Lights! Camera! Learn!

Our program, LIGHTS! CAMERA! LEARN!, created with our supporting partner Sunbelt Rentals and in conjunction with our community partners IATSE 873, IATSE 667 and NABET 700, is designed to engage all those who identify as women with the departments (lighting, camera, grip) that historically have been male-dominated. This program will introduce them to the basics of their functions within the production process, to give them hands-on opportunities with equipment, and to give them the information that will help them to determine which (if not all!) of these areas they wish to pursue.

Our five-day program blends classroom work with equipment handling and hands-on exercises led by industry professionals, all at an introductory level. Classroom work will include speakers from our community partners (including staff representatives, membership and training representatives) who will not only offer instruction in their areas of expertise, but will also offer up their own journeys as case studies.

One day of the program is delivered via Zoom. All other days are on site at 800 Islington Ave.

2025 PROGRAM DATES

2025 PROGRAM FEES & SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

WIFT Toronto Members: $300 (+ hst)

Non-Members: $375 (+hst)

This program is designed to be a safe space for women and nonbinary individuals to engage in an area of production where there continues to be underrepresentation.

Instructors and speakers for this workshop are currently being confirmed.

They will include representatives from each of the partnered organizations, professionals in their craft and ready to impart their knowledge on to you!

*Below are the 2024 Sessions. 2025 Sessions TBA*

MODULE #1 – INTRODUCTION, OVERVIEW & PREP 

Location: TBD

• On-set routines and procedures from call to wrap
• Set etiquette and teamwork
• Health & Safety
• Reps from IATSE 667, IATSE 873 and NABET 700 to discuss job descriptions

MODULE #2 – LIGHTING DEPARTMENT

Location: TBD

• Lighting department structure
• Lighting department responsibilities
• Basics of understanding different types of light (HMI/LED/Tungsten, etc)
• Lighting techniques
• Basic design and execution of lighting techniques (in studio)
• Basic design and executive of lighting techniques (non-studio location)
• Measuring light
• Lighting and image aesthetics

MODULE #3 – CAMERA DEPARTMENT

Location: TBD

• Understanding jobs of the 2^nd Assistant (blocking and marking actors, slating, data management, completing camera reports, other documentation) *opportunity for exercise re: blocking, building the camera
• Proper equipment handling, assembly and maintenance (done via hands-on exercise)
• Basic elements of “camera assists” (role descriptions)
• Camera department structure and responsibilities
• Camera operations/focus-pulling
• Camera department prep (how it differs between doc, TV, on location, etc)
• Basic composition guidelines
• Lenses and Filtration (basics)

MODULE #4 – GRIP 

Location: TBD

• Grip department structure and responsibilities
• Grip safety
• Intro to dollies
• Setting up stands, etc (*exercise)

MODULE #5 – MOVING FORWARD 

Location: TBD

• Reps from unions describing how to join/get into training programs
• Guest speakers
• Q&A for all