Schedule for upcoming CreativeLIVE HDDSLR Workshop
We’re here in Seattle setting up gear and working out last minute details. In case you missed it – I’m doing a 3-day live workshop on HDDSLR Cinema in Seattle that starts Friday – it will be streamed out over the internet for free. Exciting to say the least! Below is the schedule (subject to change) as we have it now! All times are P.S.T. For more information and to sign up pls go to creativeLIVE. If you can’t make if during these times – the course will be downloadable after the live stream for a relatively small fee.
DAY ONE Friday April 30th:
PART I: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. P.S.T.
Introduction
A discussion of the building blocks that make a film succeed and the skills that are required.
We’ll discuss the differences between still photography and film both in terms of how each is produced, the different types of challenges and tools, and types of personalities.
What is means to be a photographer vs a director or DP.
Discussion about gear.
We’ll discuss some of the different tools that are available and their pros and cons relative to the potential quality of a shot vs the time and effort each tool will take.
PART II: HDDSLRs 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
What’s the big deal with HDDSLR’s? Why are we here talking about them vs other options?
We’ll discuss the size of the sensor, performance in low light, small size and weight and what that brings to the table. We’ll also discuss some of the unique challenges these new tools present and compare them to Camcorders and the RED Camera series.
We’ll go through how to set up and HDDSLR Camera for best result – through each menu setting and camera setting the cameras offer. From picture styles, to ideal ISO settings we’ll also look at what it means to shoot compressed vs RAW footage in vide.
We’ll also make sure you have a solid technical foundation and understand the difference between 2K, 1080p, 1080i, 720p vs SD for example – or 24 fps, vs 29.97 vs 30.0 fps. You’ll know what 444 means vs 422 or 420 and different film ratios.
BREAK from 1 pm. – 2 p.m.
PART III: Audio – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
We’ll go over an introduction to audio. What is a dual system? What is a shotgun mic or an omni mic? We’ll look at a variety of tools and techniques – all the way to digital timecode slate.
PART IV: Introduction to Video Gear. 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
We’ll start with sticks, fluid heads and follow focus rigs. We’ll discuss the need for neutral density filters and grad NDs. We’ll look at Canon EF lenses, vs Zeiss ZE lenses and then look at the new Zeiss Compact Prime (CP2) lenses and why you would need one over the other. We’ll also go from LCDs finders to external LCD monitors. We’ll also have a basic demo on blocking out a scene and setting focusing mark. We’ll be discussing Gitzo, Manfrotto, O’Connor, Really Right Stuff, Tiffen, Formatt, Canon, Zeiss, and Marshall Electronics.
DAY TWO: Saturday May 1st.
PART I: Introduction to Cinema Language and Concepts. 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
We’ll make sure you know what panning vs tilting is and what a locked off shot it. CU / ECU / Medium Shot / Establishing shot will become part of your vocabulary – as well as a lateral move, a push or a pull. We’ll define what a hyperfocal is to you and how to use is to tackle focusing challenges. We’ll ask the important question of: how shallow is too shallow in terms of depth of field – especially when it comes to working with actors. We’ll get into lens choice and discuss compression and distortion.
PART II: Cinema lighting and camera support. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
We will not be going into complex lighting on this one – in fact lighting is one of the areas we will be spending the least amount of time on during this workshop given the complexity of the concepts involved and time / gear constraints.
We’ll discuss how to use a variety camera support tools – at various price points. Students will get hands on time with the gear and discuss HOW and WHY it is used (and to what EFFECT.) We’ll start off by looking into a wide variety of handheld rigs and tools. We’ll also look at a variety of sliders, dollies, JIB, Pan/Tilt Heads and time lapse tools. We’ll then discuss wireless focus solutions, wireless video transmitters, and video conversion solutions. We’ll be discussing gear from: Redrock Micro, Zacuto, Arri, Broncolor, GlideTrack, O’Connor, Cinevate, Kessler Cranes, MicroDolly Hollywood, and Porta Jib, Lite Panels, Black Magic, IDX, and Viewfactor amongst others.
BREAK – LUNCH FROM 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
PART III: The Makeup of a Film Crew – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
We’ll quickly discuss the business of film and also make sure you know what a director’s responsibilities are – as well as what a 1st AC does vs a gaffer or script supervisor. We’ll also discuss what a treatment is and when film permits are needed and/or clearances.
PART IV: First Shoot – 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The students will gather to shoot their first min-documentary. They will shoot a sit down interview as well as some B-Roll and learn how to mix an interview with B-Roll footage effectively.
