The Screen Production Yukon Association (SPYA) is celebrating the successful completion of its 2025/26 Scripted Filmmaking Bootcamp, a multi-month professional development initiative that has already resulted in two short films shot in Whitehorse and more than 30 Yukoners gaining hands-on production experience.
Launched in summer 2025, the Bootcamp was designed to equip emerging creators with the skills required to develop and produce narrative short films. Nine participants enrolled in the program, the majority of whom had little to no prior experience in scripted filmmaking.
Over the course of Phase 1 (Development), participants completed more than 70 hours of workshops in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, and assistant directing. Industry professionals led intensive, hands-on sessions covering story development, budgeting, working with actors, lighting, scheduling, and on-set collaboration. By the end of the development phase, each participant had written a short film script and prepared a pitch deck and budget.
Seven projects were submitted to an adjudication panel composed of representatives from Yukon Media Development, Northwestel Community TV, and the Northwest Territories Film Commission. Three projects were selected to move into Phase 2 (Production), receiving financial support, access to SPYA’s studio and equipment, and mentorship from experienced producing and technical advisors.
Two of those films completed production over two weekends in January in Whitehorse:
- Rocky Road, written by Barbara Dunlop and directed by Gary and Brianne Bremner
- Failures, written and directed by Skyler Isaac
More than 30 cast and crew members participated across both shoots, with many Bootcamp participants taking on key crew roles and gaining valuable on-set experience. Post-production is currently underway, and both films are expected to be released later this year.
In addition to production experience, participants collaborated independently outside of scheduled sessions, meeting regularly to share feedback and strengthen their projects. The program’s cohort-based model fostered peer support, professional growth, and new creative partnerships within the Yukon screen sector.
“The greatest success of this Bootcamp is that nine Yukoners had the opportunity to work in new positions, meet other crew members and level up their skill set on professional sets,” said Brianne Bremner, SPYA Board President. “For Yukon’s growing screen industry, this represents meaningful and substantial growth.”
The Bootcamp was made possible through the generous support of the City of Whitehorse Recreation Fund, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), Yukon Media Development, and the Canada Media Fund.
Due to strong positive feedback from participants, particularly around the hands-on directing and producing workshops, SPYA is exploring opportunities to offer the Bootcamp again in future years, continuing to build capacity and expand Yukon’s professional screen production workforce.
