Kahurangi Toi Ātea
Strand | TECHNICAL
The Technical Department includes camera, sound, lighting, grip, and rigging teams.
TECHNICAL
The Technical Department on a film and TV set includes camera, sound, lighting, grip, and rigging teams. They manage all technical aspects of production to ensure high-quality visuals. Camera operators capture footage and manage framing, lighting technicians set up and adjust lighting to achieve the desired look, sound operators capture and manage audio, grips handle and position supporting equipment like dollies and cranes, and riggers install and maintain rigging systems for complex shots. Together, these teams ensure that all technical elements support the director’s vision and contribute to a successful production.
LEVEL 3
Technical Lighting, Rigging & Grip Assist Course
DURATION
Classroom
5 Days Online
11 Days Christchurch
Workplace
30 Days Christchurch*
START DATE
Classroom
10 - 28 October 2024
Workplace
29 October - 9 December 2024*
COURSE FEES
Classroom
$600
Workplace
$600
* Workplace training component only available to Canterbury residents. Must have drivers licence (restricted at minimum)
* After completion of all of the above learners will receive a Certificate in Screen Industry Craft Skills issued by Share The Knowledge/Takitimu.
* A NZQA recognised Certificate (NZQA approval pending) may also be issued via a recognition of prior learning process.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Elevate your skills and advance your career with our specialised Lighting, Grip & Rigger Assistant training course. Learn three roles in one with this in-depth program covering:
- Core Skills: Learn essential first aid, understand department roles and hierarchy, explore employment pathways, and master knot tying, set etiquette, teamwork, and radio etiquette. Gain proficiency in shot making, communication, and interpreting call sheets.
- Grip: Discover the grip equipment found in the Grip Truck, including its functions, maintenance, and operational dos and don’ts. Get acquainted with specialty equipment such as cranes and gimbals, and learn about equipment operation, damage reporting, and health and safety practices.
- Lighting: Familiarize yourself with lighting equipment, its operation, and maintenance. Learn about reporting damage, tailgate talks, and adhering to health and safety protocols.
- Rigging: Understand rigging equipment in the rigging truck, including its use and care. Gain skills in equipment operation, loading/unloading, packing, and working safely at heights.
By completing this course, you’ll be well-prepared to support lighting, grip, and rigging teams, ensuring effective and safe operations on set.
LEVEL 3
Camera Trainee Course
DURATION
Classroom
5 Days Online
11 Days Christchurch
Workplace
30 Days Christchurch*
START DATE
Classroom
10 - 28 October 2024
Workplace
29 October - 9 December 2024*
COURSE FEES
Classroom
$700
Workplace
$700
* Workplace training component only available to Canterbury residents. Must have drivers licence (restricted at minimum)
* After completion of all of the above learners will receive a Certificate in Screen Industry Craft Skills issued by Share The Knowledge/Takitimu.
* A NZQA recognised Certificate (NZQA approval pending) may also be issued via a recognition of prior learning process.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Jumpstart Your Career as a Camera Trainee! This hands-on training course is designed to provide aspiring camera crew with the knowledge and skills to excel in film and TV production. You’ll learn:
- The vital role and responsibilities of a camera trainee
- The structure, hierarchy, and collaboration between the camera department and other key departments like DIT, lighting, grip, VFX, and continuity
- How production size influences team needs, roles, and responsibilities
- Proper handling and maintenance of lenses, equipment, and consumables
- Organising the camera truck and maintaining on-set equipment
- Navigating key production documents like call sheets, camera reports, and loss and damage reports
- An overview of camera operation, exposure, color theory, lenses, and filters
- Workplace etiquette, health and safety
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the technical skills, set etiquette, and industry insights to confidently step into the camera department. Whether you’re organising the camera truck, tracking logs or handling lenses, you’ll be ready to support any production with precision and professionalism.
LEVEL 3
Sound Trainee Course
DURATION
Classroom
5 Days Online
11 Days Christchurch
Workplace
30 Days Christchurch*
START DATE
Classroom
10 - 28 October 2024
Workplace
29 October - 9 December 2024*
COURSE FEES
Classroom
$600
Workplace
$600
* Workplace training component only available to Canterbury residents. Must have drivers licence (restricted at minimum)
* After completion of all of the above learners will receive a Certificate in Screen Industry Craft Skills issued by Share The Knowledge/Takitimu.
