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 women and gender-diverse individuals 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 Sunbelt Rentals (800 Islington Ave).

WIFT+ Toronto Members: $325 (+ HST)

Non-Members: $400 (+ HST)

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

MODULE #1 – INTRODUCTION, OVERVIEW & PREP (via Zoom)

• 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

• 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

• 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 

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

MODULE #5 – TBA (*possible crane and/or sound session)