February Seminar 2010

 

 

Walter Graff Lighting Seminar - Light And Shade

FEBRUARY 6th 2010 - NYC

Walter Graff is proud to offer a reprise of his very popular lighting seminar focusing on what he calls Light and Shade in New York City on FEBRUARY 6, 2010. We had a round of days in November of 2009 and we had too many people who wanted to attend. As Walter likes very small groups, we were forced to turn away a number of people. The requests are still coming in so Walter has made another day available.

Here is a comment from one of the participants from the November seminar:

 

I have come a long way with light since your workshop. I'm noticing light everywhere I go, taking so many pictures, and practicing all the time on set. When it comes to setting up a shot, it's becoming more and more instinctive--I know what to look for and how to get it done so much more now. I surprised myself with how much better my images have been turning out in such a short time simply in giving more attention to lighting, and I'm still just getting started, so I can only imagine what things will be like years from now! Thank you so much for your inspiration and ideas.

 

During this seminar Walter will explain the mind set, techniques and tools he uses to envision and then implement the lighting of a scene. Make no mistake about it, this is one of the least talked about or understood parts of what makes a person a successful cinematographer. Walter uses a unique method pf presentation to help everyone involved see lighting like never before. By the end of the day you will have the tools to see lighting and understand how to light many scenes that so many folks say are the most difficult to plot and light. Best of all, Walter does all of this seminar in a way that uses the least amount of equipment to show you that you can get the most with less. It really is an incredible day of learning, sharing and lighting.

Walter will discuss and demonstrate such techniques as, what tools does a cinematographer use to capture moments and memorize them so he/she can draw on them later? How do seasoned vets look at light, what do they see, and how do they take what they see and apply it to what they later recreate with lighting? How do we create believability and continuity in the minds eye?

Walter uses this seminar to bridge the gap in what he calls the gray zone, which he defines as the area where many people are; they buy lights, but really don't know what to do with them. And even if they do, many never fully understand the potential. Walter then takes the theory and what motivates him in lighting a scene and demonstrates a number of lighting set-ups letting the group interact and try their own set-up with him. He discusses color and how it works to create motivation, camera and lighting angles, and focal length and how it enhances a mood and creates the look of a piece.

By the end of the day, everyone will have a perspective on lighting and camera technique that they never thought they could, and will be excited to go out and try the new techniques Walter shares. This is a seminar that covers lighting like no book, video or even anyone has ever done in a clear and concise manner.

This seminar is for those who have a beginning through intermediate level of knowledge about lighting technique and who want to take their skills to the next level. This would include those who own their own cameras and make shorts, films, whether for their own amusement or for the independent film market. It would also include those who work in news, or any other programs for broadcast television, and non broadcast production atmospheres.

This seminar is less about camera equipment and more about technique although various cameras will be used in the demonstrations. While you may feel that you know too little or too much for this event, many who have attended in the past say regardless of their level of knowledge, this seminar spoke volumes to them. Bottom line, if you want to expand your lighting knowledge, this is the seminar for you regardless of your current lighting experience.
This one-day seminar will be held in NYC and will have limited registration due to Walter's desire to have small intimate classes.
Walter Graff's seminars are highly regarded. Walter speaks in clear, straightforward language that the beginner and professional alike can understand. Many who have attended past lectures say that they've learned more in one day from Walter than they have from any other professional seminar at more than twice the price.
Here is what you will learn:
8am: Introduction- We'll spend this time getting to know each other. Walter will gauge the group's knowledge level, which will help him to determine the direction of the day.
9am: What tools does one use to light a scene.? Walter let's you in on a little secret about lighting. Actually it's a big secret. Walter uses video examples to explain what many spend a lifetime trying to find in a clear and entertaining manner.
1 pm on: From Theory to Practice- Walter demonstrates just how it's all done, what tools are used and more importantly, how one uses their mind to make it all work on film and video.
It's really a great day and based on past seminars, the group comes away getting a lot out of it.
Many times, those who provide the venue for Walter's seminars ask the question "How long do you need?" Walter's answer is, "Trust me, you will be throwing us out of here because no one will want to leave". And while we hope to get out by 6pm, if we need to go longer we will.

What this seminar will teach you more clearly than you have ever been taught before in addition to how one uses the mind to visualize a scene:

What video represents electronically and how that helps you to understand its limitations

White Balance

Depth of Field

Internal Camera Adjustments

Filtration

Use of Color

Creating Background Looks

Differences in Men, Women and Skin Shades

Color Considerations and Psychological Effects of Color

Mixed Color Temperatures

Creating a Mood and Theme

Down and Dirty Techniques When You Have Little Money, No Lights, and No Budget

Anything Else You Can Think of During the Q&A...

The cost of the seminar $100 for the day. It is a long day with theory, experimentation and many lighting set-ups where Walter not only shows you things, but takes time to set up scenarios you are interested in seeing. It's a mall and very personalized day. The event takes place on the Upper East side of Manhattan and is easy to get to by train, subway and car.

 

 

This money will be completely refundable if you can not make the seminar for any reason or if this seminar is not what you thought it would be.

Date: Saturday. February 6, 2010

Times: 8am-6pm

For hotel rooms w e suggest a Google search under "NYC Hotel Rates". Expect $95 rates at many hotels at this time of year.

Payments will register to Hellgate Pictures, Inc. Our phone number is 917 217 9766.

Our business address is: 176 E. 77th Street #18D New York, NY 10075

THIS SEMINAR IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 10 PEOPLE THAT SIGN UP We may also have some last minute no-shows and may let additional alternates sign up.

Any questions? Call Walter at 917 217 9766

 

About Walter Graff

Walter Graff has worked in the field of commercial, feature film and industrial /broadcast television since 1982. He has successfully worked in more areas of production than most others work in a single career. Walter has a unique combination of technical and creative knowledge that has helped him to excel in many areas of production. He has directed numerous single and multi-camera broadcast and commercial productions for government, agency, and broadcast clients. Walter was a network level lighting director for nine years for many organizations such as NBC, ESPN, and  NIPPON TV. Walter is a respected cinematographer who has lensed over 400 programs for cable and broadcast networks including NBC, A&E, and Fox. Walter has also produced content for nearly 40 broadcast shows and an equal number of television pilots. He was a pioneer in creating the look and feel of seven daytime talk programs in the nineties. His innovative producing technique and shooting style is considered by many industry peers to be the precursor for today's reality programming. Walter has earned numerous industry accolades including EMMY awards, Telly Awards, and New York Festival Awards to name a few.

The photos found throughout this page are from some of the many hundreds of commercials, broadcast programs, industrials, and special effects that Walter has lit over the years.

 

Page updated 10/1/2009 12:21pm