CSC Digital Camera Assistants' Course

The CSC has developed its own highly regarded series of specialist training, including our extensive high-level course for Camera Assistants. This course is conducted at least once annually in Toronto (and in other locations when there is sufficient local demand and support) to help camera crews maintain the high standards recognized by the Canadian film and television industry. The course is given by working Camera Assistants that not only demonstrate the cameras but also share their wealth of knowledge gained from years of on-set experience.

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE
To ensure that each student has sufficient time with the instructors and equipment, enrolment in each course is strictly limited. A selection committee of CSC professionals will review the applications, accepting into the course only those applicants whose combination of formal education and/or experience in the industry (preferably in camera assisting) suggests that they have reasonable prospects as a professional camera assistant. A link to the application form is provided below.

TOPICS COVERED IN THE COURSE
The curriculum includes: duties of the assistant, tools, paperwork and administration, labelling, slating, first procedures on the set, setting up the camera, focus pulling, tripods and heads for digital and film cameras, lens testing for commercials, features and episodic television, and hands-on instruction on most of the digital cameras in use today. A selection of film cameras will also be included in the course. Additional events may include an informal evening with one or more DOPs and corresponding responsibilities on a film production.

COURSE LENGTH
The course runs for ten consecutive days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with one possible evening session. Venues vary from day to day, and students are responsible for their own transportation, although car pools are usually organized after the first day.

COURSE FEES
The Camera Assistant Course has a fee of CND$1,325 (includes HST)" (by CSC On Line Payment or certified cheque or money order, due upon acceptance to the course). This covers all instruction, course material (including the CSC Camera Assistant's Manual) and lunches for the duration of the course. In addition, participants are automatically granted entry as an Affiliate member of the CSC, with initiation fee and 1st year’s dues waived. Cancellation notice of 1 week is required; otherwise the fees paid may not be refundable. Although accommodation for out-of-town participants is their personal responsibility, the CSC will provide administrative assistance for securing accommodations at reasonable cost.

COURSE SCHEDULE
Courses are planned based on prospective enrolment in each location, plus local support for availability of equipment, facilities and qualified instructors. The following lists prior and planned courses:

Dates	Location	Application Deadline
February 25 to March 4, 2012	Toronto	February 10, 2012

APPLICATION
To be considered for our Camera Assistants' Course, you can use the following link to complete and submit On Line, or download our application form (PDF format, requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader that is available free from www.adobe.com). Applications must be received by the deadline date shown above to give enough time for review, acceptance and pre-payment.