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:
Professional Instructors and Crew will include:
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:
Day Two ‘Focus Puller Intensive’ will include:
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:
Day Two ‘Camera Operator Intensive’ will include:
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.
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.
SAVE $125 off your fees, instantly.
Introducing our new refer-a-friend reward for participants who invite along a friend or colleague to this event. It is a win-win, with you and your friend BOTH receiving a $125 discount from your eligible fees. Also available if you have already signed up for this course. Simply click this link and SAVE BIG!
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.
SAVE $125 with Refer-a-Friend. See Above
ONLY 1 spot left at discount – Note that ACS Members, Students and HotShots discounts are limited. Be Quick or miss out.
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**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.
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Warwick Field ACS – DP/Camera Operator Instructor – Geared and Remote Heads
Warwick has been a Camera Operator using the ‘wheels’ for over 30 years and has worked with just about every remote head system out there. He has operated many films, series and TVCs using geared heads for both International and Australian productions. His experience also takes in shooting hundreds of hours of aerials for drama, sport and wildlife on the wheels, and this helped raise his ability to the next level. Credits as camera operator include Ghost Rider, Where The Wild Things Are, Blonde, Knowing, Lion and more recently All Her Fault, Better Man and Family Next Door.
Grant Sweetnam – Instructor – Gimbals
Having worked across all types of Film and TV projects for many years, Grant is an extremely experienced and knowledgeable Gimbal tech and Operator as well as 1st AC /Focus Puller. He is also a great communicator and ready to share his knowledge with all who are keen to learn.
Grant’s resumé is impressive. His work has taken him through TVC’s, TV Drama, Feature Films, Documentary and more. This wide selection of genres results in a person who is well-rounded and ready for anything – big or small. His credits as 1st AC include: The Clearing, Shantaram, Savage River, Spreadsheet, The Newsreader, With Intent, Preacher, Ride Like A Girl and Five Bedrooms.
It is hardly any wonder Grant is in such high demand and so well respected by his colleagues and the cinematographers he assists. Take advantage of what he has to share with you.
Chris Pollitt – 1st AC/Focus Puller Instructor
Having worked extensively as a Focus Puller in both the UK and Australia, Chris has a wealth of experience and knowledge. From a technical viewpoint, he has worked on shoots using all sorts of camera systems from ARRI 65 to Canon C300. He is very adaptable and creative with his camera builds and his knowledge of pulling focus. Credits include Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, The Courier, The Crown, All Her Fault, Newsreader, Love Me, Surviving Summer and Bad Behaviour.
Hazal Alakus – 2nd AC Crew
One of Australia’s top 2nd AC’s, Hazal is always in demand and working on the biggest shoot in town. She was the Instructor on our 2024 2nd AC Course and became an instant legend with the participants. Her knowledge and expertise is second to none. Her drama credits include Fake, Better Man, All Her Fault, Shantaram, Foe, La Brea, Ricky Stanicky and Newsreader.
Ryan Thompson – Key Grip/Dolly Grip Crew
With a passion for film, Ryan specialises in gripping services. Over the past 15 years, ha has worked on everything from Hollywood blockbusters to Australian dramas, helping productions and cinematographers achieve their vision. Ryan will provide dollies, sliders and camera support for you. He will also be involved in the decisions behind choosing the best camera movement system for the shot based on the block through. The Camera Operators and Focus Pullers will work with the Dolly Grip to build the shots.
