Summer Courses? Maine Workshops - worth it?

K

Kabz

Active member
I am graduating high school, and I want to take a summer film course.

Now I see so many ads in magazines, and I was looking at the programs at some websites, and I like what I found at www.theworkshops.com
Now I've read somewhere on here a long time ago about them, but I have no idea about what its like, and how a typical day is, and how the amenities are in the housing.

I was also hoping to get some recommendations on classes in New York or LA.
I would do it for 4 weeks max, but 1 and 2 weeks is a lot cheaper so I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount.

If anyone who has done a workshop, wherever it might have been, I would appreciate a little review and info on how you liked it.

Thanks
 
What is it you want to learn, exactly? While I've never attended, the Main Photographic workshops have an excellent reputation. Years ago, a friend of mine attended the Steadicam Workshop. At the time it was taught by the inventor Garrett Brown! That was 20 years ago, but since they are still around I would imagine they are still a quality place.

Dan Selakovich
www.DVcameraRigs.com
 
I have never been to the Maine workshops. But, I hear they are done with excellence.
You couldn't really say that about the summer workshops at New York Film Academy. . .
 
thisiswells said:
I have never been to the Maine workshops. But, I hear they are done with excellence.
You couldn't really say that about the summer workshops at New York Film Academy. . .
Click to expand...
details please. i was considering this...
 
Im from Maine and went to the work shops when i was a a sophomore in highschool so i wasnt able to attend the 'real' course but instead the stupid kids workshop which wasnt worth it at all, but from what i hear the pro workshops are great. I knew one of the teachers form a film i had worked on before so i was able to get a few peaks at his course and it was good from what i saw.
 
For those interested MovieMaker magazine has a discount for the workshops.
This is from their newsletter.
Until June 30 th, MovieMaker readers can save at least $100 on a one-week moviemaking workshop in Maine, or save 10% on a college degree or certificate program at The International Film Workshops… that could amount to a savings of $1,800!
The International Film Workshops in Rockport, Maine offers more than 150 one-, two- and four-week workshops for emerging and professional moviemakers. The Workshops also offers a one-year Professional Certificate in Filmmaking, with tracks in both dramatic and documentary production. A two-year Associate of Arts degree in Filmmaking is also available through Rockport College.

Founded in 1973, The Workshops is a world-renown education and training center, known throughout the industry for its topflight faculty of award-winning moviemakers, industry support and intensive, hands-on courses. The Workshops offers workshops for producers, writers, directors, cinematographers, editors and actors. Located in the small seaport village of Rockport, Maine, the center has its own production campus with a sound stage, digital labs with more than 40 Macintosh workstations, more than 20 cameras from Panavision, ARRI, Canon and Panasonic and Sony… accommodations are right on campus and the food is great.

Explore their Website at www.FilmWorkshops.com. Ask for a catalog while online, or call them at 207/236-8581. E-mail is Info@TheWorkshops.com. Call toll free 877/577-7700.
 
I attended the Advanced Video Lighting workshop in Maine summer 2004. The instructer was Rob Draper, ASC (Australian). My experience was excellent. I went there with a solid shooting/lighting background and professional experience. To be able to ask someone of Rob's caliber those lingering questions we have was invaluable. He's an excellent instructor -- very approachable-- and I would attend again.
 
I went to the Maine workshop in Fall of 98'. Took the advanced cinematography class. The only upside was Gordon Willis was teaching. Besides meeting Gordon, I honestly didn't get much out of it. Gordon Willis would come in the morning, give us a project, and leave for the day. Some of our group complained that Gordon wasn't talking, teaching, answering questions. I apporached him with a few one on one questions and he would take the time to answer. I think he was uncomfortable with a big group. I still remember his intro to us on the first day. " I'm not going to teach you how to light".....True story
Also, during my stay, I noticed the Editing course was busy giving out refund checks to students
 
Summer Courses? Maine Workshops - worth it?

While I've not attended a 'workshop', I have presented, or assisted in presentations, at several.

My general feeling is that people who are 1) motivated, 2) have had 'some experience/training', typically a highschool or junior college photo/film course, do better than some one who basically 'walks in off the street'.

On the motivation part, it seems illogical, but I have met people who dispite the payment of money, indicating some incentive to work in the workshop to get the benefit, they seem not to pursue the workshop with enthusiasm. Perhaps they were expecting to have some epiphany for which they did not have to work or engage in the exercises.

On the training issue, it really should be a requirement that one at least know some basics about 'image formation', 'how a camera works', and in my case how a 'still camera works'. Now digital does make things easier to demonstrate, but still if someone does not know what an 'f-stop' is, what is it useful for... etc. Taking workshop time to explain this, frustrates many in the class. Of course there may be workshops for the 'real beginner', but still I think some things require time, and a 1 week workshop may not be sufficient time, and given the price, leave someone feeling like they didn't get the benefit of the class. In that case an semester long course, with every weekend a shooting exercise, may benefit more in that initial learning stage.
 
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