THE COURSE
Want to join the Camera Department but don’t know where to start? It all begins with becoming a Camera Trainee.
This course is designed to teach you the essential skills to kickstart your career. Whether your goal is to become a Director of Photography, a Camera Operator, or a 1st AC, the journey starts with mastering the role of a Camera Trainee. As a Trainee, you’ll build the foundational skills needed to grow into an effective leader in the Camera Department.
We've created this course to help you set up your career, find work, and develop core skills, so you can step onto your first film set with confidence.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Stepping onto a film set as a newcomer can be an overwhelming experience. Film schools often don't cover the detailed procedures and protocols required on set, making the learning curve steep and stressful. This challenge extends to industry veterans, who must balance their own responsibilities while helping new crew members adapt.
This course is designed to alleviate the pressure for both newcomers and seasoned professionals by equipping you with essential knowledge before you step onto a set.
Tailored specifically for aspiring Camera Department Trainees, this course will help you establish your foundation, set up your career, and walk onto your first day with confidence.
You'll gain an understanding of how a film set operates, the essential tools and equipment you'll need, key camera gear, and practical tips for assisting effectively.
Although this course is based on Australian film industry standards, the content taught is widely applicable and commonly used in most countries.
MODULES
- 1 - Introduction (2:27)
- 2 - Realities Of The Film Industry (1:52)
- 3 - Introduction To The Camera Department (4:13)
- 4 - Setting Up Your Business (3:36)
- 5 - How To Get Work (2:08)
- 6 - On Set Etiquette (7:11)
- 7 - What To Wear (10:08)
- 8 - Assistant Tools (3:55)
- 9 - Radio Etiquette (7:40)
- 10 - Getting To Set (3:01)
- 11 - Your Day On Set (5:03)
- 12 - Camera Truck & Van (1:16)
- 13 - Camera Basics (5:23)
- 14 - Camera Settings (3:26)
- 15 - Fluid Head Basics (4:06)
- 16 - Mounting The Camera (5:21)
- 17 - Balancing The Camera (5:17)
- 18 - Unmounting The Camera (3:04)
- 19 - The "Got it" Rule (1:57)
- 20 - Holding The Camera (1:59)
- 21 - Protecting The Camera (2:26)
- 22 - Tripod Basics (4:04)
- 23 - Tripod Spreader (3:00)
- 24 - Swinging Lenses (7:47)
- 25 - Swinging Filters (4:43)
- 26 - Assistant Cases (2:15)
- 27 - Batteries (3:27)
- 28 - Rolling BNC Cables (2:14)
- 29 - Cleaning (1:31)
- 30 - Thank you (1:06)
YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Lucas Tomoana is a highly experienced Camera, Steadicam, and Remote Head Operator with 17 years in the film and television industry.
A graduate of Griffith Film School and the Australian national film school, AFTRS, Lucas began his career as a cinematographer, working on documentaries and commercials for seven years. During this time, he earned 23 awards from the Australian Cinematographers Society, including nine Golds and one prestigious National Award of Distinction.
In 2020, Lucas transitioned to become a specialist Camera Operator, focusing predominantly on Australian and U.S. productions. In 2021, he was recognized as a "Rising Star of Cinematography" by Inside Film magazine.
Lucas has been an active member of the Australian Cinematographers Society for 17 years, serving as Vice President of the ACS Queensland branch for three years. He is also an Associate Member of both the Society of Camera Operators (SOC) and the Association of Camera Operators (ACO).
In addition to his on-set work, Lucas is the host of Cinemapodgrapher, a globally popular podcast for filmmakers. With over 125 episodes featuring guests from around the world, the podcast offers insights and inspiration for industry professionals.
ALSO FEATURING
Rachel Sieger
1st Assistant Camera & Course Co-creator
Dermot McNamara
2nd Assistant Camera
Natalie Dundas
2nd Assistant Camera
TESTIMONIALS
JONAS
"Thank you for the online course! It was worth every penny and such great value. You are such a chill but professional man who can explain the right things a person needs to know when they want to work as an AC or in film in general"
ALI
“The workshop was worth every
penny. It was awesome learning
from professionals who are
actively working in the industry”
FIAMETTA
“I purchased the Camera Department Essentials Online Course to gain a better understanding of the film industry. It provides all the necessary knowledge to be ready on set from the tools a trainee needs to the proper behavior on set. It’s a simple, concise, and direct course that answers every question that might arise and shortens the learning curve: Direct experience is, of course, essential, but finding a package of lessons that introduces trainee work so effectively gives a significant advantage!”
MONTANA
“Thank you Film Tips Pro for
putting together a workshop that
had me extremely inspired and
keen to put these skills into
practice, and that practice
into motion!”
TOM
"It was energising and inspiring to be surrounded by professionals, guiding us through their experiences and journey to where they are now"
SHAKIRA
“I was blown away by the warmth,
generosity and ease at which I
could understand some of the
basic elements of the camera
department because of the high
quality instruction. Thank you
so much, I cannot wait for the
next one!”