SMALL PRODUCTION MASTER CLASS
30 People Maximum
$500 per person - Lunch Provided

This two day master class consists of six sessions and is designed for independent producers, filmmakers & preditors interested in camera, lighting, audio, post & distribution using emerging technologies. Sessions will focus on how to use equipment to produce high quality, cinematic-style content for documentary & reality-based productions.


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th

Small Format Cameras & Support Systems - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Small format cameras come in many flavors. P2, XDCAM EX, HD-DSLR, AVC-HD, and the list grows. Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of production being produced. Each has its strengths and weaknesses when trying to realize a creative vision for a project.

In this session, we'll look at a variety of camera solutions and the support systems that can be used with them. Focus will be on sorting out which camera system & format is best suited for your projects. The session will also discuss and demonstrate a number of support systems that can be used in a variety of production environments. Sliders, dollies, etc., and how to effectively use them in small format productions.

An Introduction to Audio Production - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
SESSION DESCRIPTION
We all know that good, hopefully great audio is arguably more than 50% of a successful production. An audience will forgive a sub-par picture as long as the story is strong and the audio is clean. As soon as there is an audio problem, however, the audience will not forgive and will not forget.

For most producers & filmmakers audio is a necessary evil, being largely misunderstood. This session will discuss and demonstrate audio set-ups for small productions and take the mystery out of audio in production.


Lighting Solutions for Small Productions - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
SESSION DESCRIPTION
With today's small-format camcorders & video-based DSLRs, high quality acquisition can occur anywhere. Besides talent and a good story, three main things contribute to successful productions. Camera choice, audio and… LIGHTING!

This session will discuss and demonstrate current lighting solutions for small productions. LEDs, fluorescents & hot lights will all be discussed and shown at the session with real-world advice on which ones to use and when.


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH

Portable Green Screen Solutions - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SESSION DESCRIPTION
With today's high-definition cameras and low cost post production solutions, it is possible to create high quality keyed footage for virtually any size project. But, only if you produce high quality green screen footage!

This session will discuss and demonstrate how to put together an effective portable green screen kit that can be used on a variety of jobs. Topics will include choosing the right camera, green screens, lighting and support.

Real-World Video Podcasting - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Video podcasts & video diaries can be a great marketing tool for your productions. With today's small format cameras and mobile video set-ups you can produce this content anyway, anytime.

This session will discuss and demonstrate a typical set up to produce video based podcasts/diaries that can then be compressed, uploaded and distributed on the web and/or used as additional content when marketing and distributing your projects.

Compression & Distribution - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
SESSION DESCRIPTION
With so many formats and types of compression nowadays it can all become very confusing, VERY fast!

This session will focus on explaining what you actually need to know about CoDecs & compression and how to effectively work with the many formats that exist in today's production and post-production pipelines. It will also discuss and demonstrate how to prepare and distribute content to the web and to mobile devices.