Course summary
Build your skills as a 2nd and 1st Assistant Cameraperson. This innovative professional Diploma course equips camera trainees with the skills required for a successful career as 2nd and 1st ACs on both film and television drama. You will not only graduate from the course with the expertise required for AC roles, but also a number of credits and valuable Industry contacts from NFTS, Panavision and Arri. The course is structured to allow people active in the film and television industry to work at their own rate and build their skills around outside work. It is classed as part-time (approx. 26 weeks), but involves full-time learning throughout each module. On completion of the course, you’ll have credits on a varied selection of films and will have worked on multiple formats to give you the foundation to build your skills as a 2nd AC and trainee, as well as give you an initial understanding and experience of the role of Focus Puller. Course Facilities The NFTS has a range of over 50 film and digital video cameras, including 16mm, 35mm and Alexa Minis which you will have unparalleled access to. There is also a large stock of grip equipment available for a range of shoots.
Modules
This course consists of three modules. You can take up to two years to complete all three modules allowing you the flexibility to fit the course in around your work schedule. However, finishing the course in one year is encouraged. Module 1 - Understanding the role of 2nd AC (Jan-Mar) On this module you’ll be working with Alexa Mini and Venice cameras as well as WCU-4 and Hi-5 wireless follow focuses. The course will be taught at the NFTS and you’ll get the opportunity to be taught by leading tutors in their fields. The module culminates in the production of 10 short 15-minute films where you and your classmates will act as 2nd ACs or trainees under the guidance of a professional 1st AC. Module 2 - Introduction to the role of Focus Puller and 35mm (May-Aug) On this module you learn about 35mm cameras including the Arri LT, Panaflex (subject to availability) and Moviecam Compact. You’ll be taught how to load, the relationship between you and the Lab and the differences in workflow of a digital and 35mm film project. This module culminates in the production of ten 20-30 minute films each with a substantial production budget. Again you and your classmates will act as 2nds, Loaders and trainees. Where suitable we will be looking for people to step up to the role of 1st AC, but this is not guaranteed. Module 3 - Working with 16mm (Sept-Oct) This module will be focused entirely on the art of 16mm which has seen a resurgence in recent years. You’ll get to handle cameras ranging from the Arri 416 to the SR3 and Aaton cameras. Again the module ends with the production of 10 short films on 16mm, each with a medium sized production budget. For those of you who have already done the previous two modules, we’ll be looking for as many of you as possible to step up as 1st ACs.
Entry requirements
This course is open to UK applicants and EU/EEA Nationals with UK pre-settled/settled status (subject to meeting residency requirements) and applicants who are currently in the UK on a valid visa for the full duration of the course. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, keen to work hard as part of a team and quick to learn. The course is ideally suited for those people already working as Camera Trainees or as 2nd ACs. In applying to this course you need to be available to attend the School in January, February (Module 1), from mid-June, July through to mid-August (Module 2) and then September, October (Module 3). The three modules can be completed over a two-year period, and Module 1 must be completed first. During the three teaching modules students are expected to be at the School five days per week. In periods between each teaching block students should pursue their own professional work to develop their experience. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG