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The Master Course
Testimonials
"Everything a Director needs to know about camera work is brilliantly presented. It's film school in a box."
Sam Simon, Writer / Producer / Director, The Simpsons, Cheers, The Drew Carey Show, Taxi, The Tracey Ullman Show, Friends. 9 time Emmy®-Winner.
"Hollywood Camera Work is the ultimate 'When to, Why to and How to' instructional tool for directing and cinematography in live action or CGI. It should be required viewing in order to graduate from any film school. Where was this DVD set when I was going to film school? Of course, I had no way of watching it back in 1979."
Keith Alcorn – Co-Executive Producer / Director, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius, The Ant Bully (DNA), Academy Award Nominee
"I am thoroughly impressed with this DVD Set. It is stunningly comprehensive, and it succeeds at teaching high-quality (and high budget) camera-work. The 3D animations pinpoint techniques like nothing I've ever seen. It is easily the definitive course on blocking and directing, and in a league of its own."
Marc Griffith, Emmy®-Winning Documentary Producer/Editor
"The Hollywood Camera Work DVD course is THE definitive reference for scene blocking & staging. It is clearly the most comprehensive & effective learning tool available to help filmmakers of any level increase the cinematic value of their scenes. It's brilliant!"
Brad Blackbourn, DreamWorks Animation, Head Of Pre-Viz, Kung Fu Panda (2008), Director of Photography, Flushed Away (2006)
"This DVD set is the real deal. The 9+ hour course offers a true master-class in visual storytelling in a clear and accessible format. It has helped me as a Producer to discover a range of possibilities in shot-design I hadn't considered, and I would strongly recommend it to any serious filmmaker."
Gabrielle Kelly, Producer (Stag, All the Queen's Men, D.A.R.Y.L) and Educator (UCLA, Chapman University, LA Film School), BAFTA/LA
"HOLY SNAPPING PLATYPUS CRAP! These are amazing! I am REALLY blown away!!!!"
David Hague - Managing Editor VideoCamera Publications Oceania Editor for Digital Media Net
Digital Media Net Review
Hollywood Camera Work is a true hardcore learning course ... I give [it] a Must Buy Recommendation
Script Magazine Review
If your passion to direct equals the immense knowledge necessary to be a master director, you won’t find a better training ground on DVD
Shooting People Review
Hollywood Camera Work is a top training resource, which anyone working in filmmaking can benefit from, and not just for drama ... This is a Director's tool with the widest possible application.
Machinima.com Review
Hollywood Camera Work isn't pretty good. It's absolutely bloody astounding. After 7 years and 16 films, I'd expected I had a fair idea of at least the basics that the course covers in the first four or five chapters of the DVD, but I learned a massive amount within the first 20 minutes...
Digital Film School Review
I’ll stick my neck out now and tell you straight, if you’re at all interested in learning the craft of blocking and staging for the camera then you absolutely need this DVD series
Digital Diving Board Review
Watching these DVDs is quite an investment in time. But it's time WELL spent.
Learning Maya Review
This DVD-bundle is great. It really teaches you professional and state of the art camera work that greatly helps you in the process of good storytelling.
Animation World Review
Honestly folks, it doesn't get any better than this. For those of you who've tried to understand camera and staging theory through books with static pictures in them -- throw them away ... It's a no brainer. The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging is the benchmark reference for any discussion in this area. You can feel well justified in laying down your hard earned for this set.
MovieScope Magazine Review
So what does the box-set cover? More than you can possibly imagine.
DVXUser.com Review
We completely recommend this class-A, professional series to anyone who is serious about becoming a better DP/Filmmaker. It is worth the time and money invested and will contribute tons to your knowledge base.
Microfilmmaker Magazine Review
These DVDs will help make our films truly noteworthy and should be in every microfilmmaker's collection
Filmmaking Central Review
Forget Film School! Go buy a camera, write your script and watch Hollywood Camera Work. Then go make your film. Filmmaking Central gives The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging Five Stars.
DVUser.co.uk Review
There are very few things that can get me up at 5.00am to study and develop new skills but this unique and truly remarkable training resource is one of them.
"Just wanted to say, I thought the Master Course In High-End Blocking & Staging was very well put together and an invaluable learning resource. It was something I'd been considering buying for the last ten years or so and I'm glad I finally took the plunge and ordered the complete set. It showed how much emotion could be created just through the movement and placement of the camera and how effective staging can be in telling the story.
Thanks for taking the time to put the course together, I've never come across anything similar and it did an excellent job in explaining all the concepts clearly and concisely"
Andrew Bean - Visual Effects/Director/Writer "Black Panther" (2018) "Man of Steel" (2013) "R.I.P.D" (2013) "John Carter" (2012) "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018)
"The Master Course is densely pack with wonderful nuggets and 'a-ha' moments. The information is presented very clearly and each re-watch offers up something new that was missed in previous viewings."
Stephen Marsh - Production Designer/Actor/Art Director" "Runaway Train" (1985) "George of the Jungle" (1997) "Cool Runnings" (1993)
"Hollywood Camera Works is a must watch for anyone creating visual media. The courses are excellent, they contain so many gems of information you will not be disappointed. No matter what field you work in films, web, games or broadcast you should see these courses."
