Next Class: NEW DATE: Begins March 21, 2011

Week 1: Monday – Thursday (5:30 pm – 9:30 pm), and Saturday (8:00 am – 4:00 pm)

Week 2: Monday – Thursday (5:30 pm – 9:30 pm)

All sessions are now being held at the new SI/S3 Studios and SI FIT educational facility located at Stautzenberger Institute in Allen Park (16630 Southfield Road, Allen Park, Michigan 48101).

This class is an overview of the job opportunities and skill sets required to seek entry-level employment in the Camera Departments of motion pictures, commercials, digital media and industrial films. These jobs include Camera Operator, First Assistant Cameraman, Second Assistant Cameraman, Loader, and the Director of Photography. In addition to 40 hours of classroom time, students are guaranteed a film production or industry related internship as part of this program. After the initial internship, there may be additional internship or job placement assistance based upon previous internship performance. We begin the course with an introduction to the Camera Department. The course will consist of lectures and demonstrations, focusing on the tools of the cinematographer including cameras, lenses, filters, exposure meters and film stock. There will be hands-on instruction in the proper use of the various tools of the camera department as well as basic cinematography techniques and procedures. Student will be presented with the basic terminology of the Camera Department. At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the basic cinematography terminology and principles, including cameras, lenses, depth of field, exposure, color temperature, filters and film stock. Throughout this course, we will explore the specific duties of the Director of Photography (D.P.), the Camera Operator (C.O.), the First Assistant Cameraman (1st C.O.) (Focus Puller), the Second Assistant Cameraman (2nd A.C.) (Clapper/Loader), and the Loader (optional position on larger multi-camera productions). We will hear from guest speakers who are experienced crew members in each specialty, and learn the specific skill sets required, including the potential entry points to each craft. We will develop an understanding of each of these crew positions, what their typical day on a set involves, and what specific training is required in each craft. Special emphasis will be given to the chain of command in each department, the skills, tools and procedures utilized by each craft, and the performance expectations of a crew member in each of these jobs. Students will participate in an 8 hour, hands-on “model” shoot where they will work side by side with industry professionals in each department. Students will discuss media selection as well as the various camera options. Students will prepare each scene and monitor how their efforts translate to the screen as the shoot progresses. This will enable students to experience how each craft within the Camera Department works together to prepare a scene for filming and film the actual scene. Following the filming, students will have the opportunity to critique each element, and refine their techniques. The Introduction to Camera Department Class is taught in 40 hours, over a two-week period. This class will be taught at our new SI/S3 Studio in Allen Park and may include field trips to film sets and relevant suppliers here in Michigan.

For more information or to register, email info@filmindustrytraining.com or call 810-637-1888.