Event Cinema Workshop in London

20 replies [Last post]
boobahack
Offline
Joined: Jul 3 2007

Be interesting to get peoples thoughts on this:
http://eventcinemaworkshop.com/london-england-3211-3411/

Obviously not a cheap event to attend as i'm sure that a few people on here have never even heard of these guys.

Just wondering if the UK scene is ready for something like this, as at this price it will certainly put off a lot of wedding people, but may encourage more of the corporate/film minded people.

branny
Offline
Joined: Nov 6 2001

I'm sure they're very capable filmmakers, but it always strikes me that . . . someone else has managed to get some half decent video from a DSLR and is now holding seminars to show the ambitious (or just mugs?) how it's done. :)

Do not follow, I may not lead. Do not lead . . . I may not follow.

boobahack
Offline
Joined: Jul 3 2007

Thanks, but I was actually hoping for something a little more constructive.

Mark M
Offline
Joined: Nov 17 1999

It is totally geared towards wedding videographers.
It does not interest me as a film/event minded person.
It's also a lot of money. Could probably book that Philip Bloom for a day's one-to-one for less than that, if DSLR skills were what I needed.

Adobe Certified Professional Premiere Pro CS6, Premiere Pro CC

Adobe Community Professional

geoveo
Offline
Joined: Aug 27 2009

I was not familiar with either of their names so I googled and found some of their work. They appear to be in the business of very high value productions, working with clients who have the budget, time and commitment to indulge in a full-on style of wedding video. I guess that anyone who is in that market, or is aspiring to be, will not find £750 a big price to pay for a three day course, but I'd think that anyone already commanding the sort price that these multi crew, international events need to be viable, should already have many of the skills and know-how that the course offers. I guess that it's aimed at wedding high-enders wishing to move to DSLRs or other eventers moving into weddings.

FX Films
FX Films's picture
Offline
Joined: May 9 2007

well we've been liaising with them for a while and helping them to source a venue. always up for helping well-respected guys pass on good knowledge to others.

i think it'll appeal to well-established dslr users who want to do big productions (wedfilm academy will always be about helping those on different budgets though)...so each to their own, and learn what you to learn (if you need learning at all!) :)

but certainly don't be dismissive of any sort of training. learning pushes us all - onwards and upwards!

Pete Engage
Offline
Joined: Dec 9 2010

What sets Kevin apart from the rest is his knowledge of film making, he actually went to film school in California and is the master at telling the story, so he has a wealth of nowledge to pass onto people/companies that would potentially help them move into the high end market.

geoveo
Offline
Joined: Aug 27 2009

Sorry if it appeared that I was dissing this course, that wasn't my intention.

Pete Engage
Offline
Joined: Dec 9 2010
geoveo wrote:
Sorry if it appeared that I was dissing this course, that wasn't my intention.

I didn't think you were dissing, just wanted to explain the bio of the Film maker before anyone layed into him without knowing his background.

Bluesproggit
Offline
Joined: Dec 24 2007

To put things into context. In the wedding filming world, Joe and Kevin are the Spielberg and Cameron of the industry.

Just so people know who we are talking about here is an example of their work:
Joe http://vimeo.com/18469214
Kevin http://vimeo.com/11285405

Since there are people in the UK who offer 1-day training for £500 yet are nowhere near this standard, £750 for 3 days is good value for money. However, as with any training you take away what you take in.

boobahack
Offline
Joined: Jul 3 2007

When you put it like that...

Kevin Shahinian
Offline
Joined: Jan 16 2011

Thanks (boobahack) for posting your question, Peter & Richard for their kind words & help, and to everyone else for chiming in. I hope my bias doesn’t cloud my comments here. I happen to completely agree with you, branny. So many overnight experts out there seemingly overcharging for a course on the gear du jour. Let's not take the value of true education for granted. Ultimately it’s our core mission in this 3-day workshop to address the fundamentals of filmmaking, storytelling, narrative theory, semiotics, and principles of cinematography – inherent to advancing your craftsmanship, regardless of your industry and not necessarily camera specific. While technology is ever evolving, one’s aesthetic development through proper approach can become a timeless asset. So while we are focusing here on the current crop of DSLRs and how these and other cost effective tools fit into the business of event filmmaking, much of these concepts can be applied to filmmaking endeavors of all sorts.