PART V BONUS – Live Video Editing Session – 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
DAY THREE: Sunday May 2nd
PART I: NARRATIVE SHOOT – Pre Pro – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Students will get back together and work on the pre-production of a short narrative piece that they will shoot in the next section. We’ll discuss storyboarding, managing a shot list and equipment list – and the concept of shooting a scene / piece in a non-linear manner to save time (and expense.)
PART II: NARRATIVE SHOOT – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Students will break up into various roles and shoot a short narrative piece together – utilizing the tools and techniques discussed over the prior two days. This will give us a chance to see everything come together – and also to pick up on some very common mistakes that first time filmmakers make.
BREAK – Lunch 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
PART III: WORKFLOW – 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
We’ll discuss converting footage and a variety of editing tools for both Mac and PC. We’ll cover Final Cut Studio, Compressor, Adobe CS5 (we’re still working on this detail given how new the software is) , MPEG Streamclip, and Plural Eyes. We’ll also discuss backup strategies, from the Canon/Apple FCP Log and Transfer plugin, to Servers, LTO Tape and Drobo.
PART IV: FINISHING 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
We’ll also get a basic introduction to editing – and bring together the pieces we shot together earlier in the day. Students will get an introduction to editing by qualified FCP and CS5 instructors (see above- we’re trying to get CS5 in…)
The class will culminate with a discussion on how to grade the footage in Apple’s Color software. And we’ll discuss how to deliver the final media to a variety of devices – from iPhones, AppleTV, streaming web movies, all the way to BluRay.
ummm… this looks epic! Thanks for putting in the time!
Wow, what a line up. I think it works out to kick off at 2am Sydney time, so Ill try to stay up 🙂
hope you can make it out to Hawaii for a workshop that would be awesome.
Those will be some loooong nights over here in Europe 😉
Are these times listed on this page Pacific Time?
So looking forward to this event. Will have to take lots of coffee to keep awake here in Ireland.
Eros Reply:
April 29th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
@Josef, I am looking for a help for a developement project in Ireland. If interested please message me at http://www.youtube.com/dorjevajra
Absolutely amazing!!! Can’t wait. And lucky me, I’m on EDT here in Detroit, USA, so every day starts at noon. I can live with that. Thanks, Vincent, Chase and everyone who’s working on this monumental project. A landmark event, for sure!
Im looking forward to some long nights here ind denmark too!
Does anyone know how much the download is going to cost? I can imagine that im going to want to watch this more than once!!
Amazing! Looking forward to it 🙂 Thank you so much for hosting it!
Vincent,
Wish I could be there in person, but I’m looking forward to seeing the recording. Looks like a ton of info so will be good to have a hard copy.
I think this will blow the top off the game for a lot of people! Thanks for all that you do.
Best,
Jeff
Shouldn’t that be P.D.T.?
I believe the west coast is on daylight time now like everyone else.
im in got my ticket..
Thank you for the effort. Education is the key to success and this line up will bring me out of the dark, twilight.
Hello Vincent. I understand that lighting is a complex and long topic, but still try to do your best to communicate the essential stressing on the external lighting may be talking specifically about low power HDMI lights that can be reasonably rented. Thank you and have fun during the workshop!
Vicent help me! I just found out a few min ago about the workshop and its all sold out. how can I watch it or buy it?
Vincent Laforet Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 12:13 am
@Taylor Smith, You can go to http://creativelive.com/courses/vince_laforet/ and you can purchase the 3 day workshop there for download – thanks for the support!
Billy Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 9:02 am
@Vincent Laforet,
I purchased course downloads,
but haven’t yet received instructions or links.
I wanted to tell you how impressed I am by your teaching style. You’re very patient and very attainable as you explain some really complex and technical information. Thank you for doing this workshop. I’ve learned so much today and have been inspired.
No more shaky cameras!
3:00 am here in Germany… and I could go on and on just listening to all the knowledge you’re sharing.
Vincent Laforet Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 12:14 am
@Sebastian Kubatz, My Pleasure!
First day was a total success as a viewer! The giving that both you and Chase have provided is completely awesome!! Thanks to you Vincent, Chase and the wonderful staff and volunteers at Creative Live!
Vincent Laforet Reply:
May 1st, 2010 at 12:14 am
@Rick Lamb, Thank you – see you tomorrow!
Thank you and creativelive so much! I’m getting so much information from your workshop, and you make it very engaging – great speaker and really well prepared. I’m getting what I missed today from the replay tonight – very appreciated.
just got my new 5dmkii last friday with a 17-40, 70-200 on the way, didnt miss a moment of that fanTASTIC web lecture yesterday, left work early, high point of the week. your communication style is refreshingly succinct, and Chase is such a NUT!An invaluable experience, thank you.
