Cinematographer's Preparation

Cinematographers need to do more than simply, “show up and shoot.” Preparing to film is a complex, considered, and artistic task and Cinematographer's Preparation with Jim Denault, ASC will teach you how to strategize and achieve the most creative, productive shoot possible.

Most filmmakers are in the dark about what cinematographic preparation truly entails. This class will give you with a step-by-step guide to preparing to shoot a whole range of narrative material – from the simplest moments to the most complex series of scenes. Jim will show how to break-down and analyze a script from an aesthetic, technical, and practical point-of-view. 

You’ll learn how to:

• Analyze a script aesthetically and technically
• Evaluate and provide for the practical needs of a scene
• Achieve maximum subjective effect within your shooting "strategy"
• You’ll learn precise, effective, artistic, and technical approaches to shooting, which can be applied across all forms of filmmaking and length of material.

Working cinematographers, camera operators, and filmmakers will develop new skills for efficiently and beautifully conveying the artistic essence of their material.  

• Class Introduction
• What Are the Basics to Know?
• Prepare to Get the Job
• How to Do the Meeting
• After You Get the Job: Talk to the Line Producer
• Create Style Concepts & Break Down the Script
• Learn the Director's Priorities
• Essential Documents
• How to Complete a Preliminary Scout
• How to Prep for the Tech Scout
• How to Go on Tech Scouts
• The Basic Gear Package
• How to Set Up the Camera
• How to Camera Test
• Audience Q & A
• Parting Words