Cinematography Intensive

Day 1.Cinematography Essentials and Interpreting the Script

What does a Director of Photography do? We look at cinematography essentials such as designing a "look" and ‘feel” for your story, composition, framing, continuity, crossing the line, blocking scenes, scene coverage, production design and we explore creative choices of lighting, lenses and camera placement. We will examine specific scenes in scripts and films to work out what makes a good shot and why. We’ll learn how to interpret the script in visual terms with storyboarding and how to tell stories with stills and we'll learn how cinematography conveys meaning and enhances story. Conducted by Jaems Grant ACS (DoP Head On, The Mystery of the Hansom Cab, Time of our Lives, Nowhere Boys, Uranium: Twisting The Dragon's Tale, The Family, The Ex-PM and Con Filippidis (Camera Operator The 25th Reich, DoP Hostage to Fate, DoP Desire).
Monday 9 January.


Day 2. Visual Storytelling

Learn how to tell stories with images. Starting with the photographic stills (that we've taken as homework), then moving on to cameras (supplied at the course), participants, in groups, will be set exercises to experiment with ideas and stories to get their creative juices flowing. We'll learn basic three point lighting and then experiment with lighting for genres such as horror. Participants will make a short film which will be shown and discussed in class on the last day. This exercise aims to enhance participants understanding of how images can put all kinds of stories together, and get people making their own films and collaborating with others. Each group will write, produce, act in, direct, shoot and edit a short film over the next two days. Films will be viewed and analysed on the last day of the cinematography course. Conducted by DoP Jaems Grant ACS and Cinematographer Con Filippidis.
Tuesday 10 January.


Day 3. Cameras and Lighting

Learn practical lighting set-ups in a controlled environment and on location. We'll be using state-of-the-art High Definition digital cameras and utilising a professional lighting crew over the next two days (and the grips on the Thursday). Learn how to achieve the best possible "look" with minimum set-ups and lighting changes. On these two practical days, students will take crewing roles and responsibilities and take turns operating state-of-the-art equipment under the guidance of a professional crew. We'll learn how to block scenes, how to work with actors and how to work with gaffers. We'll also see how steadicam works to enhance storytelling and add production values through camera movement. The whole class will collaborate to make a short film in class over these 2 days. Conducted by DoP Jaems Grant ACS, Cinematographer Con Filippidis, David and Chris Parkinson (Lighting Director/Gaffer The Extraordinary Tale of William Buckley, Blue Murder, On the Beach, Infini, The Recorder) and Harry Panagiotidis (Steadicam Operator), Harry has over 40 Australian and US feature films credits as Steadicam operator and camera operator. Recent films include The Cup, Burning Man, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, The Knowing, Ghost Rider, Irresistible, Holy Smoke, The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Book of Revelations. In addition to feature films, Harry works on many of Australia’s most popular TV drama series and on a wide range of television commercials.
Wednesday 11 January.


Day 4. Perfecting the Shot

Continuing on from the previous day we'll experiment with camera movement using Fisher dollies on wheels and tracks. We'll learn how the DoP works with the grips to get the best shots. We'll work through more complexities on set with grips, gaffers, sound recordist, boom operator, camera operator, 1st assistant camera (focus puller), 2nd assistant camera (clapper loader) and actors to emulate a professional set. The whole day will be spent shooting scenes in a realistic film set environment. Conducted by DoP Jaems Grant ACS, Cinematographer Con Filippidis, Gaffers David and Chris Parkinson and Dean Garro (Grip My Life is Murder, The Gloaming) and Tony Hall (Grip The Extra, Ghost Rider, True Stories, Please Like Me).
Thursday 12 January.


Day 5. New Technologies and Post Production

We'll explore the latest filmmaking practices including post production paths and colour grading. We'll look at the best ways to shoot digital to get the most from the format. We'll look at ways to manage data on set through verification programs such as Shotput Pro, and last but not least, we'll view and analyse the films students have shot during the course. Conducted by DoP Jaems Grant ACS, Cinematographer Con Filippidis and Colourist Marcus Smith, The Secret River, Barracuda, Nowhere Boys, The Wrong Girl).
Friday 15 January.

The Cinematography days use state-of-the-art professional equipment and are taught by a full camera, lighting and grip crew.

Session Times

9.30 am to 5.30 pm all days.

Filmmaking Summer School Certificate

Certificates will be awarded to 8 days Script to Screen course. Extra courses will be added if you attend more than the 8 days course.

Venues

The 2023 Filmmaking Summer School will be held at Dancehouse, 150 Princes St, Carlton North, Viv 3054 this year.

There is no accommodation available at the course.

Maps

A map & details of Dancehouse https://www.dancehouse.com.au, and how to get there, will be supplied with enrolment/welcome details.