In this in-person certificate program you will learn both the theory and the hands-on techniques required to light and shoot professional quality video.

Program Description

This comprehensive, one-week certificate program held in-person in Boulder is designed to teach you practical skills, and get you up-to-speed using 4K and HD digital video cameras, DSLRs, lighting equipment and audio gear, enabling your creative vision. You'll learn essentials like composition, depth of field, exposure tools, white balance, understanding color temperature, and camera menus, as well as professional lighting techniques, camera movement tools, and how to record clean audio.

Other topics covered are production workflow, the business side of video, shooting B-roll with the edit in mind, lighting, conducting great interviews, how to do a site survey, and so much more!

COVID-19

All students will be required to wear a mask at all times during this in-person class, and hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be supplied and used constantly throughout the day, including on the video production equipment provided in the class. In addition, social distancing guidelines will be strictly observed, and the classroom/studio will be large enough to create a safe space for all students.

Read more about what makes our certificate programs unique.

Equipment

Please bring along your own video camera and tripod if you have them so you can get really comfortable using your own gear. The instructor will be using and demonstrating on his professional equipment with which you'll get plenty of hands-on time, including using his camera, lighting and grip equipment, audio gear, as well as camera movement tools. However, since when the class ends you'll be using your own camera primarily, this will give you the opportunity to really get to know your camera throughout the week, as well as having the instructor be able to point specific things out on your own camera.

After You Register

BDA is committed to making this process as smooth and enjoyable as possible so that you can focus on your learning. After you register you will be contacted by our staff who can answer questions and assist you with any logistical and travel concerns you might have.

Schedule

Monday

We'll start by exploring the strengths and weaknesses of different cameras for different jobs. You'll learn about lenses and the four factors that determine depth of field and getting the "look" you desire. We'll discuss camera sensors and the pros and cons of various sizes. After a very brief history of video, we'll go over the most common formats in use today and help you understand tech terms you need to know without going into geek overload.

We'll take you through a camera's menu and go over basic functions such as white and black balance, explain color temperature, auto vs. manual mode, iris, exposure tools such as zebra and the waveform monitor, focus assist, shutter speed, gain, gamma, knee, and much more. You'll then have time to practice getting a good white balance on your own camera and going through its menu.

12pm - 1pm: Lunch Break

Since lighting and interviews are vital to most documentary and corporate productions, the instructor will set up and demonstrate basic interview lighting using classic 3- and 4-point lighting. We'll discuss the different types of professional lighting instruments (tungsten, fluo- rescent, LEDs, and HMI's) and when to use each. We'll create various looks by moving and diffusing the key light and show you different ways to create fill light. You'll learn how to deal with glare caused by glasses and bald heads. We'll also work on controlling and shaping light with flags and C-stands, as well as using a monitor.

After the demonstration, it's your turn to practice lighting for an interview and framing up the camera. We'll be working on composition and framing wide, medium, and tight shots. Then the instructor will demonstrate how to light a green-screen background.

Tuesday

Interviews are the foundation for many video productions so we will discuss successful techniques and then practice interviewing each other. We'll talk about on-camera clothing, what to avoid and why, along with the importance of make-up and other tips to help interviewees look and sound their best.

You'll learn about the tools needed for location audio recording, including wireless lavs, shotgun mics, hand mics, mixers and cables. You'll get practice attaching a lav properly and using a shotgun mic on a boom. You'll also get some hands-on with a mixer and headphones in preparation for the afternoon sessions.

12pm - 1pm: Lunch Break

1pm - 3pm: Audio for 1-Camera Interviews

In this session we'll practice location audio recording for video by setting up an interior interview scenario, using the lighting style we learned on Monday. Then we'll mic the interviewee, demonstrating proper mic placement techniques with a wireless lav, boom mic, and mixer.

Now we'll adjust the lighting to create a 2-camera interview scenario. Again we will demonstrate proper mic placement and different ways to mic two people. Students will rotate crew positions to get hands-on lighting set-up and camera with audio recording experience.

