Workshops

Browse Workshops and Classes

Collaborative Filmmaking: Documentary Shorts (May 18-July 6, 2022)

Prerequisites: You must be a current PhillyCAM member and have attended a member orientation session to register.

This special topic Collaborative Filmmaking workshop will focus on producing a short documentary.

Students work collaboratively to create a  2-3 minute short film using the Canon M50 Grab n go kit.  This hybrid virtual & in person workshop will guide participants through the steps of creating a short form documentary as a team. Participants will learn production planning skills, interviewing techniques, cinematography and post production workflow. Students will not learn Premiere, but will gain an understanding of how to work with an editor to review transcripts, make selections and generate and edit script.

Certification on the Grab n Go kit will be part of this workshop experience. The kit includes a Canon M50 camera with 15-45mm lens, lavalier mics, shot gun mic and a tripod.  Lighting and additional audio accessories will be available as needed for production.

The goal is to work with a small kit and crew to make a production in a limited amount of time. Bring your ideas and interests to share with the class and bring an openness to collaborate and learn from one another.

Instructor: Natasha Cohen Carroll

Workshop Dates:

Virtual meetings Wednesdays (6:30-8:30pm)

May 18, 25, June 22, June 29, July 6  

In person meetings at PhillyCAM (12-3)

Saturdays, May 21, June 11, June 25 

Fee: $75

Pay online or in-person with a credit or debit card.
You will need to register in person if you are paying by cash, check or money order.

Register for Collaborative Filmmaking: Documentary Shorts

Core Classes

You must be a current member and have attended a community workshop or orientation to register for a workshop(s).

Production Planning

Class Dates/Times:  06/06/2022  - 6/27/2022  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET

 Prerequisites:  You must be a current PhillyCAM member and have attended a member orientation session to register.

Designed for members who are planning to produce content for PhillyCAM and also for those aiming to improve on management of a show already in production. This class helps members focus their ideas and develop a production plan/treatment for their projects. Students will learn how to plan accordingly for all stages of production from idea development to distribution. The workshop will also present participants with different production options for working from home, producing virtual productions, and working safely in the field.

The workshop will cover the key stages of production for working with audio and video, software and applications for working from home, and tips on how to access PhillyCAM resources and training opportunities at this time. If you're just jumping in for the first time, or eager to get back into production, this is a good place to recalibrate!

The last class will have an optional in-person opportunity for participants to present their ideas and celebrate with one another.

Instructor: Gabe Castro

Class Dates/Times:  06/06/2022  - 06/27/2022  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET

Fee: $40
Pay online or in-person with a credit or debit card.
You will need to register in person if you are paying by cash, check or money order.

Register for Production Planning

Introduction to TV Studio Crew - Coming Soon

Class Dates and Times: June 14, 16, 21, 2022 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM ET

We are excited to restart training in our TV Studio.

This workshop is open to all members looking to produce or offer support as crew for producers, or who are just interested in knowing or learning the ins and outs of TV Studio production.  We will be introducing new concepts, policies, procedures, as well as introducing the new upgraded studio. It serves as a gateway to everyone wishing to move further along.

The goal of this workshop is to prepare you to support as a crew member in the TV Studio Crew. The first 2 sessions will be hands on instruction. The last class will be a practicum/assesment to demonstrate skills learned.

Participants will gain the following skills:

• Understanding studio roles, teamwork and live to tape workflow
• Understanding camera operation, shot types, framing
• Understanding how to patch and mic guests
• Hands on experience communicating and operating as a studio crew member, knowing how to take initiative and work as a team
• Operating the sound board (basic mixing with the faders)
• Understanding how the teleprompter works (additional training will be provided as needed)

Instructor: Tyreece Powell

Fee $25

Introduction to Live Studio Switching & Directing

 Dates and Times: July 5- Aug 9, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET

This is an entry level workshop for folks who have never used the Tricaster or know anything about production switching.  The Workshop would cover the fundamentals of the switching in general and with the Tricaster in particular. It would be limited to covering the essentials needed to put a show together.

The focus is on program/preview buses, titles, lower thirds, importing video/audio and using the ddrs, maybe a mixed effects or two, audio mixing, etc. but nothing extensive, so that people feel comfortable. Also will be for people who are mainly focused on studio taping with an introduction to working with virtual guests. Emphasis will be on introducing what it takes to be a Technical Director, and what to expect from a Director/Producer.

Participants will learn the following skills:

• Importing and organizing media, building your show.
• Understanding how to direct crew while managing your show.
• Cutting between multiple sources (cameras, graphics, clips, virtual guests).
• Setting up basic mix effects, and chromakey options.
• Monitoring audio and understanding the audio mixer.
• Putting it all together to record a live to tape show.
• Each student produces a 2-3 min segment for Producers Circle.

Instructor: Tim Millaway

Pre reqs: Previously TV Studio Crew Certified members

Fee: $75
Pay online or in-person with a credit or debit card. You will need to register in person if you are paying by cash, check or money order.

Register for Introduction to Live Studio Switching

Basic Field Production

Registration is closed

Prerequisites:  You must be a current PhillyCAM member and have attended a member orientation session to register.

This class will be held in person at PhillyCAM.

