COURSE OVERVIEW
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.
Content Tabs
The course is structured to allow people active in the film and television industry to attend the course and in between modules continue their career. 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 cameras including 16mm, 35mm, Alexa Mini and Sony Venice cameras which you will have unparalleled access to. There is also a large stock of grip equipment available for a range of shoots.
This course consists of three modules. In certain circumstances, 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.
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 and are looking to step-up.
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.
Note: Film shoots may require some weekend work as well as night shooting.
If you have any questions, please email info@nfts.co.uk
The following item(s) should accompany your online application:
- Please provide a CV of your work in the camera department (no more than two sides of A4).
We are happy to receive applications until the midnight of the application deadline date.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
Funding available includes a new NFTS and ScreenSkills Scholarship that will pay for your course and help with living expenses – it is open to Women or Non Binary People from a socio-economically challenged background. If you are offered a place on the course, and are eligible, you will be invited to apply.
Tutors
Student Showcase
Jester (trailer)
2024 graduation film
Director/Co-Writer - Harry Sherriff
Producer - Bernardo Angeletti
Cinematographer - Bart Bazaz
1st AC - Davide Azzalini
2nd AC - Thomas O'Loan
Dive (trailer)
2023 graduation film
Director/Writer - Will Peppercorn
Producer - Martina Buendia Silva
Cinematographer - Toby Elwes
Focus Puller - Joshua Baylis
2nd AC - Gule Korkmaz
Killing Boris Johnson (trailer)
2023 graduation film
Director/Writer - Musa Alderson-Clarke
Producer - Solomon Golding
Cinematographer - Jack Hamilton
Focus Puller - Ash Leontyne
2nd AC - Alistair Searles
Loader - Etai Shomri
Killing Boris Johnson was selected for the Cannes Film Festival La Cinef programme. - one of only 14 short fiction films chosen from film schools across the world.
Graduate Success
The skills and contacts our students gain on the course set them up with a sturdy springboard to enter the industry.
Recent credits include...
The Sandman
First Assistant Camera: B Camera Hermes Contreras
Graduate Success
The skills and contacts our students gain on the course set them up with a sturdy springboard to enter the industry.
Recent credits include...
Saintmaking
First Assistant Camera Davide Scalenghe Migliarini
Graduate Success
The skills and contacts our students gain on the course set them up with a sturdy springboard to enter the industry.
Recent credits include...
LILMISSCANDY786
Assistant Camera Catharina Scarpellini Zema
One of 11 Short Films commissioned by BBC and the BFI in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the World Wide Web.
Graduate Success
The skills and contacts our students gain on the course set them up with a sturdy springboard to enter the industry.
Recent credits include...
Bridgerton S3
A-Camera Trainee Lluc Mestre Mas
