Three Day - Cinematic Expression Workshop - Florence, Italy - Summer 2011
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The Cradle Of The Renaissance Florence was the site of incredible activity in art, architecture, literature, and philosophy, triggering the advent of the
Renaissance for the Western world. From the dome that Brunelleschi created for the Santa Maria del Fiore to the works of Michelangelo, Cellini, da
Vinci, Ghiberti, Botticelli, and de Medici, Florence's culture flourished. Historic advances in the arts transformed city into living museum.  
Program gives Student ability to execute any practical situation within limits of three universal predicaments:  
Budget -  Imagination - Personal Courage.
Program consists of demonstrations and participation during which students have chance to record techniques of
Cinematic Expression on their DSLR  and/or Video equipment.
Areas of concentration:  
Cinematic Expression   Film Look   Dancing with Light Technique  
Anyone with desire of entering the "Realm of Beyond" in Visual Expression - Directors of Photography, Directors,
Producers, Cameramen, Gaffers - encouraged to apply.
With the Spirit of Renaissance we exercise New and Different approach to Filmmaking and Cinematography.
It is based on exploring Imagination and transforming Mind Image into language of Cinematic Expression in Film and Video.
Dancing with Light Technique seeks the relationship between emotional and intellectual content of the Scene and Choices for the expression of
those qualities. It is an expanded into motion and color - version of Ansel Adams' method of Previsualization. Zone System of Exposure is a
foundation of the technique...an imperative element in the process of translating imagined values of Grey into language of film and video.
The Technique is a systematic and logical approach to realization of creative process and as such, an invaluable tool for Directors and Directors of
Photography in their pursuit of self expression. Dancing with Light combined with psychological attributes of camera lens, camera position and
movement, lighting style and meaning of color encompasses the process of
Cinematic Expression. The true nature of Artistic Process is in ability to
follow on preconceived idea. Needles to say this not only saves time and money but protects one from necessity of improvising. Lighting from
imagination with light meter and, without help of video monitor is at the core of creative expression in film and video. Having an Idea... Plan in one’s
mind, is the cornerstone of creativity as what remains is to exploit the technical in order to realize it.
Dancing with Light Technique with meaningful use of Tools of Cinematic Expression are the main aspects of the Workshop.

"After years of studying filmmaking, many students realize they do not know how and what to do once they find themselves on a production set. In
my opinion, this is the result of wrong approach to teaching. Based on my experience, many teachers do not explore the importance of
cinematographer's  mindset by not making student aware of the logistics inherent in creative process. They fail to recognize Creative Process as an
organic system that is governed by logistics, teaching of which starts with first exercise in Mood creation"...
Janusz  
Program
Workshop Location:
Fondazione Studio Marangoni   Firenze, Via San Zanobi 32r - 50129

Workshop Hours:  9:00AM - 5:00PM
Space limited to 10 students

School is in center Florence 5 min
walking distance from Santa Maria Novella
Stacione. There are plenty hotels, motels and hostels around the center.
Expedia.com is a good place to search and arrange for location to stay.
  "It's in this stone... I just need to bring it out"  Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 - 1564)   
Payment Option
Basic Photography experience required

Day 1   
Elements of Cinematic Expression
         Camera - Movement - How / When / Why
         Lens - Optical and Psychological Attributes
         Focal Length, Depth of Field
           Exposure - Zone System of Exposure - Film and Video
         Light - Lighting Style and Mood Implications
         Color - Meaning / Symbolism / Psychology
         Dialogue - Director / Director of Photography
           Camera - Demo / Hands on
           Camera Menu - Calibration
           Camera Operating Techniques        
         Demo - RED CAMERA        

   Day 2   Film Look - Demo / Hands on - Methodology of Creative Process  
                   ASA / ISO of Video Camera
        Grey Card, Light Meter (Incident / Spot  - When / Why)
          Application of Zone System of Exposures in Film and Video
          Lighting for Video with Light meter
          Mood, Lighting Styles, Ambiance / Key
        Light Direction, Light Quality
          High Key/Low Key -  Broad/Narrow Setup
        Mood Creation from Previsualisation
         
   Day 3   Dancing with Light
        Creative Lighting for Film and Video - Chiaroscuro
          Students execute and record Lighting Mood Ideas     
             
    Certificates of Accomplishment