Upcoming Event

Possibly the most difficult camera crew roles to get properly trained in are those of the Camera Operator and Focus Puller.

It is so hard to find an opportunity on set. And often when you do, it is on a D Camera shot that is static and undemanding. What can you learn from that? Precious little.

So where can you get that learning experience from industry experts on REAL gear?

This ShotClass event is a combination course designed to teach you the foundations of excellent camera operating OR focus pulling.

You choose which skill you wish to learn. It makes perfect sense to run the courses in parallel as both roles will have expectations from the other – this instils performance pressure, which is the best way to learn fast – and there’s nothing at stake. As a Focus Puller, your Cam Op will expect you to manage the camera and keep the image sharp. As a Cam Op, your focus puller will expect you to communicate your intention, hit your marks and execute the shot as planned. How much fun!

Equipment will include:

• Digital Cinema Cameras (ARRI Mini LF/A35 or Canon C700 and Blackmagic Ursa 12k, BMPCC 6k tbc)
• Zeiss or Cooke prime lenses
• Zeiss Zoom
• Sigma Cine Zooms
• Various specialty lenses
• ARRI Hi-5 or WCU-4 and TILTA Nucleus M Remote Focus Systems
• Teradek wireless video
• Sachtler or O’Connor 150mm Fluid Heads and tripods
• Miller 100mm Fluid Head and tripod option
• ARRIHEAD MkII Geared Head (Wheels)
• Fischer or Chapman Hydraulic Dolly and precision track
• Ronin 2 Gimbal and Force Pro
• Ronin R4 Pro (tbc)
• EasyRig

Professional Instructors and Crew will include:

• Geared Head Camera Operator Instructor
• Gimbal Camera Operator/Tech Instructor
• 1st AC Focus Puller Instructor
• Dolly Grip
• 2nd AC

THE FOCUS PULLER

IF you choose to learn Focus Pulling, we have a professional 1st AC to instruct you and 2nd AC to assist you.

Day One ‘Focus Puller Intensive’ will include:

• Building up to 3 different cameras into Production mode and hand-held mode
• Fitting and using 2 remote focus systems (ARRI and TILTA)
• Guidance on how to get images sharp using reliable methods you can trust
• Ongoing discussion about the technical aspects that affect pulling focus such as depth-of-field, how to simplify processes and get consistent results.
• Suggestions on must-have tools and kit
• How to work with your Camera Operator, Dolly Grip and DP
• Rehearse and shoot a scene as Focus Puller involving setting the camera, getting marks and pulling focus using remote focus systems. Shots will be executed on Fluid Heads, Geared Heads and Hand-held depending on the block through.
• Playback results and discuss

Day Two ‘Focus Puller Intensive’ will include:

• Review Day 1 and questions
• Building the cameras for Production mode and Gimbal mode
• Fitting and using 2 remote focus systems (ARRI and TILTA)
• Rehearse and shoot a different scene as Focus Puller involving setting the camera, getting marks and pulling focus using remote focus systems. Shots will be executed on Fluid Heads, Geared Heads, Hand-held and Gimbal depending on the block through. (Gimbal is a definite)
• Playback results and discuss

THE CAMERA OPERATOR

IF you choose to learn Camera Operating, an experienced Geared Head Camera Operator will instruct on Day 1 & 2 and a Gimbal Camera Operator will join on Day 2

Day One ‘Camera Operator Intensive’ will include:

• Instruction in the role of Camera Operator and working with the actors, director, DP and Dolly Grip
• Discussion in collaborating with the Focus Puller
• Understanding Blocking a scene, creating a shot list and visual storytelling.
• Composition and Framing Tips
• Suggestions on must-have apps, references and accessories.
• Hands on training and practice on an ARRI MkII Geared Head and Fluid Heads
• Block, rehearse and shoot a scene as Camera Operator involving instructing the grips and AC’s as to where you want the camera positioned, the camera move (if any), the camera ‘support system’ (Fluid head, Geared Head, Hand-held, Gimbal etc) and lens choice. You will also be responsible for adjusting actor’s positions, placement of props and keeping the frame clear of crew and equipment. Shots will be executed on Fluid Heads, Geared Heads and Hand-held depending on the block through.
• Playback results and discuss

Day Two ‘Camera Operator Intensive’ will include:

• Review Day 1 and questions
• Continue in the morning with the aesthetics of shot making from the aspect of the Camera Operator.
• Introduction to the Ronin 2 Gimbal and hands on practice.
• Block, rehearse and shoot a different scene as Camera Operator following the same procedures as Day 1. Shots will be executed on Fluid Heads, Geared Heads, Hand-held and Gimbal depending on the block through. (Gimbal is a definite)
• Playback results and discuss

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion after finishing both days.

ShotClass is committed to providing a welcoming experience and access to events for everyone, regardless of your skill level, experience or needs. This includes physical venue access and consideration for people from diverse and marginalised groups as well as people with disabilities. As far as practicable, we take into account the special requirements of our participants and providers.

---

---

---

Are you a HotShot?

ShotClass HotShots offer. Any returning ShotClass event participant is eligible for a special discount on most of our events. If you have previously completed one or more of our events, you are an automatic ‘HotShot’ and can purchase your ticket for less. It’s our way of saying thanks for participating.

Book

There is no application process for this course, so ShotClass suggests you make your own appraisal as to whether the course is suitable for you.

Places are strictly limited. Don’t miss out. The Registration form must be completed. See below under Book Here.

Remember, for most participants working in the industry, our events are Tax Deductible, so you could end up effectively paying nothing to build your knowledge and gain more work. Check with your Tax Agent or Accountant. Find out more here.

Prices include GST.

• Register & Pay before 11:59pm 26th March: ACS Member, or Student/HotShot (Limit 5)  –  $1450
• Register & Pay before 11:59pm 26th March: Standard Entry  –  $1550.
• Register & Pay from 27th March onwards: ACS Member, or Student/HotShot (Limit 5) –  $1550.
• Register & Pay from  27th March  onwards: Standard Entry  –  $1650

Note that ACS Members, Students and HotShots discounts are limited to a maximum of 5 ONLY. Be Quick or miss out.

Please be sure to read our Privacy Policy here and Disclaimer here.

**IF you change your mind or pick up a job and need to cancel up to 2 weeks before the course, you get full a refund, no questions asked.

Subscribe to ShotClass (below) to get all the latest news as we announce new events and offers. Don’t find out when it’s too late.