Upcoming Event

If you’re serious about being a top-level, professional 2^nd AC, this course will help get you there.

This upcoming course will be lead by industry legend, Thomas Formosa-Doyle. He will be supported by an impressive cohort of guest 2nd AC’s, 1st AC’s, DP’s and Camera Operators.

A great 2^nd AC not only knows how to do their job, they are consistently attentive, reliable, responsible and focussed. A team player. The Camera Department is central to all productions and all eyes are on us and the workload can be intense. On set, you will also be relied on to perform your specific duties. Each member of the Camera Department has their own duties to manage, so you can’t expect anyone will be there to cover any of your shortcomings. That’s why we think it is so important to prepare you with this course to start you on your journey with expert knowledge and most importantly: the right attitude. You will continue to learn on set at a rapid rate and your skills will improve each day.

This well-renowned course was started in 2015 when the ShotClass founder, Warwick Field ACS, was then President of the ACS Victoria. The course came about because of demand from the industry for more well trained, set-ready 2^nd AC’s. We heard from DP’s, 1^st AC’s and rental houses that really good 2^nd AC’s were hard to find. The good ones were moving up after years at the top of their field. The intensive training participants will undergo is intended to place you at the highest level with tuition and advice from the best, active industry professionals. Successful completion means you will be in a perfect position to begin working as an in-demand 2^nd AC. Many previous participants are now working busily on major productions as 2^nd AC’s or advanced up the ladder.

This short course continues to be run with the support of the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and its members.

What can you expect from this course?

• We will expertly cover all elements of the role of the 2nd AC based primarily for working on a professional set shooting Cinema or TV narrative and documentary in long and short form AND Cinema and TV Commercials AND high end corporate and online content. Basically, any shoot that crews with a DP, 1st AC and 2nd AC as a minimum number in the Camera Dept. Skills taught include slating, marking and working with actors, camera builds, camera equipment familiarisation, lens handling, video split, camera reports, data wrangling, film loading, working with the 1st AC and DP, how to work and thrive on set, career advancement, financial matters, and so much more.

• 10 days of comprehensive training including practical demonstration and theory. You will meet and be taught by leading industry professionals – real active industry professionals whose previous film may have been last week, or they may be in production right now. Instructors may include DP’s, Camera Operators, Camera Assistants, DITs, Data Wranglers, Camera Techs, Rental Managers, Rental Prep Techs, First Assistant Directors, Line Producers, Grips, Gaffers, Safety Officers and Sound Recordists.

• You will be taught not only about cameras, equipment and “process”, but also how to behave and survive on a professional set. This is very important to gaining repeat employment and often a neglected discussion, especially at film schools. A film set is a very dynamic environment. It is fast, expensive to run, delicately balanced and egos abound. Your behaviour, attitude and conduct can greatly affect your chance of being offered ongoing work.

• Participants successfully completing the short course will be presented with a signed Certificate of Competency by ShotClass and the ACS.

• ALL ShotClass participants can now join our new service, CrewFinder, for free! This allows you to list yourself on our crew database where you can be discovered b y producers, directors and DPs looking for camera crew.

• Fees are generally Tax Deductible for Australian citizens because self-education that leads to earning income, may be claimed by the participants. Check your own eligibility with the ATO or your tax agent. This will substantially reduce your actual outlay.

Places are very limited and only the most suitable applicants will be admitted. Don’t miss out.

BY APPLICATION ONLY – Participants must complete the application form to attend this 10-day short course. Only 12 participants will be selected.

Course Fees:

• TBA

Payment option is 50% due on acceptance into the short course and the balance at least two weeks prior to the start date. Or you may pay in full upon acceptance.

*ONLY the first 5 ACS/Students/HotShots to submit the application form, be offered a place and make payment, will receive the discount. Be quick – this will fill fast.

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

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