Experience the robust video capture possibilities of today’s most accessible Cinema Cameras

There are no available registration dates at this time.

NOTE: 2020 DATES FOR THIS COURSE HAVE BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19. Many courses have been Moved to an online format. VIEW THOSE OFFERINGS HERE 

This course is designed for students who already have a basic proficiency in shooting with DSLRs and/or mirrorless cameras, and are ready to delve deeper into the possibilities these tools provide them. We’ll assume you’re comfortable with exposure, shutter speed, aperture, Depth of Field, ISO, White balance, resolution and frame rates, and we will move into discussing more advanced technical concepts like picture profiles, color space, latitude and dynamic range. Following initial lecture on theory and tech, we will move into demos and a variety of hands-on exercises that will challenge you and help you to become a better operator.

An emphasis will be placed throughout the course, on aesthetics; composition, framing, motivated camera movement, and the necessity for intentional lens choice. All of this will be critiqued in reviewing the exercises we shoot throughout the weekend, allowing students to break bad habits, understand what they may need to work on to improve their skills, as well as gain a new perspective on the art and craft of cinematography as a medium.

On the 2nd day we will explore the concept of visual storytelling. Students will each shoot a short project (either narrative or doc-style, depending on their preference) in groups while exploring perspective, subjectivity, and the best approaches for acquiring the coverage needed with the final edit in mind.

We will discuss and practice the various roles of a small camera crew including DP, Operator and Camera Assistant, and will rotate these roles. We will also practice shooting situations involving lighting set-ups, Handheld camera rigs and stabilizers, and externally recorded audio, and become familiar with the dynamics of working with these additional elements.

On Sunday at the end of class there will be opportunity to discuss gear; what cameras, lenses, rigs, audio gear, and lights might be most beneficial for students thinking about making their next purchase.

This course is a follow-up to “2-Day DSLR for Video”, which is a recommended pre-requisite.

Lunch is included for both days, other meals are on your own. Lodging is available on campus, private room & bath.  $75/night

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Instructor: Tom Ryan

A New England-based editor and filmmaker, Tom has worked extensively in the worlds of commercial, corporate, and documentary film. He has freelanced in Production for over 9 years and is a co-founder of the Maine-based Production company, Tailwind Media. As an editor, his work in fiction and documentary film has been shown in numerous festivals. In addition to workshops, he currently teaches documentary film in the 30-Week Professional Certificate program at Maine Media College. Affiliated with MMW+C for over 6 years, Tom is passionate about teaching storytelling to students of all career paths and skill levels.