Scott Hall - Producer - PepsiCo Previously FX Compositor at MTV
"I have seen the whole course, and it is really great and motivating. This is the future of education. I haven't found yet any better tool to explain camera movements like HCW does. Students get an over all view of camera movements and staging actors. For my lessons there is no better tool than these DVD's. An investment highly recommended for teachers, cinematographers and directors."
Tony Costa, Vice-President, European Federation of Cinematographers
"I recently have purchased the Hollwooodcamerawork DVD set, and truly was amazed by the amount of information and content these DVD's include.
Working as a Visual FX Art Director in the Film Industry, creating 2D and 3D development work, I really want to get more in depth information related to Directing, filming techniques and set up of camera and in general cinematography. I really love the fact that I can sit back and watch hours of footage created in 3D, that shows me exactly how to think on set, as well as animate the camera within a CG environment to set up a digital scene.
The DVD's also came with the project files and other related useful documentation, which is what I was looking for. I already learned so much, and also recommended this set to my students at the Art Center College of Design.
Thanks for making such a huge library and the years of experience available to the Industry."
Alp Altiner, Visual FX Art Director, Spiderman 3, Superman Returns, Fantastic Four 2, Alien Versus Predator #2 (www.alpaltiner.com)
"After watching these dvd's, you'll never enjoy movies the same way again. You will be too busy watching the camera moves. If you are starting out in movie making, these dvd's will set you apart from all the rest."
Tony Farley, NASA Visualization Team Leader
"The Master class is by far the best training material on blocking actors and camera work that I've come across. It teaches working with camera the way it should be taught--visually, and with a myriad of examples, building a comprehensive approach to this aspect of directing in a way that can be of value to people just starting out or those at a more advanced level. A resource to be watched and rewatched!"
John Helliker, Director, "Reluctant Angel" 35mm feature film, Silver Medal Houston WorldFest / "Screech Owls" episodic television, Discovery Channel
"I have learned more from your DVD set about blocking and camera coverage then I did from my entire film degree."
Shannon Robinson - Director/Videographer/Editor - SRP Studios
"It's really great and combined with the "working with actors" course it works as the best educational programm for direcrtors that I ever saw. The only thing I regret is that I haven't got it earlier. Should I watched it ten years ago, my first films would have been much better- that's for sure. Though, it's never too late to learn new tricks and I cant't wait till I use some new stuff on my next project."
Pavel Sanaev - Writer/Director/Actor "Posledniy uik-end" (2005) "Nulevoy kilometr" (2007) "Hooked" (2009) "Hooked 2: Next Level" (2010)
"The Master Course In High-End Blocking & Staging is a must-see course for every aspiring filmmaker. No book can deliver the knowledge in such a clear and comprehensive way as this course due to its visual nature. The knowledge contained in the course will allow you to bring the quality of your work from the amateur to professional level in a matter of hours.
It teaches you how to stage static and moving cameras, how to stage scenes with multiple characters, how to reveal emotional events and emphasise dramatic moments with your camera. You will spend years to build all that knowledge should you not watch this course. Don't miss out if you are serious about film-making"
Dmitry Dolgov - Director/Editor/Producer "The Green Triangle" (2019) "Chainsaw Al: Jong Fong Clan Assassin" (2017) "Chainsaw Al: The Deadly Finger Story" (2018)
"You have created a course that has changed everything I do I developing myself as a Director and Producer.
As an independent filmmaker, both the Directing Actors and the Masters courses have been essential in me working with talented actors and crews and developing my craft and confidence. I have learned more from these courses than any other class or course I have attended and I think these courses should be mandatory to anyone looking to become a professional in the film or TV industry."
Alvin Burrell - Cinematographer/Editor "Blast Off" (2018)
"Master Course is a great resource it's clear, comprehensive, and well-organized. The format makes it easy to find and review material. Thumbs up!"
Eric Shen - Producer "The Chozen" (2011)
"I took the blocking classes. I was able to learn many techniques of camera staging. The courses are very well structured, from the simplest to the most complex. There are many clear and very useful explanations. I recommend this pedagogical program that compares technique with scriptwriting. These courses are very concrete and allow you to learn more about staging and staging in the cinema."
Sandy Blanco - Composer/Director/Cinematographer "Rien que ca" (2020) "The Dead West" (2019)
"After viewing your classes, I have a much better grasp on camera movement and placement. Your classes provide the fundamentals and advanced camera work any film maker needs. I would recommend your class to anyone looking to improve their film making skills."
Noel Weatherbie - Photographer
"Amazing! This is more than a course. It is such a comprehensive exploration of shots and camera grammar that it should be any filmmaker's bedside companion. I will share its content with all my students and make it a must in their video libraries. I also suggest to my peers, that these DVDs could be the liberating and inspiring trigger at any time during the blinding stress and tension of their prep-work. Thank you Hollywood Camera Work."
Daniele J Suissa Directing teacher at USC, UCLA, and THE DIRECTOR STUDIO at CBS
"I can't believe it when other directors tell me they have never heard of Hollywood Camera Work or The camera blocking Master Course...It is hands down the best practical training available."
