Colton Reeves Ericksen 1993-2013

I remember making the long drive out to Copper Hills to do some outreach for our programming and, specifically, to meet a couple of potential film students a couple of years ago. That drive brought Colton to the Film Apprenticeship program at Spy Hop, and so was very worth the commute, even though it is farther than we often travel looking for students.

Colton brought his positivity to our programming, and quickly forged friendships with all of his fellow apprentices. His zeal for all things creative was infectious, and his easy going attitude made him the easiest guy to get along with for everybody.

He also graced us with his musical talents, helping lend a score to a couple of different projects. Based solely on what the filmmakers were looking for, Colton could just sit down and play more than we ever could have hoped for. He stretched out to challenge himself in the class. He was the only student in the history of my mentoring who chose the laborious process of shooting a project on 16mm film.

I was very impressed and excited to have a student with such strong passions for creativity in all forms. It is truly a shock that he is gone so soon, as we at Spy Hop looked forward to watching him go on to great things. I can honestly say that my eight months as Colton’s mentor moved me, as he is the kind of student we all hope for.

He leaves many friends behind who will remember him fondly, and I am not alone in counting myself lucky for having known him. –Josh Samson, Film Instructor, Spy Hop