertising photographer that regularly works with the worlds top brands including The North Face, Merrell, Gregory Mountain Products, Mammut , Patagonia and many more.  In 2021, Will was the overall winner of the Redbull Illume photo contest.

Shandi Kano

Shandi Kano

As a producer, Shandi is best known for her hustle, passion and positivity. Her experience has spanned from ESPN and the XGames, to commercial video content, branded storytelling work and award-winning, feature-length films. With over 16 years of both in-house and freelance production behind her, brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Cadillac, Visit Utah, Athleta, Mammut and The North Face have all relied on her for a job well done.

Jacob Oster

Jacob is a successful director and passionate creative working with a range of the worlds top outdoor brands including The North Face, Cotopaxi, Black Diamond and more. Jacob’s passion for creative documentary project have led him to some of the world top film festivals and he currently serves as a member of the Wasatch Mountain Film Festival Board of Directors.

Phil Hessler

Phil Hessler

Phil Hessler is an executive producer and director. He is the  founder WZRD Media. Phil’s work focuses on humanizing complex issues through an emotional journey and accessing unique sub-cultures to document the determination of the human spirit. Phil was nominated for a Young Directors Award at Cannes in 2021 and his commercial producing and directing portfolio includes brands such as VICE, The Olympic Channel, Youtube Originals, Ford, Bridgestone, Red Bull, White Claw, RTIC, REI, and many more. 

Jack Hessler

Jack Hessler

Jack is an experienced filmmaker focused on feature-length documentaries, unscripted series and branded content. He currently serves as Head of Post Production at WZRD Media and has worked on projects that have won awards at festivals like Mountainfilm, Vimeo Staff Picks, Telly Awards and more

Aimee Tetrault

Aimee Tetrault

Rooted in the Outdoor Industry for over 17 years, Aimee Tetreault is an award winning Commercial and Branded Content Producer for clients like The North Face, Red Bull Media House & National Geographic. Her experience ranges from high end commercial production to dispatching cutting-edge teams to the most remote locations in the world.

Bennett+Head+Shot

Bennett Duchin

As an Emmy award-winning cinematographer with a passion for storytelling, Bennett specializes in enhanced realism, but prefers to take a story-first approach, favoring the right tools for the job at hand. From brand stories and commercial projects to narrative films. He’s shot for global clients such as AirBnb, Treager, Mountain Dew, Goal Zero, Specialized, Sea Doo, and Volkl Skis. He’s also worked with some of the biggest names in sports, including Patrick Mahomes, Tony Fineau, and Apollo Ohno.

More Presenters Coming Soon

Which Track Is Right for you?

Introductory

Free
  • For those either just starting their careers, or considering getting into adventure filmmaking, this is your group. This track will introduce you to the fundamentals of adventure filmmaking and set you up with programming that many of the most established outdoor filmmakers wish they had been taught from the start.
  • General Session Presentations
  • Introductory Breakout Sessions
  • Advanced Breakout Sessions
  • 30 Day Virtual Film Access
  • Standard Festival Pass

Advanced

$175
  • Are you an experienced filmmaker looking to expand in your skills, network with other established filmmakers and hone in your craft? If this sounds like you, now is the time to register for this valuable workshop to help you take your work and business to the next level. We'll have industry veterans teaching courses designed for those already working in the space
  • General Session Presentations
  • Limited to 18 Participants
  • Introductory Breakout Sessions
  • Advanced Breakout Sessions
  • 30 Day Virtual Film Access
  • Standard Festival Pass

Advanced + Festival Pass

$300
  • If you're considering the advanced track and also want to attend festival screenings look no further. This pass includes the advanced Filmmaker Workshop Track along with a Standard Festival Pass and 30 Day virtual access to all films. This is the best way for filmmakers to experience the festival and take advantage of all of this year's programming.
  • General Session Presentations
  • Limited to 18 Participants
  • Introductory Breakout Sessions
  • Advanced Breakout Sessions
  • 30 Day Virtual Film Access
  • Standard Festival Pass

What does the program offer?

The 2023 Adventure Filmmaker Workshop is an inclusive program that brings together the filmmaking community to collectively advance visual storytelling through film. We’ve designed this program in collaboration with established filmmakers to craft an experience that enables filmmakers of diverse backgrounds and experience levels to advance their skillset, enhance their technical and creative abilities and better understand how to effectively grow your production business. 

Each day will start with a general session to encourage connection building between multiple tracks and will be followed by elective breakout sessions that dive deep into specific topics that appeal to where you are looking to develop your filmmaking background.

Full schedule and itinerary are being announced soon.

Who Should Apply

This workshop is designed for established filmmakers and those looking to join the field. With 2 tracks we will have a number of break out session that will be helpful depending on your current skillset and level of career expansion. 

Still unsure of which track to pursue?

Advanced Track: This track is designed for those looking to expand their skillset and already have a strong foundation in filmmaking. You should already be in the space and have created several projects.

Introductory: If you’re just getting into the space and want to explore what it means to be an adventure filmmaker and learn the basics, this is your group.

Advanced Enrollment is limited to 18 participants.

Adventure Filmmaker
Workshop Application