Matthew McCaulley - Director - Light of Life films "The Substitute" (2017)
"I'm a Producer for Fox Entertainment. I have years of training in production and Directing. But when I decided to Direct my own film, I bought your program. All I can say is after watching it a few times, and studying it, I learned more than all my years of school and work place. In fact my movie was shot using your techniques. To put a long story short, it was aired on PBS and won Best Program for 2005. So the program speaks for it's self. Anything you publish, I'm 1st in line to buy. Thanks."
Carlos Ramos, Producer, Fox Entertainment
"Master Course is a unique and precious program to acquire and refine skills in the practice of shooting. In its six parts, it completes all the situations where the camera "tells" the Director's thoughts to reach the Director's Cut.
Master Course allowed me to find in one experience, all the conditions that a Director must know how to put into practice and permit his camera to tell the story. Six lessons, many chapters for preview and study all the possibilities for using the camera as a storytelling tool in the Director's hands."
Maurizio Cartolano - Director/Cinematographer "148 Stefano: Mostri dell'inerzia" (2011) "Campania Burning" (2010) "Recital" (2010) "Aniene" (2011)
"I highly recommend The Master Course to directors and cinematographers, its hand on, clear and give creative insights to focus on in the craft."
Sandra Kawar, Producer/Director "A Facebook Romance" (2012) "The Unaccepted Reality II" (2018)
"The course is just terrific! I learned more by the third DVD than I had in my career so far."
Dean Mougianis, Visual Effects Supervisor, Post Modern, Pittsburgh PA.
"Redrock recommends The Master Course to all our customers who have purchased our M2 cinema lens adapter. With our adapter, film-style shooting with DV and HDV isnow possible, and with the techniques learned in The Master Course it rounds out everything needed to turn video into the true film-style we've all dreamed about delivering."
Brian Valente, Red Rock (www.redrockmicro.com)
"I have been studying and using the techniques provided in the Hollywood Camera Work Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging course as I prepare for my feature film directorial debut. The techniques included in the course are concise, visually inspiring, simple to understand and apply, and thorough. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in moving their career forward to the director's chair."
Tina Andrews, Screenwriter/Executive Producer, "Sally Hemings: An American Scandal" (CBS miniseries), "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" (Warner Bros.)
"By far the best instructional film-making DVD out there (and there are many). What's fantastic about this set, is it is utilized by ALL our instructors - directing, editing, cinematography, and the students can't get enough of it. And I'm serious, this is hugely popular. Only the book "In the Blink of an Eye" by Walter Murch rivals it in student popularity! Gosh, are you guys trying to put us out of business!"
James Fernald, Screenwriting Dept., European Film College (www.efc.dk)
"I originally bought the series for myself. The course was so well
produced and useful, I had the school purchase a license and set for use
in the classroom.
The response has been so overwhelming from my instructional staff that I
have just made the recommendation that we look at purchasing a set for
every student coming in to our digital film program as part of a
standard issue kit."
Craig Bowman, Dept. Head Digital Media, Dept. Head Digital Film, Centre for Arts and Technology - Kelowna
"After studying the dailies from the show I work on, "Malcolm in the Middle," all of the camera and character blocking was way over my head. But after spending a lot of time watching these DVD's and doing various exercises Per came up with, I feel my own understanding of camera work has grown exponentially. I know the next project I do will be at a much, much higher level than the last. This DVD set is unparalleled."
Bill Hooper, Writers' Assistant, Malcolm in the Middle
"I get asked all the time for books on staging and camera movement. While there are quite a few out there, I just don't like them. Why? Because they are books! And they are books that focus heavily on storyboarding to illustrate technique. A pretty limiting way to learn--especially since I hate storyboards!
I was lucky enough to learn from a great director, Alexander MacKendrick, at California Institute of the Arts. Given that experience, everything I could recommend was sorely lacking... until now. Yes, just for you dear reader, I ordered a copy of Hollywood Camera Work to see if it is something I could recommend. I can tell you right now that its hefty price tag is worth every penny.
Hollywood Camerawork is a massive 6 DVD set of how to work with a moving camera. Nine hours of instruction! And I mean a real nine hours--if you blink, you WILL miss something. As I told a friend recently: "It's Sandy MacKendrick in a box!"
Dan Selakovich - Author of Killer Camera RigsThat You Can Build. (link)
"This series of instructional videos provides an extremely intuitive insight into the power of the camera as a narrative device. Prior to using these videos in the classroom, I would describe camera angles by dancing on the tables, turning around with my fingers shaped like a box, and drawing several dozen thumbnail storyboard sketches, followed by a "do you get it?" I'm usually greeted by timid nods and blank stares.
Now, I get a visible "ah hah" on the faces of these budding 3d animation artists. I have seen the quality of their camera work improve dramatically, and their story development grow by leaps and bounds. I only worry about the work of the students who don't get the opportunity to take my class. I have been evangelizing this series to as many instructors as I can at the Illinois Institute of Art/Schaumburg, both in the 3d animation department as well as the digital media production and video programs."
Christopher Tedin, Instructor - Illinois Institute of Art/Schaumburg
"I am a composer turned filmmaker and I have been studying and putting myself through a sort of self study film school and am well acquainted with what's out there. I have been learning about cameras, lenses, lighting and now with your course, staging and blocking.
