Please note: This class has reached its registration capacity.

As a director, when you request a certain lighting setup and camera move, do you have a clear understanding of what you’ve asked the cinematographer and their crew to do?

Join Professor William McDonald, Head of Cinematography at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, for a four-night workshop in which participants will explore the theory and practice of cinematography.

On the heels of May’s sold-out seminar, we’re excited to offer this follow-up workshop designed for aspiring and early-career directors. These sessions will be primarily hands-on so participants can experience physical production and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts of cinematography. You’ll also build an appreciation of the time and energy needed to create effective camera and lighting setups, with emphasis placed on grip & lighting units, lenses, cameras and dollies.

In addition to the opportunities for experiential learning, other topics that will be covered include: planning the shoot, shot listing, strategies for “making your day,” effective set communication and chain of command.

Though this workshop is designed to complement May’s one-night seminar, a brief recap will be included for those who missed that event.

Don’t wait to register! Space is limited to 20 participants.

About the instructor

Professor William McDonald is the Head of Cinematography in the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television. The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) honored him with Associate Membership, acknowledging his leading role as an educator in the field of academic cinematography. He was awarded the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineer’s (SMPTE) Kodak Educational Award. Now in his 37th year of teaching, McDonald brings to students an enthusiasm and passion for the art and craft of cinematography.

McDonald’s numerous credits as a cinematographer include both documentary and dramatic films. With his late wife, filmmaker Pamela Beere Briggs, he produced and photographed several independent documentaries, including Funny Ladies: A Portrait of Female Cartoonists, profiles of four of America’s most popular female newspaper cartoonists; and Women of Mystery: Three Writers Who Forever Changed Detective Fiction.
 
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Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.