The 2025 Screen Production Yukon Association (SPYA) Filmmakers Bootcamp has already proven to be a transformative experience for emerging Yukon storytellers — and the journey is far from over.
Over the summer, nine selected participants spent July honing their screenwriting skills under the guidance of Montreal-based screenwriting instructor Jacob Potashnik, developing original short film scripts rooted in their unique perspectives. In August, they shifted focus to the nuts and bolts of production with Vancouver producer Ingo Lou, learning how to craft professional budgets and navigate the realities of producing short films. Participants also benefited from two intensive weekends with Toronto-based director Sam Coyle, diving deep into directing techniques, scene blocking, visual storytelling, and how to elicit powerful performances from actors.
The Bootcamp continued in September with a hands-on cinematography workshop led by acclaimed Vancouver Director of Photography Kaayla Whachell. Finishing out with a final core workshop on Assistant Directing, again led by Ingo Lou.
In October, an adjudication committee will select three standout projects from the Bootcamp cohort to move into production. This committee includes representatives from Yukon Media Development, Northwestel Community TV and Northwest Territories Film Commission. By early next year, these chosen filmmakers will have taken their stories from script to screen, completing their own professionally guided short films.
The 2025 SPYA Filmmakers Bootcamp cohort include Yasmine Renaud, Lily Gontard, Marie Hammje, June Kukina, Charles David, Skyler Isaac, Duncan Chalmers, Zach McCann-Armitage, and Barbara Dunlop.
In addition to the Bootcamp, SPYA is expanding its offerings this fall and winter with new training opportunities. Upcoming public workshops include sessions on grip and lighting, filming with greenscreens, working with local broadcasters, and how to get your project funded. All workshops will be available for registration through spya.ca/events.