Your course is by far the best resource for learning filmmaking than anything I have come across to date (in any subject matter) and believe me, I have been thorough in my search for knowledge. Your course offers incredible depth and detail. I have watched it in its entirety twice now and still feel that I am just scratching the surface of what's there. I plan on mastering what you present because I feel strongly that the techniques in the course will make me a much better filmmaker. Thank you for doing such an amazing job."
James Peterson, Composer, ABC's "Ron Hazelton's House Calls" (Series composer, 3 seasons), "The Last Cavalier" (international TV mini-series), 80+ TV commercials (international and domestic), Numerous documentaries for PBS and Discovery
"As an editor in feature films and network television (and a sometime director), I found The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging an invaluable tool. I have become obsessed with commiting the massive amount of information contained on the DVD's to memory by going over and over them again.
My editing work has already become more fluid and natural, and I am much more informed about what the directors who shot the material were doing (or not doing) when they shot it. The emotional impact of a shot choice or well chosen camera move have been added to my editing arsenal and have made my work more powerful and interesting.
I have the opportunity to do some directing over the next year or two, and with the Master Course at my disposal, I feel that I am getting prepared to confidently make decisions in the field that will maximize the material I am working with. My bachelors in film and video only began the teaching I needed to be creative and focused in the field and the editing bay. The Master Course completes it. I can't wait for the Directing for Special Effects course. Keep up the good work."
Jason Stewart, Editor, Extreme Makeover (ABC), Fashion House (FOX)
""Bravo!" Per Holmes has succeeded in creating a landmark treatment of the essential use of the cinematic camera. With an economy of delivery and many succinct examples, Per presents timeless fundamentals and practical considerations for effective and elegant cinematography. To know this material is to approach even the most elaborate production with confidence and create shots that bespeak of a mastery of the craft."
David Brickley, Supervisor Previsual Animation, Evan Almighty (2007), Universal Pictures
"This is great tool. The animation scene is rapidly becoming a 3-D world. Hollywood camera work is an absolute must see for any aspiring storyboard artist."
Lyndon Ruddy, Storyboard Artist, Disney's 'The Wild', and more.
"Hi Per, I've been telling everyone I know about your course. It has changed the way that I block and shoot. After 30 years in the business, I thought I knew everything. Thanks for proving me wrong."
David Hurd, Director
"I'm not kidding or exaggerating; The Master Course is absolutely the most impressive and comprehensive cinema teaching series I've ever seen, period."
Allan Caggiano, Ambassador Motion Pictures
"This is truly awesomeness on tap. Get it. Now."
Andre Hedetoft, Geek + Movie Director, www.andrehedetoft.com
"I can't think of anyone on "this" side of the camera who *can't* use this thorough, clear, detailed journey through the interpretation and movement of the frame. As much as I thought I knew, I learned much, much more - and continue to as I review it time and again. Thanks, Per."
Colleen Patrick, Writer/Director, www.cameracoach.com
"Before purchasing Hollywood Camera Work, I must have spent several thousand dollars on various filmmaking books, classes, CD-roms, DVDs... you name it, I probably purchased it.
I can honestly say I learned more from watching Hollywood Camera Work for half an hour than I did from all of these other sources COMBINED.
The information in Hollywood Camera Work is certainly available in other forms and it's not like I hadn't come across this information before. So
why did Hollywood Camera Work effectively convey the same information? Simple: the presentation. The 3-D models vividly explain ideas and techniques that a 2-D flat page cannot. The techniques become organic, more tangible. You can understand more readily not only how effective camera movement and blocking is achieved, but WHY.
The animated actors are a huge plus to the package. The fact that they are expressionless really lets you SEE how camera movement can convey emotion and tension in a way even live actors can not. It's a very effective way to show how important choosing the right camera movement for a scene is.
The information on the DVDs is vast. One viewing is not nearly enough. Watch it with a notebook several times and you'll be utterly amazed at how
much greater your understanding of the use of the camera will be.
I admit upfront I was very, very skeptical on just how useful this course would be, having been let down so many times in the past. I fully envisioned myself watching one, maybe two of the DVDs and sending it back within the first 14 days to get a refund. That was definitely not the case, as the Hollywood Camera Work DVD set sits proudly at the top of my bookshelf where dozens of other "how to" courses used to reside.
If you have any aspirations to learn more about camera work and blocking, or to get a better understanding of how effective shots are made, don't hesitate to buy this course. As someone who has read and seen practically everything else on the market-including full-fledged film schools, film
schools in a box, and weekend film schools-I say without reservation that Hollywood Camera Work is the most reasonably priced package out there.
Easily worth the asking price, or twice that. There is no better way to learn camera mastery. Order Hollywood Camera Work, grab a camera, and make
a great movie!"
Robert Jason Clark
"Hollywood Camera Work's Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging is the most comprehensive, easy-to-follow, guide of its kind. As a Producer turned Director, I was looking for a guide to help better prepare my storyboarding process and to give me a "pre-visual" of what I might expect with certain blocking and camera movements for my shot-list. This DVD series was more than I dreamed of having as an aid to that process.
The precision, three-dimentional animation and the vast scope of blocking and staging included in this series transcends any possible training or course material covered at any film school or university in the world. For the price, it should be a must on any Cinematographer or Director's shopping list. It's worth every penny."
