Camera/Light Operator

The program is sponsored by PRG Cinegate, an international rental company.

In addition, the cinematography classes are supported by Poland’s leading film equipment companies:

Heliograf, Panavision Poland, Grip Seven

The Camera/Light Operator program at AMA Warsaw is an intensive course that prepares students for careers such as: Camera Operator (Pan Operator), Assistant Camera Operator, Focus Puller, Assistant DIT (Digital Imaging Technician), Gaffer, and Camera Operator. Graduates of the program are ready to begin working in the audiovisual industry.

Students learn the fundamentals of cinematography as well as practical technical and technological aspects in the following fields: camera operator, focus puller, DIT, gaffer, and cinematography. Classes are conducted in Polish, and professional terminology is taught in Polish, English, and German.

The Camera/Lighting Operator program at AMA in Warsaw is a dynamic and modern educational program that sets new standards in professional training for technical careers in the audiovisual industry. This one-semester program not only teaches advanced filmmaking techniques but also adapts to the ever-changing trends and technologies in film production.

Modernity and Innovation: The program focuses on the latest technologies in the industry, such as:

• 4K and 8K digital cameras from leading manufacturers such as Arri, Sony, Canon, and BlackMagic
• Advanced filming techniques, including the use of stabilizers, tracking shots, and cranes
• A comprehensive overview of all types of film lighting: HMI, Tungsten, LED, Fluorescent
• Innovative lighting technologies, including smart LED systems, that are revolutionizing the way light is shaped on set.

Program flexibility:

• The course’s modular structure allows participants to choose a specialization in the second semester—whether as a camera operator, assistant camera operator, focus puller, or gaffer—tailoring their studies to their individual interests and career goals.
• Collaboration with international experts and industry professionals, which fosters a global understanding of filmmaking techniques and practices. In this regard, AMA benefits from its partnership with PRG Cinegate in Berlin.

Practical Application:

• Course participants work on real or simulated film projects, ranging from commercials to documentaries to feature films.
• We collaborate with leading equipment companies in Poland, such as Heliograf (Lighting, Cameras, LED Virtual Production), Panavision Polska (Cameras, Grip), and Grip Seven (Dolly, Cranes). Technocrane, Rigs) ensures access to professional equipment and the latest technologies.
• Regular classes at our film studio (Cyberpunk Studio) and on outdoor sets, where students can practice in real-world film production environments.

Module 1 – Theory and Practical Fundamentals:

• • General Cinematography: The course covers the art of cinematography, film language, cinematography technology, and the fundamentals of filmmaking.
  • Professional Skills: Participants learn how to work with a camera, panning techniques, image composition, aesthetics, practical optics, how to operate all types of cameras, lighting techniques, and the technology behind film lighting.
  • Image Capture Technologies: Learning how to operate Arri, Sony, Panavision, Panasonic, Blackmagic, Z-Cam, and Canon cameras, as well as the principles of exposure metering, the construction of digital and analog cameras, and optical systems

Module 2 – Advanced Practical Skills:

• Specialized Practicum: Classes focused on the roles of camera assistant and camera operator, lighting techniques, and working with the grip crew.
• Advanced Camera Operation Techniques: Participants gain experience working with advanced equipment, including camera cranes, various types of dollies, and 35 mm and digital film cameras.
• Practical exercises in panning —these make up a significant portion of the practical classes
• Film Projects: Group film exercises that allow students to apply what they have learned in practice.

Faculty: The faculty consists of experienced cinematographers, assistants, DIT specialists, video specialists, focus pullers, gaffers, and film technicians, ensuring access to the latest industry knowledge and practices.

Program Objective:

• Module 1: Introduction to the basic requirements of the profession, the art of cinematography, and preparation for working on a film set.
• Module 2: Developing skills in working with advanced camera and lighting equipment, gaining a thorough understanding of current technologies, and learning to collaborate as part of a film crew.

Key Topics—Optical Design, Practical Experience with Focus Adjustment and Optical Testing, Understanding of Space, Camera Movement, Focusing Techniques and Technologies (Mechanical and Wireless), Camera Maintenance, Basics of Filtering, Design and Use of Camera Accessories, working with 35 mm film and digital cameras, working with anamorphic lenses, image definition.

Professional Skills— principles of film set lighting, lighting techniques, types of light sources, lamp construction, principles of power supply, design and operation of electrical and grip equipment, learning the full technical and professional terminology in 3 languages, general principles of exposure metering, light and color measurements, interpretation of test charts, principles of film equipment transport, power generators, lighting at night, during the day, indoors, in the studio, and on location. Green Film Making. Principles of camera movement, the art of movement and continuity, dolly techniques: all types of manned and unmanned camera movements, mechanical cranes, and cranes with remote heads. Equipment construction and maintenance; operation of electronic and mechanical components. Maintenance, storage, and transport of grip equipment. Learning the diverse tasks of the grip crew in Polish, European, and American film productions (hands-on training).

Students collaborate with professional rental companies and film production companies, shoot short films for students in the Directing and Cinematography programs at AMA, and work with actors.

Camera/Light Film Production Diploma in Warsaw

To complete the course and receive a diploma, students must pass both the theoretical and practical exams. Students who pass the exams receive an AMA FILM ACADEMY Diploma.

A program supported by the Polish Film Institute

The partners of the program are