Cinematographer's Preparation with Jim Denault, ASC

Jim Denault, ASC

filmmaking class: prepare to shoot.

Session 1
  • 16 video lessons
  • 4 hours and 29 minutes of class content
  • Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cinematographers need to do more than simply, “show up and shoot.” Preparing to film is a complex, considered, and artistic task andCinematographer's PreparationwithJimDenault, ASCwill teach you how to strategize and achieve the most creative, productive shoot possible. Most filmmakers are in the dark about what cinematographic preparation truly entails. This class will give you with a step-by-step guide to preparing to shoot a whole range of narrative material – from the simplest moments to the most complex series of scenes. Jim will show how to break-down and analyze a script from an aesthetic, technical, and practical point-of-view. 

You’ll learn how to:

  • Analyze a script aesthetically and technically
  • Evaluate and provide for the practical needs of a scene
  • Achieve maximum subjective effect within your shooting "strategy"
  • You’ll learn precise, effective, artistic, and technical approaches to shooting, which can be applied across all forms of filmmaking and length of material.
Working cinematographers, camera operators, and filmmakers will develop new skills for efficiently and beautifully conveying the artistic essence of their material.  
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Course Instructor

Jim Denault, ASC

Jim Denault, ASC

Jim Denault, ASC got his start shooting distinctive independent features. He has gone on to photograph in a wide range of film and television genres.

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Cinematographer's Preparation with Jim Denault, ASC is rated 5.0 stars by 11 students

  • Juan Luis B. Jul 7, 2024

    This class is life changing. Thank you so much!

  • Ludovic . Mar 13, 2021

    This class is perfect for anyone who does not have years of experience as cinematographer ; it teaches everything a DP should do in pre-production, and is often not taught in film schools ! I'm freshly graduated and thus I don't have that much experience of pre-prod as DP, but this gave me everything I needed to know. It's also one of the few class of the genre online, and it's a fantastic one, thank you so much !

  • Zuhair L. Jun 30, 2019

    Great class! Highly recommend to those starting out who are unclear about the process of getting the first job, meeting the director and keeping things organized so you feel more in control and have good clarity when you're at the shoot finally Thank you Jim!

  • Andee A. Jul 18, 2018

    I wish there were more editing involved in these videos. This class is highly informative, but the amount of "you knows", "uhms" and unfinished sentences made it really hard to listen to.

  • Rik Z. Jan 26, 2018

    Love Jim approaches his students and the approachable way he presents the material of what could otherwise be outside the grasp of someone beginning. Rik Zak

  • Parthiva N. Dec 29, 2017

    Good class, small tips really helped and gave insights into basic processes. Will definitely recommend it to someone who is looking to broaden perspective and learn new things from professionals

  • Christopher L. Apr 4, 2015

    There is nothing more valuable than learning from people that continue to work in their field. This course is priceless. To get into the processes and thoughts of a successful working Cinematographer -- there aren't words. Everyday I'm on set I think about the necessity of mentorship and this is the closest thing to that. Thank You Jim for agreeing to share your processes and techniques and to Mentor us in this digital age. Thank you CreativeLive for hosting this class and making it available.

  • T. Apr 1, 2015

    So nice to see the process that the Cinematographer goes through, from meeting with Directors for potential projects to prepping all the gear and coming up with the visual style of the film. A rare yet incredibly helpful understanding of the process of the D.P. even before you step on set.

  • U. Apr 1, 2015

    A really great class that shows you how to prepare for a shoot as a cinematographer.

  • Dylan S. Mar 31, 2015

    Workflow techniques from a working industry pro! Real tips and tricks from a down to earth and approachable professional. Thank you for your time Mr. Jim! And thank you CreativeLive for having this class. It really should be classified as a MasterClass!

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