Michael Pacino, Latin American Film Producer, Director, Writer, with over a thousand film and video credits.
"I bought a copy of the Hollywood Camera Work Master Course and ever since has been around with me all the time, no matter how far I have to travel to shoot. It's become one of those things I jelously keep among my very personal stuff, I now cannot live without it. I watch a few chapters everytime I can, on the plane or before going to sleep, and I can never stop thinking what a priceless piece of work this is. Thanks a lot Per and please keep it up because I can't wait to get my hands on your next course."
Enrico Trippa, Advertising Film Director, Spain/Italy
"I bought this as a skeptic and I have to say after just watching the first video I was blown away with the amount of information crammed into this course. The insight into the psychology of the viewer is astounding not to mention the techniques of the camera. This is more than just a tutorial on camera use, it's an entire philosophy on the art of cinema."
Dustin Dooley, Progenitor Productions
"I am producing/directing a children's video program. Being located far
from a major production center, I originally purchased the Per Holmes'
series upon recommendation of Scott Billups as just an orientation to
directing and blocking. I'm glad I did! It was money very well spent. The
Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging course will save me a lot of
money, save me a lot of unnecessary grief, and save my project from the
unforgivable sin of looking amateurish.
You can take a lot of courses on filmmaking, movie production, etc. and
still be left in the dark about what is actually required to direct and
produce quality camerawork. At the very least, you will have two important
realizations as you watch the course. First, the cost of quality production
is tied directly to the time it takes to set up multiple shooting angles
(i.e., all the people standing around doing nothing while dallying with the
camera setup). Second, it's going to be hard to find a camera operator or
director of photography or whatever on a limited budget that can approach
the quality of work taught by Per Holmes's course. (The guy who works at
the local TV station or who makes wedding videos just won't do.)
I've seen larger budget movies (you know, the ones with the house trailers
and noisy generators) disastrously fail to even approach the camerawork
quality standards that you can learn yourself in the course. By obtaining
the equipment recommended and studying the techniques taught, I am confident
that my production will have quality blocking, edit together smoothly, and
convey to the viewer a high sense of quality.
Even if you do not intend on doing the camerawork, the course pays for
itself a hundred times over as a benchmark for judging and evaluating demo reels from the director of photography you are considering for your project. (It may make you rethink that hire.) The only criticism that I have about the course is that I will never be able to watch another episode of Star Trek - the Next Generation without thinking of Per Holmes' course."
Phil Brockett
"The Master Course was a Godsend for me! And an invaluable tool for every aspiring filmmaker! I wish I had gotten my hands on it before shooting my first Hollywood feature film, it would have saved our production a lot of money that was wasted on experimental shooting.
With the Master Course you learn to Direct with confidence and get to see what shots and setups work and don't work before you step foot on the set or spend one dime on production. Prior to owning it, I had bought just about every directing book and video on the market, but absolutely nothing compares to this. It even gives full insight into the psychology behind the shots you should choose and why the professionals make the choices they make.
The Master Course is actually even better than film school because it offers in depth 3D visual demonstrations a lecture can't give. And since it's on video you can replay it again and again and learn at your own pace. Because of the Master Course, I will definitely be a better Director on my upcoming project. Thank you to the creators of it! I owe you much more than the minimal amount of money I spent on it!!!"
Nnegest Likke, Screenwriter/Director, Phat Girlz
"I've been using the Hollywood Camera Work Master Course in High End Blocking and Staging DVD set to help me become a better teacher to the students in my High School TV/Film Production class. I've shown several short segments to them during their pre-production planning to help them plan better, more professional looking shots. So far, so good!
This is a very informative DVD set and I am learning a lot from it! Thanks for putting such a great resource set together. I hope to one day purchase the Hot Moves DVD and the Visual Effects for Directors set to further enhance my program."
Eric T. Martin, M.Ed., TV/Film Production, Warren Woods Tower High School, Warren, MI
"Your 3D animated video is an amazing way to learn blocking . A big difference between a wannabee, a newbie, and a pro is experience (repetitions). Each time you watch is adding experience. As words are the tools for thought, I now have the ability think camera angles, placement, and movement. This was not learned as rote templates I must conform to, rather as emotions, perspective, and scope that can be expressed through the camera.
Now that I have taken the course (and will again and again) I am a newbie with a cocky "been there done that" attitude. Great work and thank you!"
Ken Adams
"I am very impressed with the Course.
I have read as many books about film directing as there are in
amazon.com (Steven Katz, David Mamet, you name it). There were some
insights but nothing that could really help me become a much better
filmmaker. I still saw my favorite movies and wonder, how did they do
that? Why does it look so professional, so cinematic?
Now I know. After watching the first 4 volumes now I can see all
those movies and go: "of course, that was a handoff, with deep
staging, then a pan reveal pivoting on the object in the foreground".
Now I understand the cinematic language that was elusive to me.
I am now ready to face the new challenges in my animations and
hopefully in live action. I cannot say that I am already a better
filmmaker, because it is still difficult to speak this new language.
But I can understand it much better, and in doing so I am learnig
from every movie I watch. Lots of movies that I admired, are now
beginning to surrender their secrets to me.
