A comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of motion picture cinematography.

Dates:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jul 5, 2024
Oct 7, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate,
Workshop Fee: $1995
Workshop Duration: 1-week (Monday-Friday)
Workshop Location: On-campus
Class Size: 16

This workshop explores the camera as a tool for cinematic storytelling. The class is designed for new cinematographers, filmmakers, video professionals, and anyone else looking to gain a solid foundation in the art of shooting motion pictures.

Students are introduced to fundamental concepts through lectures and demonstrations. They explore the theory and use of exposure, lens selection, frame rate, shutter angle, depth-of-field, ISO, color temperature, contrast, and dynamic range.

Brendan Kuroki Uegama teaching cinematography at Maine Media - Photo by Sebastiano Caccetta.
Brendan Kuroki Uegama teaching cinematography at Maine Media – Photo by Sebastiano Caccetta.

They practice lighting portraits as well as scenes and address the many strategies pertaining to the various conditions of lighting in-studio and on location. The dynamics of working as a crew are explored, and students are introduced to the primary roles and responsibilities of each member of a camera crew, including Director of Photography, Camera Operator, and Camera Assistant, and their relationships to one another in production.

The course’s essential focus is on the fundamentals of visual storytelling. Basic set etiquette and communication are discussed and practiced throughout the week.

Please note: An hour-long training session on Set Etiquette and Safety will be required of anyone registered for a workshop that involves production. Students only need to participate in this session once during their time on campus.

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Instructor: Natalie Kingston (Teaching Jul 1-5, 2024 - Register here)

Emmy-winning cinematographer Natalie Kingston has a body of work that includes feature films, streaming series, documentaries, commercials, and music videos. She recently shot the acclaimed Apple TV+ series BLACK BIRD starring Taron Egerton, for which she was awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. This win made her the first woman in Emmy history to receive top honors in cinematography for a work of fiction. She has also shot music videos for BILLIE EILISH, PJ MORTON, JULIA STONE and ST. VINCENT. Her feature film credits include SHAPELESS, THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW, and LOST BAYOU. Her documentary feature credits include Sam Pollard’s Grammy-nominated TWO TRAINS RUNNIN’ and the Tribeca-winning BATHTUBS OVER BROADWAY. She has also lensed a number of award-winning short films, and commercials for Adidas, ESPN, Powerade, No7, Blue Cross, and others. Her films have played Tribeca, SXSW, Raindance, and other major festivals.