Hi Vincent, great tutorials. I have to disagree on Audio. The audio on the 5D is NOT compressed, it is just poor preamp. when using Magiclantern to disable the preamps it is great broadcast quality.
Other trick is to plug the output of the Zoom H4 into the 5D input. ( easier syncing and backup)
Vincent,
This weekend workshop is truly amazing. I am thoroughly pleased, totally amazed, and mildly intimidated.
It’s shocking to me, but my husband and I are watching every single minute.
Many thanks,
Nancy Lamb
Thanks Vincent for doing this, especially for those in europe. It is much easier for us to join a classroom online rather than doing a business trip.
Thank you very much, I appreciate that even if a workshop is ending at 3:50 am.
P.S. you can’t trick time right 😀
This is pretty cool!
It’d be great if it were available for even cheaper later – for a student like me who is saving my pennies just to buy a HDDSLR!
Hey Vincent. Fantastic job! Even though I knew about much of what was being discussed, many “gaps” where filled and I enjoyed it very much. Absolutely very generous on everyone’s part.
THANKS!
Hey Vincent,
Brilliant presentation!.
Thanks for putting it together.
James Sullivan
http://www.1ProPhoto.Com
http://www.1ProPhotoTV.Com
http://www.1ProCrew.Com
Loved the weekend session. I feel like I was there. Great job!
Mark
just amazing!!!!! this was more than a cutting edge workshop, but the next step in education!!!
Hey Vincent,
just a note: try some 90° Mini-HDMI adapters to solve the rip-out problem. That way you can move the cable behind or in front the camera (given you don’t need the lcd). Something like the Oehlbach 9074 HDMI should work.
Regards
Thanks a lot Vincent, the workshop was really good, reminded a lot of concepts and gave a lot of new info, sincerely it was definately worth it, and lets hope you get a chance to do something related to lighting and composition, that would be awesome.
A huge thanks Vincent! I stuck through the whole class live for all 3 days and learned a ton! I really appreciate professionals like yourself sharing your knowledge. I will probably still end up buying the video for reference but regardless I will spread the word about CreativeLive.
cheers
“I surviced Vince´ Webinar” 😉 hehe all 3 days! Thanks man!
Greets from Portugal. I would like to thank Vincent for this great 3 day workshop. I´m already waiting for the next one…
THANK YOU!
Great Seminar Vincent!!! I got oodles out of it! Let me know the next time you have a project you’re shooting in southern california, I’d love to donate my time and assistance to whatever it might be!
Best,
Sean
Hi Vince-Just finished watching the CreativeLive seminar. Thank you to you and the many others involved for putting so much time & energy into a free (FREE!!!) seminar. But by the time you got to the end everyone was too fried to really get into the complexities and nuances of exporting. Kinda like teaching a three day course on flying and glossing over the whole “landing” part. So my question for you is do you have any suggestions for tutorials or info on how to learn more about exporting…? Your demo reel is the first and only time I’ve ever sat through an entire reel and then immediately watched it again. What’s the “secret sauce” to get my HDDSLR vids to look as nice on the web as yours?
Thanks Vincent for a most incredible seminar. I have followed you since Reverie and what you gave us in the last 3 days has saved me years. I could never have attended a live workshop. I am deeply indebted & grateful. I was glued to the screen for 3 days and plan to purchase the download. Again… thank you, thank you, thank you.
Vincent,
Thanks for an amazing 3 days. My head is exploding, but in a very good way. This was the ultimate back-stage pass to the film making industry and my eyes have been opened like never before. I owe you more thanks than I can say.
Stephen Anderson
Thanks for the Herculean effort in trying to present constantly for 3 days! Hope you have a chance to relax and not talk for a few days. I supported the effort by buying the download and I hope others will do the same. It will be a great addition to my “library”!
Vincent,
Thank you so much for the super educational weekend! I had a lot of retouching to get through, so I was able to watch the whole workshop on one computer, while working on the other.
Thanks again to you and the whole CL team for all of ya’ll’s hard work amd willingness to teach. I’m entering the whole video world from a shooter’s world of 20 years, I feel better equipped to go out and start filling up some hard drives!
Sincerely,
Zac Grimaldo
Thank you for the great CreativeLIVE HDDSLR Cinema three-day workshop! Learned so much.
Thank you so much!
