Being in the heart of the Media Capital of the World (Burbank), we meet a lot of directors, producers and videographers. And Gaffers, DPs, actors; the list goes on. Many of the Canon Boot Camp grads hail from the Industry… and then there’s Andrew Harbert.

Andrew has a background in the Industry, having worked for various studios, but currently he’s more of an online Renaissance Man. A software engineer, he’s also a branding strategist, social networker, and Search Engine Marketer. When he’s not optimizing a web site he’s designed, he’s headed to the beach with the dogs for the surfing action sunny California provides in abundance.

After the Boot Camp, Andrew shared his review of the class and how one tip made the investment worth it:

The Boot Camp worked out great. Beyond my expectations. I mean, the one thing that I learned that basically paid for the entire course was the auto focus on the back of the camera. I mean, literally that paid for everything. I knew it [auto focus] existed, but I didn’t know to really use it, and to actually push the button. It was like, one of those things, like “Do Not Push,” and I was always scared of it and stuff. So, that was worth the price of admission right there.

- See more at: http://blog.theassociation.tv/blog/the-association/page/3#sthash.icERYS6E.dpuf

Rick Romero traveled from Belize to take the Canon Boot Camp. He works as cameraman for Channel 5 and came to learn how to use his Canon 5D for shooting commercials. Here’s what Rick shared in his video interview after the class:

“I basically wanted to know how the camera works in and out. I had no idea how to operate one before the boot camp, and the first day was great because I learned so many things about the camera. The 2nd day was using the camera for real scenes, how to shoot scenes. So I was like, OK, I know step 1, step 2, step 3; and achieving that look, the warm look I was looking for. The ISO, how much to use, F-stops, focus; all these things just came easy. The bar scene was interesting because of the lighting, the depth of the shot that we did.

“Definitely I would recommend the boot camp for anybody who’s interested in knowing about the Canon DSLR camera, whether it’s the 7D, 5D, Mark III or Mark II. Because it makes you appreciate the camera more, and how well it does, and the things you can do with it.

“And the instructors here are very helpful, knowledgeable, professional and they really help a lot in achieving that goal.”
Rick Romero
TV Cameraman
Belize

- See more at: http://blog.theassociation.tv/blog/the-association/page/3#sthash.icERYS6E.dpuf

Ok, maybe they aren’t that secret. All the great tips for low budget DSLR shooting (and no so low budget) are available to anyone at the Canon Boot Camp.

Corey is a teacher for a private school that is developing their film and video department. So he came to learn more of the technical side of the camera, already being familiar with the creative side. Here’s Corey’s review of the class:

I’m a teacher, and I came here to learn how to teach the technical side of how the Canon cameras work, so I can do a film making class with my students. I really like doing the creative side of it already, but I didn’t know how the camera worked, all the settings, just really how how to do a lot of that, so I just wanted to learn kind of the whole thing.

I really liked the viewpoint of take us from nowhere, anywhere we’re at [skill wise] and be able to have a complete product at the end. To be able to do this [digital film making] at some professional level. I thought that was  a great approach and it really worked for me. When there were things that we knew, they [the instructors]  could assimilate it quickly to kind of really tailor the experience on a real moment-by-moment basis.

There were several technical aspects that were really cool. I liked learning about how to do different lighting setups, and I really had the idea that I was going to need to buy expensive, you know, equipment to do it. So I appreciated each time it was pointed out that, “Oh, you can just get this at Home Depot,” or “You can just get this at Ikea,” or “this dimmer only costs $6.” I was like, “Perfect!” you know, because I’m a teacher, and we don’t have a huge budget to go buy, you know, the real equipment maybe that the industry uses. So I needed all those little tips on how to do it on a low budget.

And then, just getting the information on if we do want to maybe spend a little bit more to get some of the really cool equipment…just the follow focus device…. It was like, I’ve wanted to know how to do that, and it was just like, “Oh this is how you do that,” and I got to play with it, and was shown how to use it, and it was great!

Corey Orthmann
Teacher

- See more at: http://blog.theassociation.tv/blog/the-association/page/3#sthash.icERYS6E.dpuf

Even if you don’t know Ashley Wilson, you’ve probably seen her work.

Ashley is currently an editor for NBC’s “Last Call with Carson Daly” and also edited for Current TV, both cutting-edge and award-winning shows, and when you watch her work it’s evident she plays an important part in the success of these shows. Crisp and interesting, the videos are a kind of fresh cultural salad of today’s people and music and, of course, food.

Already skilled in DSLR Filmmaking, Ashley arrived with her Canon 5D Mark II in hand to put a polish on her digital filming skills. So now she’s pretty much a force of nature. Here’s what she had to say about her experience at the Canon Boot Camp:
I had a really great time and I think I learned a lot. I was really happy with everything and I feel confident now going out and being on a shoot. I think I would get by just fine and know what to do, and come out with great looking footage.

Well, in terms of the class, I really liked the fact it was so hands-on, like we got to actually practice everything, and then when I did mess up, there were people that could help me, and go, like, “Oh, no…just do it this way.” Just so many questions were answered.

Just learning about getting everything in focus, and the lighting just right. I don’t know, I just feel like I could go shoot something right now. I would definitely recommend the class to others because It think the way it’s designed it it fits pretty much everyone’s pace. Like if you knew a lot [already] you could kind of jump ahead, and if you didn’t [know a lot] there were people there to answer questions. I think it was just a great group.

And we got hands-on, plus lecture, plus lots of materials to take home and review. So I think I’m set!

Ashley Wilson
Editor/Producer

You don’t have to work at NBC or Current TV to “qualify” for the Canon Boot Camp! Just have a passion for digital filmmaking and having fun with other great people. You’ll learn what you need even if you’ve never used a Canon before. Our Instructors will guide and inform you with hands-on drills so you can rock it on your own in just two days. Come join us!

