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September 3, 2020 12:30–2:30 pm
Streamed Live from the Cinematic Arts Film Studio
Film & Video

Camera Systems and Camera Operation

Partnership with DukeCreate & Cinematic Arts

Taught by Steve Milligan

The Cinematic Arts Filmcraft Workshop Series

Duke Cinematic Arts Icon

The Cinematic Arts Filmcraft Workshop Series is designed to give students the opportunity to develop hard skills in practical areas of filmmaking. It includes topics in cinematography, editing, post-production, and sound. It is aimed at filmmakers looking to advance their practice, as well as those interested in a first look at the techniques and technology of film.

The Fall 2020 Filmcraft Workshops are streamed from the Cinematic Arts Film Studio. Please join us Thursdays in September and October for live demonstrations, discussion, and Q&A.

Camera Systems and Camera Operation

iPhone to IMAX, cameras are systems configured around common subsystems–physical, mechanical, optical, electrical, digital, and chemical. A well-organized understanding of the purpose and function of each of these elements is invaluable if one is to execute complete creative control over the moving images they combine to produce. Similarly, awareness of how a camera’s systems affect functionality will help one choose the right camera for a given purpose, or scale up from a simple to a more complex camera.

While several camera systems are demonstrated and described in this workshop, it is not intended to teach the specific menus or controls of any particular model. Instead it provides a practical approach for quickly mastering the use of any camera. The goal: if you were pushed out of a moving taxi in a strange country, and the first thing you found after rolling to a stop was a cache of unfamiliar cinema camera equipment, you would be able to shoot a film by sundown.

About the Instructor

Steve Milligan is a professional cinematographer. Over the last fifteen years he has worked in long and short form documentary, narrative features, commercials, music videos, and projection design. He has been a lecturing fellow in the Duke Arts of the Moving Image program since 2015.

About the Location

This workshop will be streamed live via Zoom from the Cinematic Arts Film Studio. See link at top of page.

About DukeCreate

DukeCreate is a series of free, hands-on arts workshops designed to help Duke students, staff, and faculty develop a variety of creative skills. Workshops are open to all skill levels and backgrounds. Most take place in the Duke Arts Annex or the Rubenstein Arts Center and are typically held weeknights 6-8pm.

Workshops are free to all Duke students and staff, with priority given to students. Class size is limited. Students must sign up in advance. Registration for the following week’s DukeCreate workshops goes live on Friday mornings – sign up in advance to guarantee your spot!  Online enrollment for Duke staff opens on the day of the workshop. Staff can also show up 10 minutes prior to a workshop in case a slot becomes available. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a space-available basis.

DukeCreate is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts (DukeArts) and University Center Activities and Events (UCAE).