Right now i´m working in China for 1 year doing a series of docs, and there´s not much access to new technology concerning audiovisuals, i have an canon 5d MII, but for myself is really difficult to know it well, thank you for this workshop, and hope to have one like this, but more advanced, concerning this new technology. I´m still with all my schedules upside down,as it started as mid night here.
I was the 3 whole days watching it with more co-workers. Let´s see that first long film, maybe you can film it here, with beautiful lights, people and landscapes!
The workshop was amazing!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge so candidly. Great advice on gear techniques and content. Looking forward to the nex session!!
ML
http://www.marielyssa.com
Great job on the workshop, it was the best I have seen. Who knew you guys would go for almost 8 hours each day. Worth more than what I paid. Congrats again, looking forward to seeing your future projects.
The effort by the everyone through this 3 day workshop …. the CreativeLive team, Chase & yourself (& Marcus) … is greatly appreciated. Thnx.
Any chance you can do a quick review on the IDC follow-focus rig?
‘J-dog
Epic work on the workshop! Thank you ever so much.
I learnt a ton, and I can’t wait to re-watch the purchased downloads.
Best workshop I’ve seen / been to.
Respect 😉
Konfral
Excellent workshop!!! I had it on all weekend plus the ReWatches and tried to watch as much as I could. Can’t wait to create and apply what I can remember as well as rewatch everything again!!
Rock On Vince!!!
Vincent, you did an absolutely stunning job in the workshop! You are truly an excellent teacher, and I thought letting the live Seattle on-set audience work out their own stuff and learn from their mistakes was brilliant. Your work blows me away, I hope I can in time put the tools to such good use.
Vincent, I had mad respect for you before that 3 day marathon seminar but now I would like to personally thank you! It’s not the most lucrative thing to give back like that but the inspiration and knowledge sharing I think really helps ‘creatives’ hold on to something special. This answered a ton of questions about film kit for me and was just fun to watch for 3 days!
Can’t wait to get the edited copies from CL.
Daryl
Hi Vincent,
Really enjoyed your HDDSLR workshop on cinematography. THANK YOU!
You may enjoy seeing my mini review that I posted on my photo blog: http://bit.ly/cAsXdO
What else can be said? This workshop goes beyond words to another level and truly means so much for all those affected.
Sincere thanks for your, and all those involved, time, energy, and shared knowledge.
Aaron
Vincent,
Thank you so much for providing us with your class this weekend. It was extremely helpful and has inspired me to work on the most important films I could ever make. Films of my 2 year old child growing up Your insight has helped me in countless ways, but most notably in focusing and workflow.
I hope to advance to other works, but for now, thanks!
Matt
Vincent… and everyone involved, thanks…
It was amazing to take part in the Woodstock of HDDSLR!
Hi Vincente, GOOOOD JOB !!!
was very exiting be part of this 3 day’s
thanks a lot (you and creative live) for shareing
all 3 day’s from italy, ambelievable
thanks again
Hi Vincent,
I purchased the download, how do I get it?
Thanks,
Jake
Vincent Laforet Reply:
May 4th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@Jake Hellbach, Hey Jake – given that we were running more than 5 cameras at a time – we have 100+ hours of footage to edit… expect it to take 1-2 weeks before we can edit everything. We’re looking to release the downloads in chunks possibly – so that you can watch them ASAP!
Jake Hellbach Reply:
May 4th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
@Vincent Laforet, Thanks Vincent. Figured you guys had your hands full.
It was a great seminar!
Jake
Really great workshop. Helped me a lot and got me even more motivated to shoot more with my 7D. Thanks again. Hope to have a demo reel as good as yours one day
-Rob
You are a good man !! thanks for sharing what you know !
Vincent, I think one of your off hand remarks from this past weekend is being taken as gospel by a site trying to generate some rumor traffic: http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/05/03/canon.3rd.gen.5d.would.come.next.year/
Thought you might want to know if you haven’t seen it already.
BTW, great show this past weekend. I think you taught a lot of people a great deal and even some more seasoned filmmakers should have picked up something new.
Vincent Laforet Reply:
May 4th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
@Andrius Simutis, Oh I’ve heard about it… it was taken way out of context – I actually was completely joking in response to a question asking if I knew anything about any upcoming camera – saying something to the effect of “if the Canon 5D MKIII was coming out next year… I wouldn’t know anything about it at all… and I definitely wouldn’t be allowed to share it…” I’m sure Canon will continue to release cameras – and many of us have told them that the HDMI port is less than fantastic for pro use… that’s all. No scoop here.
Vincent Laforet Reply:
May 6th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
@Vincent Laforet, Please the the latest blog post – the series is now available for download!