has led to the suspension of CameraClass workshops.
Get a solid grounding in the professional use of digital video equipment. This two-day intensive course provides a small class with hands-on tuition and essential techniques for improving footage and getting creative.
A variety of shooting scenarios will illustrate how to get better coverage, achieve good lighting and make the best sound choices (from a range of techniques and equipment).
These workshops will help students fine-tune their camera operation and adapt to different situations. They will help build the confidence necessary to think beyond the technology and concentrate on the story at hand.
Places are limited with, typically, only six to eight students per workshop. This ensures each student gains sufficient hands-on practice and individual attention.
While Tony and Leo demonstrate techniques across a variety of equipment, students are encouraged to bring their own cameras (and tapes!).
The CameraClass Manual, a 103 page camera and sound manual, is included in workshop registration.
One-to-one workshops are increasingly popular, particularly for those upgrading to new technology and/or needing to focus on particular aspects of shooting e.g. coverage, shooting in available light, setting up and/or lighting interviews etc. A one-to-one session is also an efficient way for a quick brush-up if you haven't done any shooting for a while, and is especially suited to filmmakers gearing up for new projects.
The advantage of a CameraClass one-to-one is that it can be tailored to fit your particular needs by skipping aspects of the two day general workshop that you may already be familiar with. For beginners who are 'time-poor' it is an opportunity to cover in one day what in a general workshop would take two. For experienced operators upgrading to a new or different HDV camera, a half-day is often sufficient.
From experience I've found one of the most useful pathways to improving someone's shooting skills is by screening some recent unedited 'raw' footage they've shot. Viewing this usually reveals aspects of their coverage and/or technical skills which may be wanting, which through a combination of discussion and 'hands-on' shooting exercises can generally be significantly improved upon.
*SPECIAL OFFER A one third discount applies to participants who have attended a regular CameraClass workshop.
At the Camera Class we also have experience in running courses for private or corporate groups (small or large) with particular needs. Past clients include ABC Television (Sydney/Melbourne), AFTRS (Australian Film Television & Radio School), South Australian Film Corporation, Fairfax (Fin Review stills department), Morningstar (Financial Analysts), MRC Adelaide, Historic Houses Trust of NSW, Iris Pictures, and many other independent production companies.
However groups may not necessarily be from broadcast or film industries. Digital video is increasingly used for various applications in a wide range of industries including anthropology, health, history, and community affairs.
Group tuition can be very cost effective. For example, the cost of a one-day course for four people can be as low as $300 per person. So please call to discuss the needs of your particular group. Classes for groups can be tailored from basic to advanced principles and can help participants brush up on any particular problem areas.
Workshops are conducted at the NSW Writers' Centre, Rozelle.
Using specially produced training materials, The Camera Class teaches how to make the most of MiniDV, DVCAM and HDV camcorders, and offers a chance to interact with industry professionals, Tony Wilson, ACS and Leo Sullivan. The development of these cameras and formats has had an enormous impact on the way many television documentaries and short films are made.