ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXcinematography short course
8 years, 12 months ago - Richard Kovacs
I've just aquired my first low budget kit (DSLR and sound equip) to start making movies and I want to learn how to use it. I'm looking for a short cinematography course to get me moving. I know NOTHING. I saw that Met Film School do a 3 week beginners course but there are no further courses this year, also it's more than the budget...does anyone know of a short course that helps you get to grips with the equipment? I want to be able to confidently set up scenes and shoot with proper light and sound. I'd also like to get some idea of how to start editing and whatever happens in post. I'm based in Derbyshire so I would prefer midlands or north, but anywhere other than London would be good. I'm also open to the idea of volounteering where I can get practical and meaningful experience. I am also an actor - so open to both sides of the camera if that is of any interest.
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8 years, 12 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Your local college almost certainly has such courses, ask them. They tend to be competitively priced and better still you'll meet other local people starting off who you can collaborate with
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Norman Hall
Richard,
First, get "Digital SLR Video and Filmmaking for Dummies" - a great beginners guide.
Second, look at all the YouTube videos you can. They will cover all the crucial points; depth of field, shutter speed, sound, light, white balance, neutral density..
Third, get a Mac and play with iMovie. Invaluable experience for editing whether you go Final Cut or Adobe.
Fourth, go and shoot, Anything, anywhere. Flowers, animals, people, things that move, things that don't, just with a camcorder. Close up, far away. Bright, gloomy, rainy. You can't get enough practice!
Good luck!
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Norman Hall SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - John Lubran
And having learned how to drive the equipment , focus, exposure, shutter, lenses, ND's, formats and the several options and conciderations for audio, and gripping then comes the language of framing, sequences (shooting for the edit )and all those things that differentiate a cameraman/woman, lighting camera person or DOP from a camera operator.
As for the rest of making films, structure, direction, editing, post production etc., He'll yes I've known more folk than I can remember who just picked up and understood the whole chabang from scratch in just a few weeks. On the other hand I've also known as many who've done a three year degree course got their BA's or BSc's and need very nearly training from scratch. One can make of it what one will
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - John Lubran SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Tony Franks
Richard,
Do explore FutureLearn - a great starting point to get expert advice for free and learn from hundreds of people starting from a similar point.
https://www.futurelearn.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=film
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Tony Franks SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Pam Beddard
It's not a course, as such, but if you're in the UK, do check out CineFest - the Bristol International Festival of Cinematography running from September 20 to 24 and offering a packed programme of workshops, talks, demos, masterclasses by some of the best cinematographers around. For more info/bookings, see www.cinefest.co.uk or find CineFestUK on Facebook/ Twitter.
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Pam Beddard SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren
Some of the best hands on courses with kit that is current and used on small and large shoots internationally can be found through Panavision and GBCT. The GBCT also have a Trainee programme which is well worth looking at.
Hope this helps.
Wozy
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Mark Wiggins
Learn about photography. The laws of exposure, framing etc are the same. There are many good YouTube channels that you should subscribe to. Indimogal, Film Riot, Cinematography db. You will learn a lot just by watching them.
Start running on Short Films, low budget music videos etc. Just go out and make your own, it costs nothing, and learn by your mistakes.
Then, if you want to work in the camera department, try and get work as a camera department. Get to know camera crews while running and make yourself useful to them and friendly to them, let them know you want to be a trainee and work your way in. Approach Rental Houses about working there. That way you will learn about the kit and meet camera crews,. Be helpful and friendly to them and, again, let them know you want to be a trainee. No one is going to hire someone that nobody knows.
Network and get on as many shoots as possible and just get out and shoot stuff.
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Mark Wiggins SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Mark Wiggins
Forgot to mention the YouTube channel NoFilmSchool.
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Mark Wiggins SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
The Filmmaker IQ YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/FilmmakerIQcom is worth every minute of watching
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 12 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren
I've also just helped a friend get on some courses that are run through Arri in London. Their website has more details.
Response from 8 years, 12 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren SHOW
8 years, 11 months ago - Simon Mercer
NoFilmSchool put together a really good DSLR guide (The DSLR Cinematography Guide). There's so much out there, I've found this to be the best all-round 'bible' covering all the bases. And obviously doing a course and starting to shoot is a good plan. :)
PDF here:
http://vk.com/doc-388266_118133091?hash=115f5876f3fa115c5b
Response from 8 years, 11 months ago - Simon Mercer SHOW