DIRECTOR/CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andrew Phan
TALENT: Matan Amir & Daniela Krashnenny
Sony A7S w/ Rokinon 50mm Cine T1.5
Cine 4 w/ S-Gamut
Premiere Pro w/ Red Giant Magic Bullet Looks & Film Convert
All Camera Audio
On August 26, 2015, my teacher was sick. Rather than not doing anything, my teacher assigned me the task of showing off filmmaking videos to help teach people new things. We went straight into lighting and cinematography which many classmates needed. Later that night, I got a text from my teacher telling me that she would be out again. She wanted me to teach the class again.
I suggested that we do a lighting workshop to help reinforce ideas that we were shown the day earlier. Agreeing upon that, I started planning out a lesson plan to help make my ideas for the workshop concrete. It was weird being in a teacher's position. However, it helped not only them the next day, but it helped myself reinforce the techniques.
We started off talking about Full Frame vs APC-S camera sensors. We helped explain what differences it made, how choosing lens would be affected, and other issues surround the battle. Next, we went to our main event. We reconstructed the scene from "Whiplash" where Andrew Neiman breaks up with Nicole. I choose this scene because it was simple enough to reconstruct in the 15 minute window we had. However, the scene had a lot to it that allowed demonstration of three point lighting.
We showed the class how each light made a difference in the overall composition of the shot. Although, many cinematography classes start with a Key Light, I opted to start with backlight. I wanted to show everyone how the backlight added depth to the shot before we even got to the key light. Next, we added in our key light. We showed why we were bouncing light off a reflector rather than pointing it directly at our talent. The bounced light really made a difference in creating a much more flattering look. Next, we added another light off the wall to simulate building light. The scene took place in a restaurant so there had to be some building light. But we achieved the overall look that we were going for.
Next, we did a group activity that allowed the class to design there own lighting and present it. However, we never got that far. Time ran out on us and when the bell rang, people lost interest. It happens.
When everyone was gone, I wanted to film something really quick for fun. I got my two friends, who helped lead the two of the group during the activities. We got to shoot this quick scene which was interesting. The only thing I would have done to frame this shot better was to not get the light in the shot. It's super distracting.
I think teaching the workshop was interesting and fun. I really would like to do this again sometime to teach cinematography. However, that might not happen until I plan it out to be much more efficient. I'm really hoping that for the cinematographers and directors in the class would actually come to a session to learn more about lighting.
Anyways, that was my first workshop teaching experience.