A comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of cinematography

There are no available registration dates at this time.

Students are introduced to the craft of cinematography through lectures and exercises. They explore the theory and use of exposure, lens selection, depth-of-field, ISO, contrast, color, and dynamic range. Through hands-on exercises in-studio and on location, students discover the nuances and characteristics of shooting with digital cinema cameras and DSLRs, as well as with various lenses, filtration, and lighting units.

Students practice framing and composition, and consider the camera’s angle and movement, and the design of the project’s shot series and sequences. They touch upon the fundamentals of lighting portraits as well as scenes, and address different lighting strategies pertaining to various situations. An emphasis is placed, throughout the week, on visual storytelling, and basic set etiquette is discussed and practiced.

Students will also explore the roles within the camera department and the relationships they share with one another in production.

In Addition to being offered on an individual basis, the Spring Dates for this course are also part of the Spring Cinematography Intensive and the Certificate in Collaborative Filmmaking (CCF). The Summer Offering is Part of the 4-Week Basic Cinematography Intensive

Winter/Spring lodging and meal package available for $525 per week. Includes breakfast and lunch Monday – Friday. Dinner services are not available during our Winter/Spring session. Meal plan (mandatory) without lodging is $150 per week.

Testimonials from past students about the class:

This course helped me grow as an artist and as a technician, increasing my knowledge while allowing me room to explore my own impulses.”

-Jeremy Steeger, Cambridge, MA

Maine Media Workshops is about the whole experience…it’s got the best of everything…makes me want to come back every year.

– Shisha Guha Thakurta

Past Student Work:

 

Image Credits:  Amanda Piela

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Instructor: Michael Mayers (May dates)

Michael Mayers is a Cinematographer with over 30 years behind the camera. Best known for his work on The West Wing, Mayers photographed much of their location work in New York and Washington DC. He joined the main unit in Los Angeles and went on to shoot 37 episodes of that beloved series. Mayers’ feature work has brought him to Sundance many times. To Mayers, being a filmmaker is all about storytelling.