The Talent Manager The Kit Room
0207 267 2300

Shoot & Direct: Sony a7S II

ScreenSkills

This course is eligible for bursary funding.

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This highly practical, intensive course will teach you everything you need to know to get filming with confidence on the Sony a7S II. 

Structured so that the crucial theory is interspersed with hands-on exercises, the course will take you step-by-step through setting up the camera to film with full manual control, teach you the camera’s technical strengths (and weaknesses), record broadcast quality sound, as well as showing you how to handle the tapeless workflow. 

More than simply covering the technical aspects of the camera for self-shooters, though, the course will also teach you key directing skills including framing, shot composition, building sequences, and shooting for the edit.

This course caters for all levels of participant needing to learn, update, or hone self-shooting skills. Whether you’re a SP or PD seeking to get to grips with the camera, and HD tapeless workflow, or a Researcher/ AP wanting to learn how to shoot taster tapes or improve your job prospects, this course is for you.
Familiarity with the technical aspects of setting up and using an HD or SD video camera, and experience of filming for broadcast or online. 

• An overview of the camera and its extras• Setting up the camera with rigs, brace, tripods etc• Using matte boxes and filters• The differences between the different cameras available• Setting up menus, including recording quality for video, custom functions, and frame rates• Tapeless recording: using compact flash cards, including which ones to use• 12 min recording• Focus, depth of field and lenses – critical focus explained• The importance of monitors• Exposure, shutter speed, ISO settings and white balance• Making best use of available light• The advantages of fast f2.8 lenses over the slower 3.5-5.6• Audio recording with DSLR: the options available, avoiding pitfalls, and recommendations.• Ingesting footage and transcoding for the edit with MPEG stream clip or compresso• Time changes• Overcranking for slow motion• Syncing audio to footage with software in Final Cut Pro

Our tutors are all top-end directors and programme-makers.

Do I need to bring anything to the course?It’s advisable to bring a pen and some notepaper. Otherwise, all you need is a receptive mind and your energy and enthusiasm.Is lunch provided?We keep you replenished with teas, coffee, biscuits and fruit. We don’t provide lunch – although there are a number of sandwich shops, cafes, restaurants close by, as well as a supermarket.What if I have to cancel?If you cancel more than 10 working days before the course date, you will get a full refund. If you cancel with less notice, or once the course has been confirmed the full course fees are still due. We will however endeavour to get you onto to a future course as and when we have a spare space. Although this cannot be guaranteed and will usually involve you being offered the place at short notice, we have a great track record of making sure people get their training – even it takes a bit of time.

Maximum 8 people but usually 4-6. 

Times

 10:00-17:30 (please arrive 15 minutes early for induction on the first day) 

Location

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be in writing and must be received at least 10 working days prior to the course date or the full fee will be charged. DV Talent reserves the right to cancel courses at any time (e.g. if there are insufficient enrolments) without liability, and delegates will be offered an alternative date or full refund. In booking a course, you are acknowledging you have read and accepted our Terms and Conditions.