If price is a major concern and you’re interested in another option, I’ll be one of the speakers presenting at Converge at the BFI on 3/1. I’m also honored to be a guest blogger on the Converge website, where I’ve posted some thoughts on the nature of cinema, should you care to further explore my outlook on filmmaking: http://theconvergence.co.uk/2011/01/my-camera-is-better-than-yours/

Cheers,
Kevin

De Rienzo Films
Offline
Joined: Apr 19 2010

All sounds great Kevin and wish you both all the best.:)

nigelbb
Offline
Joined: Jun 15 2010

For an event that takes place in 6 weeks time it's surprising that as yet the venue is TBD. Those who don't live nearby will have all the extra costs of travel & accommodation which coupled with the cost of the workshop will likely bring the total bill to over £1000 (that's $1600 for our visiting trainers). The actual location of the event is a factor in deciding on attendance.

boobahack
Offline
Joined: Jul 3 2007

Thanks for putting your thoughts across Kevin.

I think that for a lot of people (especially those in the UK wedding film business) the price not the idea of learning from an "overnight expert" will be the deciding factor in choosing whether to attend or not.

I feel that the wedding film business in the UK is different to that in the USA, as a film is not seen as an essential part of the day and as such you could probably count the number of companies in the UK offering high quality films at a sensible and realistic price on your hands.

That was why my initial post was a bit sceptical of this workshops success.
Is the UK wedding film market ready to spend that kind of money on learning.

Unfortunately I would say not and the proof will be the background of the attendees.
I wonder what percentage will be wedding film companies compared to people from a more normal filmmaking background.

I for one am willing to pay for such a chance to hear and learn from yourself and Joe but alas work commitments mean I can't attend.

I would say that the knowledge that can be gained from this workshop will definitely be of great value and your money well spent.

You're talking about a hands on face to face workshop with 2 great film makers. The opportunity to ask questions and get hands on is definitely the way forward.
There are more tutorials (both paid for and for free) on-line for film making than you can shake a stick at (nothing personal Wed Film Academy) but the chance to actually attend such a workshop should definitely be top of your learning list.

"Tell me something, and I will forget. Show me something, and I will remember. Involve me, and I will understand."

Sorry, rambling now.
Just gutted I can't attend :-(

Pete Engage
Offline
Joined: Dec 9 2010
boobahack wrote:
There are more tutorials (both paid for and for free) on-line for film making than you can shake a stick at (nothing personal Wed Film Academy):-(

Well Boobashack I take that as a compliment :) and testiment to the wealth of tutorials we have online, because as far as I am aware we are the only Online Wedding training tutorial site in the world!

Another point I would like to make is that the UK photography community are very keen to learn, and I have never seen or heard of anyone complaining about people wanting to train in their industry, it is a thriving business within photography, and a very healthy sign in my opinion. I have been to the SWPP convention for the last 2 years in a row, and the place is buzzing with masterclasses, workshops, seminars and hands on photoshoots.

The US Wedding film makers also seem to have adopted the same mentality towards learning the craft ie positive thinking!

The majority of UK Wedding Film makers, especially the younger companies are very keen on the idea of training as this is the majority of our membership at the moment, but it is only in the UK where I have experienced negative attitudes towards training and I can't quite figure out why.

I wish Kevin and Joe all the best with their workshop in the UK, and well done for the forward thinking film makers who have signed up for this amazing opportunity.

Best
Pete

nigelbb
Offline
Joined: Jun 15 2010
nigelbb wrote:
For an event that takes place in 6 weeks time it's surprising that as yet the venue is TBD. Those who don't live nearby will have all the extra costs of travel & accommodation which coupled with the cost of the workshop will likely bring the total bill to over £1000 (that's $1600 for our visiting trainers). The actual location of the event is a factor in deciding on attendance.

I see that the venue is the Premier Inn in the old GLC building on the South Bank. I underestimated the hotel prices as even in the Premier Inn they are nearly £150 per night (that's $240 per night for our visiting trainers).

Pete Engage
Offline
Joined: Dec 9 2010
nigelbb wrote:
I see that the venue is the Premier Inn in the old GLC building on the South Bank. I underestimated the hotel prices as even in the Premier Inn they are nearly £150 per night (that's $240 per night for our visiting trainers).

For those film makers who are thinking about entering the 'high end' wedding market and would like to attend Kevin & Joe's seminar but are put off by the above rates I have done some research and you can stay at the St Pauls Youth Hostel for £16 per night(that's $25.26 per night for our visiting trainers) and if you require free food you can visit the Yuforia soup kitchen Unit 19a, The Market Covent Garden WC2E8RB. So the event is truly accessable to all.

nigelbb
Offline
Joined: Jun 15 2010

I was making a serious point. I appreciate the value of the workshop & have booked a place. I just resent having to pay outrageous central London hotel prices in order to attend.

vidchick
Offline
Joined: Sep 29 2009
Quote:
Ultimately it’s our core mission in this 3-day workshop to address the fundamentals of filmmaking, storytelling, narrative theory, semiotics, and principles of cinematography – inherent to advancing your craftsmanship, regardless of your industry and not necessarily camera specific.

lol...since I just had to look up 'semiotics' I guess there is no hope for me

ines telling wedding films by vis-a-video