On the last two volumes I can't say they have worked for me, because
I have not filmed anything since I got the course. I still have my
doubts about the annotation system, and sometimes it looks to me as
if some of the tracking shots are too difficult for live action. I
constantly wonder if this is the way my favorite directors work, or
if it is worse, or better."
Ricardo Cobo Audry, Mexico
"Last December my college instructor for my "Advanced Cinematography" class brough the DVDs in and we spent the week watching all the dvds and afterwards, I've never DP'ed the same. My camera skills have changed for the better so much.
As you watch the DVDs, they give you so much info and tips, that afterwards - when you go out and shoot, you somehow feel out the shots in a different and better way. It's like after you read a Tom Clancy novel, for the next two weeks after, you're using a lot of complex words and you formulate your sentences in more of a Clancy-ish way... What I'm trying to say is, these dvds are very very influencial and a must for anyone directing, shooting, and writing. It changes your indie-style to a more professional style."
Tom Laughlin, Utah Valley State College (senior)
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is a masterful DVD set filled with principles that teach a comprehensive system of blocking. After viewing the discs, don't be surprised if you find yourself imagining how you could block your conversations and interactions with others, I know I do!"
Ken McClintock, Australia
"I was always interested in cinematography, blocking and staging. Being a big self learner and always wanting to know why are the things this
way or that way, I always asked myself (at least before I got the set:) questions like this: Is blocking and staging just creative and artistic or is there a science behind it; if there is - how much? And how do I learn it?
Reading the books on cinematography was helpful,
but still - the still pictures and words never really gave much of visual explanation. Hollywood Camera Work set has been an incredible tool to explain the techniques I wanted to know about. It covers way more than many DPs or directors know and use. It showed me how to tell my stories dramatically through camera angles.
The way the set is done
is an amazing concept - it takes expressionles 'computer-generated'
models in a 3d space and explains the camera angles as if you are an
observer on the set, and then shows you the work of these cameras. If
you were to read a book on this with pictures, or attend a seminar -
there's no way you would learn as much in such a short period of time.
It is a very valuable asset for any filmmaker to have in his/her
library. If you have a solid script, add great actors performances and
what you learned from the this set - you have an incredible product.
The DVD's are definitely not a 1-time watch. I want to go back to it,
try to remember each technique and master it on actual shootings. If
you study the set, your camera work will be, just like Stanislavski
once said: "The difficult becomes -- habitual, the habitual -- easy,
and the easy -- BEAUTIFUL".
Thank you for such an incredible package."
Alexander Alexandrov, Producer, Independent Films
"Can you imagine how difficult is to find good material in south america? We have a very deep tradition on creativity, but after HCW I learned that all creativity cannot be supplanted by such comprehensive stuff. Outstanding!"
Luiz Roberto Meira, Brazilian Executive Producer
"If you've tried to read "Grammar of the Film Language" by Arijon or "Film Directing Shot by Shot" by Katz, then you know how difficult it is for a book to convey this kind of information. When I first watched the Master Course, I felt like those books had come alive. I also thought to myself "video is the perfect way to convey this material, books just can't do it right!" This series is a must-see for anyone who wants to direct. It's worth every penny. It's the perfect gift for anyone who wants to become a director. I plan on watching the whole thing every 18 months or so. Did I mention I really, really like it?"
John Cordell, Writer / Director / Producer, CordellWorld Producctions
"I am very happy with the Hollywoodcamerawork DVD series I bought last months. Hollywoodcamerawork DVD series is teaching me more techniques about blocking, staging, camera work, and even cinematography than the two film school I attended in Los Angeles. I want to thank Mr. Per Holmes for the time he spent in the creation of this product. I really recommend the Hollywoodcamerawork DVD series to any filmmakers who want to improve and to polish up their knowledge."
Lenin Valladares
"I learned more about film blocking and staging from my first viewing of this DVD set than I did from years of education and training and my library of film directing books. If you want to have the tools to tell your story more effectively, and want to create films with a higher production value, The Master Course in High End Blocking & Staging will provide you with the knowledge you need."
Derrick Nelson, Producer/Director, Rising Tempest Productions
"I have had past poor experiences with learning anything from a computer. This product completely turned me around. If all computer-based learning were this good, this intense and this involving we would not need schools anymore. I am amazed."
Chris Byrnes
"I purchased the Hollywood camera work course recently. I am very impressed! After my first short film - this is just what I needed. Many, many thanks! My directing will never be the same!"
Tania Seaman
"I really appreciate your DVD's. I've started to watch the DVD's and they're literally eye opening. Now I see movies with a different eye. I'm beginning to understand what camera works really means for a movie and what can be achieved even for simple homevideo scenarios. Nowhere else I've seen such in depth detail on how to do camera work. It's the most valueable material of its kind I've ever seen. Thanks for your hard work!"
Timon Royer, Digital Media Designer
"Awesome, Simply Brilliant! This DVD set is a film school itself. I would like to Thank Per Holmes for putting this Master Course together. This course is a best tool for directors to discuss the camera movements and shot design with Crew/DPs."
Jaskaran Singh Sahota, Writer / Producer / Director, www.bridgepointfilms.com
"By watching "Hollywood Camerawork" I've learned more about camerawork than 4 years in film school. An excellent tool and worth every dime!"