Wednesday

You'll learn the six "Ps" and the essentials of professional video production. We'll start with Pre-Production: the script, shot list, call sheet, location scouting, budget, timeline, delivery formats, managing the client and prepping for the shoot.

Then we'll go into Production: the actual shoot. We'll go over crew protocol, from Director to PA. Next, we'll touch on Post-Production workflow: transferring, digitizing, organizing the footage, transcribing, the rough cut, the final cut, and (at last) delivery! After that, you'll get to conduct a site survey.

We'll discuss your site surveys, then watch a short video and analyze the various shots it uses to tell the story. You'll learn how to "shoot for the edit" and build a sequence when shooting b-roll. You'll then get practice designing the key elements of a promo video for a theoretical company.

12pm - 1pm: Lunch Break

Since a videographer is often required to shoot an interview outside, the instructor will demonstrate techniques to help you control the sun and shadows to get good-looking results. You'll get experience using a silk, bounce cards, reflectors and daylight-balanced lights. Then it's your turn to put the mic placement techniques you've learned into action!

Next, we'll go back inside to the lobby and learn how to manage daylight for interior shots. You'll get more hands-on experience as you set up for an interview and the instructor demonstrates various ways to make daylight work for you instead of against you.

Thursday

Whether you're going to work freelance, as part of a production company, or in a department within a larger corporation, you need to know about the business side of video. Marketing your services, putting together job estimates, keeping track of your expenses, buying insurance, drawing up contracts, paying taxes and getting paid, along with many other details. Learning about the business side of video production will enable you to make a living doing what you love to do.

The DSLR has been called a "disruptive" technology because it came out of nowhere to rock the video production industry. In this session we'll explore the most popular DSLRs in use today and discuss the pros and cons of using this type of camera. We'll talk about lenses, rigs, cages and audio recording options then give you hands-on time with several different cameras and rigs.

12pm - 1pm: Lunch Break

1pm - 3 pm: Camera Support & Movement, Part 1

In this session, you'll get to set up and practice dolly, jib and slider shots, as well as on-tripod tilts and pans. We'll discuss how movement can enhance and add value to a production, whether it's fiction or non-fiction. We'll also talk about other movement options such as motorized gimbals, Steadicam, helicopters and drones. When available, you will get instruction and hands-on time with a Ronin M 3-axis gimbal.

Now we'll put your practice to the test. We will design a short scene that will utilize a dolly shot, a jib shot and slider shots. We'll rotate positions so everyone will get experience using the support equipment. The instructor will then demonstrate how to showcase a product using camera movement.

Friday

In the morning session you'll have an opportunity to ask questions about anything covered so far. We'll then look at some videos and analyze them for shot usage and style.

Now we'll begin planning for the afternoon exercise: shooting elements for a marketing or promo video! You'll help make a shot list for B-roll footage and plan out a sequence to showcase a local entrepreneur. We'll discuss a site survey of the location and work out the production schedule.

12pm - 1pm: Lunch Break

Now we'll set-up at our location and go to work. You will participate in all phases of the production: lighting, camera placement and movement, audio recording and operating the camera. We'll shoot an interview with our guest client first and then practice shooting B-roll sequences that will be easy to cut. You'll get to put all the techniques you've learned during the week into action!

After we get all the shots we need to tell the story, it's wrap time! You will then be awarded your Certificate and enjoy a well-deserved break to reminisce about the week. Congratulations! You made it!

Instructor

With 35 years in the film and video production world, Lowel Pierce has done a little of everything and enjoyed the variety. A Colorado native and graduate of CSU in Technical Journalism, Lowel has worked as a TV news photographer, a cinematographer in Saudi Arabia, a partner in a video production company. As both one-man-band and freelance Director of Photography for 22 years, Lowel has worked on indie features, shorts, documentaries, TV commercials, and high-end corporate productions earning a CINE Golden Eagle, Heartland Emmies, and Videographer Awards of Distinction.