- See more at: http://blog.theassociation.tv/blog/the-association/page/3#sthash.icERYS6E.dpuf

Darla came to us from Power of Two Promotions, a company that specializes in creating promotional products for, well, just about anybody! As the Chief Creative Officer and Designer for Power of Two Promotions, two of her hats are Stage Manager and Videographer.

Already experienced in lighting and stage design after over a decade of theater stage productions, that DSLR cutting edge was missing. After attending our two day DSLR Filmmaker training classes here in Los Angeles, CA, Darla took a few minutes to fill us in on her experience:

“The biggest thing i wanted to learn was how to use the camera. And so, I think that went really well! I mean, I learned a lot! Still a few things that I still need to make sure I review on a regular basis so it doesn’t just fly out of my head.

“It’s intense and you’re just getting your getting your hands in there and just getting “dirty” and learning and doing…I think that’s the best way for ANYONE to learn. For me especially. To get your hands on it, and do it! If you don’t understand it, you’ve got people around you – you can be, like, “Hey…”

“I think it’s so hands-on that I think that anybody could learn [DSLR Filmmaking] and really take away – and make films,,,right after – you know, I  could go make a film tomorrow.

Darla Davis
Chief Creative Officer
Power of Two Promotions

- See more at: http://blog.theassociation.tv/blog/the-association/page/3#sthash.icERYS6E.dpuf

Hollywood Screenwriter Christopher Wilkinson visited us at the Canon Boot Camp and left a happy man! No stranger to the Silver Screen, Chris has helped pen and produce a number of features, including Nixon, directed by Oliver Stone and starring Anthony Hopkins, and Ali, directed by Michael Mann and starring Will Smith. He’s currently working on an untitled Freddie Mercury biopic scheduled to come out in 2014, starring Sacha Baron Cohen.

Chris shared his experience at the Canon Boot Camp in a video interview. We’re excited about his future work and look forward to viewing future DSLR projects.

I came [to the Canon Boot Camp] to get an overview of DSLR Filmmaking, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. It was awesome! Really awesome. Especially yesterday [Pro Level I]. It was clear, interesting, beautifully presented; friendly, wonderful people – thank you! It’s great, couldn’t be happier.

Christopher Wilkinson
Screenwriter

Interested in getting a grip on DSLR Filmmaking? Our classes are geared to both experts and newbies, each class specifically tailored to the needs of the participants. After signing up for a boot camp or workshop, we’ll send you a survey to find out exactly what you’re trying to accomplish. The Chief Instructor then modifies the course syllabus to ensure each need is met as closely as possible.

We don’t know of another live DSLR class that provides such a high level of customized training as effectively as our Canon Boot Camp. And we strive to keep it that way. Come find out for yourself, and attend the Canon Boot Camp and/or our Lighting Workshop. Graduates of either class are eligible for a $200 discount on whichever class they haven’t attended yet. Call 818-841-9660 or email Trevor for more information.

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This week, we tested out a new lighting fixture from Alzo; the Overhead Drum Light is like a china ball. We used it in two very different lighting scenarios. One was portrait lighting, and the other food lighting. Although both aimed to be glamorous shots, we had to use the Overhead Drum Light and our tools in very different ways.

For portrait lighting, we used the Alzo Overhead Drum Light with a reflector for a soft lighting. For food lighting, the Overhead Drum Light was dropped closer to the subject and with the help of two small desk lamps with barndoors attached to provide a key. This light is very versatile and provides a soft, bright light for your subjects. It is also mobile when attached to a c-stand arm so it can swing into place and be moved up and down.

We recently used this light at a Canon Boot Camp shoot to create a skylight above our talent’s head. Here is the shot:

Let us know how you would use the Alzo Overhead Drum Light!

- See more at: http://blog.theassociation.tv/blog/the-association/page/3#sthash.icERYS6E.dpuf

Joe Campo traveled from New York to take the Canon Boot Camp and hone his skills as a wedding cinematographer. Within the first 10 minutes of the class, his most pressing question had been answered. We would have sent him home, but there was so much more to cover!

Afterward Joe took the time to share his review of our DSLR video training, and if it was worth the trip. We are looking forward to seeing his future work – with a DSLR in hand it’s sure to be stunning.

My name is Joe. I’m from New York. I am new to the business, and I am a wedding Cinematographer. And I just came here to, I guess, improve my knowledge on the inner workings of the camera. How to get the job done, the right way, like the pros.

The first thing I mentioned, actually, when I was sitting down [Pro Level I], was how to get the shots in perfect focus, and the question was answered like that. So, it was definitely worth it right there, like the first 10 minutes of this [boot camp]. It was definitely well worth it. It definitely helped me so much. I’m excited to shoot my next shot!

Joe Campo
Wedding Cinematographer, NY

- See more at: http://blog.theassociation.tv/blog/the-association/page/3#sthash.icERYS6E.dpuf

Camilla Magid is a Danish director that was looking to get a hands-on perspective on DSLR Filming. So she took advantage of the Canon Boot Camp and not only learned how to set up her camera correctly on Day 1, but also got behind the camera on Day 2 when we shoot a short film.

In her own words:

I was hoping to learn to get to know the camera better, and feel more comfortable in using it myself. And that turned out great! Now I’m ready to go out there – I need some more practice – but I feel completely confident that I can go out on my own. My favorite scene would be the pie scene (laughs). I think that was my favorite scene.

I would definitely recommend it [the Canon Boot Camp] because it’s a great environment, really nice people and a lot of valuable knowledge in just two days.

Camilla Magid
Director, Magid