Niels Nørløv, Director, Denmark
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is must-buy for
anyone looking for concise, yet thorough instruction in getting that
polished Hollywood look to a film. Moreover, a lot of the information
is vital to those less experienced film makers who need basic
instruction on how to cut between camera shots and make the cuts
"followable" and not confusing. Things like the 180-rule, avoiding
cutting between shots that are too similar etc. are very important lessons.
The use of expressionless mannequins as actors is a master stroke. At
first, it seemed a little odd. But it really shows graphically just
how much emotion a camera move can bring to a shot. I had to rewind a
shot more than once to prove to myself that the mannequin's
expression was not changing because the camera move itself brought so
much emotion to a shot. A great lesson learned.
Unless you are a seasoned Hollywood veteran with many years of
experience, you will definitely learn at least something from this
course. Most people will learn a lot.
Thanks for a great product."
Mike Smith
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is a valuable learning tool. The dvds are easy to follow, but they are quite comprehensive in their scope of material. It doesn't matter if one is interested in narrative filmmaking, commercial production, or even digital animation. The skills gained from this Hollywood Camera Work series will make anyone a better storyteller."
Brian J. Harris, Unum Pictures
"So far, I have only worked through the first DVD over a period of 2-3 weeks. However I finally understand./ have a deep insight into many of the basics which have eluded me over the last 2 years, despite reading many many books and magazine articles on the same topics. I am eagerly anticipating the rest of the course and would heartily recommend this brilliant course to any aspiring film maker..."
Mike Kohler
"I'm so thankful to Mr. Per Holmes and his course in camera work which is aptly named a "Master Course." The presentation is so refined that it could be viewed over and over again and each time gleaned for more and more. I am convinced that this course is going to give my blocking the professional edge that otherwise would have been evidently missing. Special thanks to Alex Lindsay and the PixelCorps who introduced me to such an indispensable piece of my filmmaking education. Thanks Mr. Holmes!"
Scott Potestio
"I'm still working my way through the Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging, finding the material so thorough and foundational that I need multiple passes through the course to absorb it all. The course is splendidly produced and organized and I am more than delighted. I've gotten more than my money's worth."
Frank E. Peretti
"The Hollywood Camera Work DVD collection is superb. It has already given me hours of very professional lessons on the many important aspects of camera work and I am only half way through! These lessons are extremely clear, well thought out and bursting with extra information. This is an essential purchase for anyone wishing to gain a deeper knowledge of camera work, further develop and improve cut scenes, or even improve their portfolio. Highly recommended."
Chris Woods, 3D Artist, Rare Ltd.
"As a student in film school, this is the best course I've taken."
Nick Szpara, Third Year Film Student
"Hollywood Camerawork DVD set – This is a 6 DVD set all geared towards camera work. It tells you how to block your shots, compose your shots, how to create moods using only the camera and not relying on your cast. Think Alfred Hitchcock – he was a master at creating a mood just by using the camera. Many times he would tell his actors to just stand there and do nothing, and he'll take care of what needs to be done. This DVD set runs about $479 but when you compare this to a forty thousand dollar film school degree, it looks pretty darn cheap. These DVDs are incredible and will make filmmaking more enjoyable and more intuitive. This is a big must have."
Adam Rench, Author "The Indie Filmmaking Guide"
"I would like to say that I have enjoyed watching the DVD's so much. I'm an animator, and having such knowledge about camera blocking can intensify the drama in my animations. I have never came across such an excellent learning method before."
Gel Haddad
"What an amazing product!!! A must have for anyone starting out in film!!! Good job!!! Maybe one of the most important learning tools I ever had, THANK YOU!"
Jamie Ridge
"Oh, if only they had shown this to us at film school!"
Jamie Waese
"My name is Aleksander Kogoj and I am a director for TV commercials in Studio Alex.
I went through all 6 dvds, and find that this is really great tool for directors and cinematographers. There's detailed explanation of every tecnique possible. Some of them are expensive to execute, but with your simulation dvd I can get a lot of ideas, before spend any money for expensive cranes and dollies.
The other fine thing is that the characters don't have any facial expression, so you could easy fell the input of the camera movement.
My conclusion: The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is a great tool for pro directors and cinematographers and is worth every penny of the price."
Alex Kogoj, Studio Alex (www.studioalex.com)
"HCW is excellent for bringing anyone up to speed on how to place
cameras quickly, efficently and with excellent results.
The content covers all the basics but with good pacing so it doesn't
get boring, and from there it gets very advanced.
Goodbye storyboarding, hello camera placment diagrams, this enables
efficient camera use, much easier planning for clever camera manouvers,
and helps to ensure there is sufficent coverage for editing.
Don't be put of by the 'look' of the 3D it is made that way on purpose
to give excellent clarity on what exactly the cameras are doing and
their effect created by their position, zoom, and focus.
I highly recommend this course, it is full with excellent knowledge."
David Kerry
"As an educator and technical trainer, I have found the Master Course to
be of great value to myself and to the seminars and classes I use it
in. It is to the point and the production quality is very nice. As an
instructor for the non-profit New Orleans Video Access Center's new
Digital Filmmaker Institute, we will be using parts of this program in
our classes.