* A NZQA recognised Certificate (NZQA approval pending) may also be issued via a recognition of prior learning process.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This hands-on training course is designed to give aspiring soundies a comprehensive understanding of the sound department’s vital role in film and television production. You’ll learn the essential skills, including:
- The role and responsibilities of a sound trainee within the team
- The structure, hierarchy, and relationships between sound and other departments like camera, ADs, grip, lighting, art and continuity
- How production size impacts crew needs and workflows
- Navigating production documentation, such as call sheets and sound reports, scripts to storyboard analysis
- Key technical skills, including battery maintenance, cable handling, and equipment management
- How to capture sound with precision, including mic placement and managing noise interference
- Equipment 101 including handling data, time code devices, connectors.
- Liaising with production sound mixer, cast and crew
- Workplace etiquette, health and safety
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the technical expertise and practical know-how to excel in the fast-paced world of film and TV sound. Whether you’re managing cables, fitting cast mics, or working with the sound mixer, you’ll be prepared to tackle the unique challenges of each production so you can step onto set with confidence.
LEVEL 5
Volume Stage Assistant Course
DURATION
Classroom
0 Days Online
11 Days Christchurch
Workplace
30 Days Christchurch*
START DATE
Classroom
10 - 25 October 2024
Workplace
28 October - 9 December 2024*
COURSE FEES
Classroom
$800
Workplace
$800
* Workplace training component only available to Canterbury residents. Must have drivers licence (restricted at minimum)
* After completion of all of the above learners will receive a Certificate in Screen Industry Craft Skills issued by Share The Knowledge/Takitimu.
* A NZQA recognised Certificate (NZQA approval pending) may also be issued via a recognition of prior learning process.
COURSE OVERVIEW
An LED Volume stage is a cutting edge virtual set that merges real-world elements with digital, acting as a bridge between traditional film sets and greenscreen technology. Unlike CG backgrounds, everything on the LED Volume is displayed live and can be adjusted in real time. This innovative approach gained recognition with The Mandalorian, where ILM used the technology to produce visually stunning, VFX-heavy episodes while ensuring a COVID-safe production environment.
Learn to be an invaluable support in studio as a Volume Stage Assist;
- Learn about the Volume stage technology and how it integrates with other Technical departments and director vision.
- Support the Volume Stage studio manager and producer
- work with studio technicians and get hands-on experience setting up responsive screens with video, lighting and audio.
- Read and execute studio shooting schedules
- arrange production meetings
- co-ordinate and book production crews
- hire and book vehicles, accommodation, equipment and flights
LEVEL 6
2nd Unit - Director of Photography Course
DURATION
Classroom
0 Days Online
11 Days Christchurch
Workplace
30 Days Christchurch
START DATE
Classroom
10 - 29 October 2024
Workplace
30 October - 9 December 2024
COURSE FEES
Classroom
$1,000
Workplace
$1,000
* Workplace training component only available to Canterbury residents. Must have drivers licence (restricted at minimum)
* After completion of all of the above learners will receive a Certificate in Screen Industry Craft Skills issued by Share The Knowledge/Takitimu.
* A NZQA recognised Certificate (NZQA approval pending) may also be issued via a recognition of prior learning process.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Ready to take your cinematography skills to the next level? Our Second Unit Director of Photography (DOP) training course is designed for aspiring filmmakers looking to step into one of the most crucial roles in production. You’ll get to work closely with a top-tier DOP who will take you through each step. In this course, you’ll explore:
- Role of the 2nd Unit DOP: Understand the responsibilities and creative vision required to lead the 2nd unit.
- Local vs. International Productions: Learn strategies to land a DOP role, whether working on local films or large-scale international projects.
- Hierarchy & Relationships: Navigate the complexities of working under the lead DOP and 1st unit, and foster effective collaboration.
- Visual Style Adaptation: Master the art of aligning your visual storytelling with the main unit, from shot composition and framing to lighting and camera operation.
- Camera Mastery: Get hands-on with camera technology—sensor types, aspect ratios, recording formats—plus refine your skills in focus, exposure, white balance, and camera movements like pans, tilts, and handheld shots.
- Script and Schedule Breakdown: Collaborate with the 1st AD to break down scripts and schedules from a photography perspective.
- Location and Weather Challenges: Learn how to adapt to unpredictable environments and troubleshoot complex situations on set.
- Health & Wellbeing: Prioritise your physical and mental health while managing the demands of this fast-paced role.
Whether you’re looking to break into local productions or take your career global, this course offers the tools and insights needed to succeed as a Second Unit DOP.