For the Fall 2023 semester, all tech sessions will continue to have attendee limits for each session, and most will be held in 172 Tremont, Room 403 (unless otherwise noted, e.g. Advanced Grip & Overheads.) There are two sessions available on each scheduled workshop day, each will run for 1 to 2 hours.

For schedules, and to reserve a place in an upcoming workshop

please use this sign up form.

Wondering what the heck a C-stand is, or trying to tie a square knot? Along with our workshops, you can find extensive lighting & grip information videos HERE.

ARRI Alexa 35

Covers menu operations, chroma, color bit depth, configuring the camera for ARRIRAW or ProRes 422 HQ workflows and media management procedures. Upon completion of this workshop, students may be eligible to use the Alexa 35 for MFA, BFA, and potentially BA projects, depending on coursework registration and availability. Prerequisite: Enrollment in an MFA or BFA Thesis course, or BA Capstone project with faculty and VMA approval. This is a certification workshop.

Canon C300 Mk2

Covers both EF and PL lens-mount models; menu operations, chroma subsampling, color bit depth, the advantages of C-log, XF AVC Codec, and REC. 709, C-Fast memory workflow, and downloading procedures. Upon completion of this workshop, students are eligible to use the Canon C300 for MFA, BFA, and potentially BA projects, depending on availability. This is a certification workshop, prerequisite: Completion of VM-378 Basic Cinematography or permission of the VMA tech staff.

Canon C70 & R5C

The Super 35 format Canon C70 is widely available for 200-level+ and the new R5C is available to 300-level (and above) courses; Come have a hands-on session where we consider the basic functions and go over many of the advanced features that make these compact camcorders great!

High-output LED’s

As replacements for our older, heavier HMI fixtures, these workshops cover the technical and aesthetic use of high-energy LED lighting fixtures such as Creamsource Vortex, and Aputure LS1200 fixtures. Topics include power consumption, color adjustment, Bowens reflector selection & use, and the efficiency of LED’s. Also covers system parts (cable, head, lenses) and problem-solving.

Log, Looks, & LUT’s

This workshop will cover ARRI LogC4 and Canon C-Log3 recording which are available on several of our camcorders. These recording modes unlock advanced “flat” logarithmic and Hybrid Log-Gamma Picture Profiles, enable HDR (high dynamic range) and SDR (standard dynamic range) recording for dynamic postproduction color grading as well as a unique in-camera workflow for flexibility in post and delivery. Newly tuned texture settings (ARRI) provide improved image control.

Advanced Grip and Overheads

This workshop covers rigging when using oversize or overhead grip equipment such as the “Butterfly” frames and their included scrims as well as the Menace arm lighting extension rig and moving rigs such as the Kessler Jib. Crew and equipment safety is the primary focus of these workshops, however, setup and operational use is covered as well. These are certification workshops.

Rigging I & II

The Paramount Soundstage Rigging Bootcamp 1 covers grip equipment, electrical safety, and setting lights from a technical standpoint and completion allows students to crew on a soundstage project as well as continue to Rigging Bootcamp 2. These followup sessions cover a range of items such as C-stands, dolly and track, overheads, hanging lights from ceilings and other rigging points, setting a backlight, rigging a menace arm, dolly use, and some camera rigging. See the Paramount Soundstage schedule for further details. These Rigging Boot Camps are held at the Paramount Soundstage (PARA 403). These are certification workshops for soundstage crew positions.

Please note, Completion of Rigging 1 is required to attend Rigging bootcamp 2

Camera Stabilizers

To improve the quality of your handheld filming on your next dynamic camera production, consider using one of the excellent Easyrig Minimax support systems for use with the A7sII, X-T3, C70, or FS5; or consider the Easyrig Vario 5 for use with the larger Aaton, ARRI Alexa 35, or Canon C300 camcorders.

The Easyrig Vario 5 requires potential users to read the VMA Easyrig Vario 5 guide, and answer a single question to become certified for its reservation and use.

Please be advised that we are no longer vending the Steadicam Zephyr system.

For questions please email david_reeder@emerson.edu

For schedules, or to reserve a place in an upcoming workshop use this sign up form.

David Reeder
Program Administrator, Emerson College VMA Department
180 Tremont Street (Ansin, 9th Floor) Boston, MA 02116