ABOUT
Our program, LIGHTS! CAMERA! LEARN!, created with our supporting partner WFW and in conjunction with our community partners NABET 700 and IATSE667, 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.
Three days of this program will be delivered in person; two days will be delivered via Zoom.
DATES
Open for MEMBER Registration and Bursary Applications: Monday March 20, 2023 @ 8am (EST)
Open for PUBLIC Registration: Monday March 27, 2023 @ 8am (EST)
EXTENDED!! Deadline for Registration: Wednesday April 12, 2023 @ 11:59pm (EST) *or until we reach max capacity
Deadline for Bursary Applications: Sunday April 2, 2023 @ 11:59pm (EST)
2023 PROGRAM DATES
This program runs as follows:
Saturday April 15, 2023 (via Zoom)
Saturday April 22, 2023 (on location @ Whites)
Sunday April 23, 2023 (on location @ Whites)
Saturday April 29, 2023 (on location @ Whites)
Saturday May 6, 2023 (via Zoom)
All days are 9:30am - 4:30pm (*subject to change depending on instructor availability)
FEES
2023 PROGRAM FEES & BURSARY DETAILS
WIFT Toronto Members: $250 (+ hst)
Non-Members: $325 (+hst)
Deadline to register: April 16, 2023 @ 11:59pm (EST)
Deadline to apply for bursary: April 9, 2023 @ 11:59pm (EST)
ELIGIBILITY
This program is designed to be a safe space for women, those who are female-identifying or female-presenting, to engage in an area of production where there continues to be underrepresentation.
Sessions & Instructors
Our instructors and speakers include:
Beth Nobes, Training Coordinator IATSE 667
Kevin Rasmussen, Cinematographer/Director, Baer Claw Films
Sabrina Spilotro, Gaffer, Film Technician
More to come!
SESSION #1 – INTRODUCTION, OVERVIEW & PREP (Saturday April 15, via Zoom)
- On-set routines and procedures from call to wrap
- Set etiquette and teamwork
- Health & Safety
- Reps from 1A667 and NABET 700 to discuss job descriptions
This session will take place via Zoom.
SESSION #2 – CAMERA DEPARTMENT (Sat April 22, in person @ Whites)
- Understanding jobs of the 2nd 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)
This session will be split between an introduction in the classroom, then a move to the floor/studio.
SESSION #3 – LIGHTING DEPARTMENT (Sun April 23, in person @ Whites)
- 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
This session will be split between an introduction in the classroom, then a move to the floor/studio.
SESSION #4 – GRIP (Sat April 29, in person @ Whites)
- Grip department structure and responsibilities
- Grip safety
- Intro to dollies
- Setting up stands, etc (*exercise)
This session will be split between an introduction in the classroom, then a move to the floor/studio.
SESSION #5 – MOVING FORWARD (Saturday May 6, via Zoom)
- Reps from unions describing how to join/get into training programs
- Guest speakers
- Q&A for all
This session will be held in the classroom.