Course Objective

Understand the fundamentals of cinematography and how to apply techniques to enhance your video productions.

Course Description

In this two-day workshop you will learn about the history of cinematography, it’s different applications, tools, and techniques including camera operation and lighting. You will also get to apply what you’ve learned by setting up short scenes.

Day 1:

Introduction

1. What is cinematography and what is the cinematographer’s role on a film/video production?
2. A brief history of cinematography
3. Cinematography vs. Videography – What is the difference?
4. Cameras (Film vs. Video) – Why to choose one over the other?
5. Lenses – Their importance and how to choose the best glass for your project
6. Camera Movement
7. Blocking and Composition
8. Lighting – Artificial vs. Natural
   • Types of Light
   • Basic Lighting Setups
   • Creating a Mood

Day 2:

Application

1. Communicating with the Director before and during production
2. Understanding how to assemble a crew for the camera department
3. How a cinematographer is a “Director of Photography” on set
4. Understanding the importance of other departments to the Cinematographer
5. Understanding set etiquette
6. Setup a short scene and shoot with the help of the instructor
7. How to stay inspired and active as a cinematographer

Class Schedule

Saturday:

4 hours, 12:30pm – 4:30pm

Sunday:

5 hours 1pm – 6pm

About the Instructor

Benjamin Michel is an award-winning visual artist specializing in cinematography, directing, and photography. He was born in New Jersey, USA to Haitian immigrant parents whose culture greatly influenced his artistic growth. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Film from the University of Central Florida in 2011 he launched a career in film. In 2012 he started working in Los Angeles and later in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The structure of his films usually blend the classical tropes of storytelling with elements of surrealism. He’s received inspiration from the work of auteurs such as Yasujiro Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Raoul Peck. Benjamin’s become known for creating uniquely poetic and beautifully cinematic films. He’s garnered praise at acclaimed film festivals and produced content for companies such as PBS, KQED, Condé Nast, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. He’s also served as a judge for the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival.