TikTok creator Spencer Cook believes in the power of film festivals. A devoted film enthusiast from Salt Lake City, Utah, and host of the podcast After Credit, he’s an avid believer in the transformative power of storytelling through the lens of filmmaking. 

“Showcasing your film, regardless of the scale, is outrageously difficult. Film festivals allow artists to share their films with the most diverse audiences in one space, from fans, distributors, and other artists,” says Cook. “It’s a place to experience cinema in the most thrilling environment.”

With a strong passion for the art and education of cinema, Cook often explores highly anticipated films and shares film news with his nearly 200,000 followers. But he’s also using his platform to collaborate with esteemed studios, films, and partners to propel him forward in the film community as he works to produce and bring his own feature film, Don’t Trip, to life. 

Meet Spencer Cook (@filmupdatetime): 

What made you want to build content centered on films?

With film being my passion, I thought about different ways to inch forward in this space and what those opportunities could be. I decided that creating social content around film is not only a modern method to share my thoughts, but also one avenue to build connections and learn more about the industry.

How did you get into creating content for TikTok?

I met up with a close friend for dinner, and we delved into different ideas for how we could move forward on passions that we both had. He was familiar with TikTok and ultimately encouraged me to start creating content, which resulted in making my first video and posting it to the platform that same evening.

How would you describe your follower base?

Passionate, authentic, and supportive. I feel that people who follow my content feel empowered to share their own opinions, and, in a world that is fueled by endless comparison, I’d love for my content to continue encouraging people to express their honest thoughts.

What’s your favorite FilmTok trend?

The blind rankings are fun. They’re always unexpected, and I don’t think I’ve seen one where the creator got the ranking they wanted, which makes the trend even more enticing.

What are you looking forward to most about attending the Sundance Film Festival?

Watching a LOT of movies, connecting with new people from all around the world, and being tucked away in the mountains for an intimate experience.

What are some of the films in the program that you’re excited about?

Love Lies Bleeding was first on my list, and I’m excited to attend the premiere. Kristen Stewart is incredibly talented and chooses unique projects and filmmakers to work with. I’m truly excited for the entire slate of films I’ll be seeing, but Love Me, Didi, and A Different Man stand out to me as well.

Is there a film that screened at the Sundance Film Festival in the past that made a big impression on you? Why?

Whiplash would be my choice. The film tests the boundaries of anxiety and follows up with a chilling and triumphant conclusion. Discomfort in film can be irritating and powerful, and Whiplash provides both in perfect balance.

A lot of shorts, specifically horror shorts, have been circulating on TikTok recently. Do you think the platform can be a new avenue for aspiring short filmmakers to share their work?

Absolutely! TikTok has somewhat modernized the appeal of short-form stories, so not only is there an audience that craves that format, but the platform also serves as an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to share their stories, regardless of the scale.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get to Park City?

Well, I can’t ski, so we’ll take that off the list. How about a nice meal on Main Street and a caramel apple for dessert?