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 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 and 1st AC.
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.
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.
- Working with Alexa Mini and Wireless Follow Focuses (Jan-Mar) On this module you’ll be working with Alexa Mini cameras and the W4PU Wireless Follow Focus. The course will be taught at both the NFTS, Panavision and Arri and you’ll get the opportunity to be taught by leading tutors in their fields. This module culminates in the production of 8 short 15 minute films where you and your classmates will act as 2nd and 3rd ACs under the guidance of a professional 1st AC.
- Loading and working with 35mm and Alexa XT and Mini (May-Aug) On this module you learn about the various 35mm cameras from the Panaflex to the Arri Studio and LT cameras. 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 eight 20-30 minute films each with a substantial production budget. Again you and your classmates will act as the 2nd and 3rd AC crews and where suitable we will be looking for people to step up to the role of 1st AC.
- Loading and 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 and SR3s to the Aaton cameras. Again the module will end in the production of 8 short films on 16mm each with medium sized production budget. At this point 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 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 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).
Applications open 8th January 2024. We are happy to receive applications from 8th January 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
Who Goes There (trailer)
2020 graduation film
Director - Astrid Thorvaldsen
Producer - Leah Bethany Jones
Cinematographer - Graham Boonzaaier
Assistant Camera - Mark Frendo, Romyn Sharma
Who Goes There was awarded Third Prize in Fiction at the CILECT PRIZE 2021.
Brutal (trailer)
2022 graduation film
Director/Writer - Jordan Chandler
Producer - Richard Priseman
Cinematographer - Estefania Carpio
Focus Puller - Lluc Mestre Mas
2nd Assistant Camera - Niels Halle
NFTS productions can be shot on location, on one of the School's purpose-built stages, or a combination of these.
The Leper (trailer)
2022 graduation film
Director - Hugh Mulhern
Producer - Alexander Handschuh
Cinematographer - Andri Haraldsson
Focus Puller - Vaimiti Lebrere
The Leper was selected for the Student Etudes Competition at the International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography Camerimage.
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
