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.

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.
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.

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: 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 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 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: 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 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.