This class will teach the basic operation of the Sony PXWX70 XDCAM  field camera, lighting and microphones. Students will learn how to set up their shots, properly mic subjects and prepare for their production shoot. 

We are keeping the class size to 6 members to reflect COVID protocol and maintain distance when together. Instruction will take place over the first 5 weeks, and the last class meeting will be the certification demonstration and exam. Upon conclusion and passing the certification, members will be able to reserve the equipment for their PhillyCAM projects.

Instructor: Niki Warncke

Fee: $75
Pay online or in-person with a credit or debit card. You will need to register in person if you are paying by cash, check or money order.

Introduction to StreamYard

Registration is closed

Prerequisites:  You must be a current PhillyCAM member and have attended a member orientation session to register.

This workshop is for members interested in crewing on a PhillyCAM or WPPM production or producers interested in running their own virtual broadcasts using the StreamYard platform.  For members interested in supporting a virtual TV production or getting back in the 'studio' this is for you! StreamYard is ideal for talk and music shows that also stream live to Facebook or other social channels.

The workshop will cover both technical aspects of preparing a show in StreamYard, as well as tips for hosting and preparing guests. Participants will be paired with an existing producer to support as Technical Director on their show.

All participants will be required to support on 1 member production outside of class to receive certification. Certification will allow you to access PhillyCAM's StreamYard pro account and staff support for PCAM and WPPM productions.

Must be an active producer or be willing to crew on a PCAM/WPPM Production.

Intro to Adobe Premiere

Registration is closed
Prerequisites:  You must be a current PhillyCAM member and have attended a Community TV Workshop session to register.

Intro to Premiere Pro will introduce members to working in the nonlinear editing program, Adobe Premiere Pro. Member will learn best practices for managing media and setting up projects, editing using different tools, manipulating tracks and an introduction to graphics, color correction, effects, and audio editing. PhillyCAM will supply the sample footage for you to work with.

This workshop is best for members who have an active projcet they are working on. This workshop will be held on Saturdays for a more condensed learning experience. In between sessions, students will be expected to work in the Lab for additional hours to complete their short edited project as part of the workshop certification. This workshop will be offered in the Media Lab at PhillyCAM with limited capacity.  

Masks are required at all times. 

Fee: $75

Instructor: Gralin Hughes
Gralin Hughes, Jr. is a multidisciplinary artist based in Philadelphia, working at the intersection of sound & visual.  He merges visual art, and sound design through projection mapping, audio/visual live performances and installation art.  His recent work includes collaborations with muralist Michelle Angela Ortiz, The Philadelphia Jazz Project, and Alex Shaw/The Mandinga Experiment. Gralin holds an MFA in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design from the University of the Arts.  Gralin is a member of Philly/AV, an artist-led experimental multimedia collective based in Philadelphia. When not experimenting in his art studio he teaches creative technology & new media courses.

Adobe Certification Training

This class is open to the public.

Are you looking to become an official Adobe Premiere Pro Certified Associate? Or just looking to deepen your knowledge of Premiere?

The Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certifications are industry-recognized credentials that validate proficiency in technical skills using Adobe software applications. It's a great boost for your resume and let's employers know you have a strong foundation in editing. 

We are offering a self directed training course for anyone looking to brush up on knowledge of Premiere or prepare to take the certification exam. This certification option is for individuals who have active working knowledge of Premiere and would like to become an accredited Adobe Certified User. If you sign up for the training, you'll have access to the online modules for 3 months (March- May). You will also receive a detailed workbook, over 85 pages with review and download practice files. The training software is full of interactive exercises, Pre/Post-assessment questions, and practice labs. 

This option is for self directed students only. PhillyCAM staff will not be available to offer direct instruction in Adobe Premiere.

The training will include the following:

• Access to online training modules from LearnKey.

  LearnKey is a premier global provider of self-paced education and training solutions for education, veterans, corporate/government, and personal users. For over two decades, LearnKey’s mission has been to create flexible expert learning solutions - solutions that work for everyone because they are not only easy to use, but they are extremely engaging and interactive. LearnKey brings the classroom experience to you - where and when you need it.

• Video-based e-learning courseware
• Interactive labs
• Prescriptive study guides
• Workbooks and extensive training materials

Fees - $150

• Access to training modules (completely self guided): $50. (you will have access March-May)
• ACA Test $100 (includes 1 retest) Certification Exam - Adobe Premiere Pro (Certified Professional)*
• You will to need to register separately  to take the exam.
   

 Once you register please email laura@phillycam.org to receive access to the training materials.

Class Dates: March- May
Registration is Closed

Starting your Podcast (April 18 - May 23, 2022)

Registration is closed

This 6-week class will help you kickstart your Podcast production.  The workshop will cover topics from story development to interviewing tips, technical tools, and marketing and distribution strategies.  Local podcasters will join as guest speakers. Participants will receive additional production and consultation support outside of class.

Class Location: The workshop will be offered over Zoom. 
Instructor: Led by The Ghouls Next Door podcast producer, and Black Tribble, PhillyCAM's own Gabe Castro.

Fee: $75

Pay online or in-person with a credit or debit card. You will need to register in person if you are paying by cash, check or money order.