Assistant Camera
Film and Digital Assistant Camera
Length : 64 hours
ABOUT THE COURSE
This course combines theory and hands-on training to help participants develop the skills and best practices required for film and digital camera assisting. Topics covered include camera mechanics, film stock, exposure, camera testing and test evaluation, optics, and more.
TARGET POSITIONS
This mandatory course is required for First Assistant Camera, Second Assistant Camera, and Camera Trainee positions.
PREREQUISITES
- Must be accepted into the Camera Trainee Program or have received an exemption.
- Must have completed the Introduction to Union Life course.
- This course may also be taken as part of the recognition process for First Assistant Camera.
INSTRUCTORS
- Jocelyn Simard, First Assistant Camera
- Nicolas Fournier, First Assistant Camera and Director of Photography, Co-Founder of Studio Post-Kopic
- Martine Leclerc, First Assistant Camera
- Colin Beaudry, Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) and Video Assist Operator
- Soupharak Keoborakoth, Second Assistant Camera
- Marc Lemieux, Second Assistant Camera
REGISTRATION
You must have been accepted into the camera assistant program or have been granted an exemption.
Are you a first camera assistant looking to complete the training to become certified? Contact us at formations@aqtis514iatse.com for more details on how to enroll in the training program.
1. Camera Mechanics
- Basic principles (film transport, persistence of vision, image steadiness)
- The different components of a camera (camera body, magazines, lens mount, optical system)
- Loading magazines
- Hands-on workshop: equipment handling in small groups using the gear provided
2. Film Stock, Exposure and Camera Testing
- Film stock (composition, types, sensitivity, colour temperature, exposure, labeling, cost and running time)
- Camera tests (image steadiness, framing chart, resolution, scratches, CCM)
- Hands-on workshop: shooting camera tests on film
3. Test Evaluation, Duties and Reports
- In-depth review of the film camera tests
- Camera accessories and support equipment
- On-set protocols and etiquette
- Working with multiple cameras
- Hands-on workshop: pulling focus without a monitor
4. Optics
- Lens characteristics
- Depth of field and depth of focus
- Choosing the right lens
- Lens barrel markings
- Exposure control and compensation
- Lenses versus capture format
5. Practical On-Set Training
- Production tools and equipment
- Walkie-talkie communication
- Using the slate
- Marking actors
- Production reports and paperwork
- Ratchet strap workshop
6. Digital Cinematography
- Human visual perception (eye receptors, persistence of vision)
- Digital image perception
- Digital sensors (CCD and CMOS, resolution, crop factor, Bayer filter and other mosaic patterns, sensor filters, far-red contamination, rolling shutter and global shutter)
- MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)
- Image processing (colour spaces, bit depth, RAW, Log, Rec. 709, demosaicing, sampling)
- Digital camera systems: Arri Alexa, RED Epic, Sony F65 and F55, Canon C300 and 1D C, Blackmagic BMCC, Phantom
- Timecode (drop-frame and non-drop-frame)
- Recording devices (Atomos Samurai, Sound Devices PIX 240, Ki Pro)
- Monitoring systems (plasma, LCD and OLED displays)
UPCOMING DATES
2027
Between January and March, over four consecutive weekends
SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Mel's 2 and Mel's 3 Camera, 1777 Carrie Derick Street, Montreal, QC H3C 6G2
FEES
$800 + tax (Camera Trainees)
$1,280 + tax (Members)
$2,240 + tax (Non-Members)
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
25
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