The information is invaluable and clearly explains how
camera placement and movement have as much of an effect on the story
being told as the actors and sound track to. It is also a great source
of inspiration for those times when you're not getting a shot set up
just right. I recommend it to anyone needed to learn very in-depth
blocking and staging techniques."
Ben Balser, Apple Certified Trainer, Wolf Digital Media
"It's better than any physical filmmaking course I've taken. Superb presentation of camera technique."
Joseph Suowon, Axis Entertainment
"I want to thank you. The High End Blocking and Staging dvd set was really
great. From watching all the dvd's it's clear that you put a lot of thought
into the lessons and how to start with simple concepts and then progressivly
build on them with each chapter. I'm currently working on my own 3d
animation project, so I watched all the dvd's through once, and now as I
block out scenes for my project I will watch a relavent chapter or two to
help me solve a particular problem.
In fact after watching the dvd's I changes a few camera moves in the scene I
was working on. It's tricky with Computer Graphic characters to properly
convey emotion. I had a shot where a Fugitive character walks into a pub and
sees the Town Constable sitting just inside, staring at him. The original
shot was bland, flat. In the new shot, when the Fugitive character sees the
Constable, the camera move gives you the strong sense that the Fugitive is
uneasy.
I had previously bought and read four different books trying and failing to
get the knowledge that your dvd's provide so clearly. The logic of how, when
and why you would use a particular camera angle or move.
Thanks a lot!"
Bert Huntsinger
"I have found the (Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging) very rewarding, I am studying Character Animation and I think it's a very valuable educational tool that demonstrate some very necessary blocking methods in very simple and clear terms."
Fuad Sabri
"I became aware of 'The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging'
by way of an internet advertisement. I am a new comer to film and I am
in the process of writing and directing a short animated film. At first
I thought, 'why buy this product, how could this possibly be helpful
since I am doing an animation film?' After a few doubting moments I
decided to spend the money anyway. I was hopeful I might get a few
ideas on how to make my film better.
I watched the 6 DVD's and was
astounded at the quality of information covered in the 'Course' with
regards to all the technical aspects of camera work. I discovered it
makes no difference whether you are working with live-action or
animation, a person can utilize so much of the camera work information
from the DVD set and make their film better.
To my pleasant surprise I
realized that its value far surpassed the amount of money I paid for the
set of DVD's. I felt as if I had gotten a terrific bargain. And in
return I have told many of my comrades to purchase the DVD set."
Stan Herrmann
"Digital media technology is revolutionizing film production. With
digital cameras and editing software, access to equipment is no longer
a show stopper for anyone who has a cinematic story to tell. But
learning how to tell a story visually is an entirely different
matter. In the past, filmmakers have mastered the visual language of
cinema - i.e., the art of staging and blocking for the motion picture
camera - only through years of apprenticeship and/or years of trial
and error.
This is not a realistic path for those of us coming to
filmmaking from other backgrounds or careers; we sorely need effective
learning tools. Per Holmes' achievement with "The Master Course" is
nothing less than to do for filmmaking pedagogy what the new
technologies have been doing for film production: breaking down
barriers.
He has developed an exceedingly comprehensive, detailed, and
well-organized guide to film staging, in a format which, unlike even
the best books on the subject, matches the medium to the message,
communicating the ideas and techniques in the most direct, intuitive,
efficient way possible. In the field of film directing instruction, Per
Holmes has dropped the bomb! Seriously."
James Mahoney
"Within minutes of watching, I knew the quality of my work had just increased several times over. I have several productions in development at the moment, and each & everyone has benefitted through the information supplied within this course.
Quite simply put, this course is the business!"
James Lundy M.M.Inst.V, The Video Company
"Your videos are brilliant. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone seeking to better understand the language of cinema. As a professional artist in the video games industry, these videos are an invaluable tool for evaluating the clarity and impact of the images I create. I watched them with my brother who told me that he learned more from Hollywood Camera Work than he did during his entire time in film school. Great job! I look forward to your next release."
Simon Craghead, President, Dark Mansion Media
"Simply put, NOTHING illustrates effective camerwork techniques like Hollywood Camera Work. I've watched the entire course several times through and learn more from it everytime. It has been an essential tool in my development as a commercial director and I use the techniques I've learned in this course on every shoot. Excellent, excellent, excellent product that is worth 10 times more than than the cost."
Matthew Guerra
"Thank you so much for putting this together. I live in San Antonio and film work here is rare. Following and practicing the set-ups in your DVD set are just about the only opportunity filmmakers here have to experience advanced camera staging.
I watched the whole thing from start to finish and was blown away. It's like drinking from a firehose. Now I am in the process of rewatching each volume over and over. I set up my camera and dolly and practice each shot and each move. Use the online resources! Grab a couple friends or manequins and shoot the set ups. The sample scripts will get you through each set up and are an amazing aid to helping you set up your own. No teacher or classroom environment can be as comprehenvise as Hollywood Camera Work and no work environment will ever be as patient. Buy it!"
Andy Miller
"We have found The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging to be instrumental in our pre-production and pre-visualization process. We use the Master Course to help us determine where to place 3-D tracking points in the studio and then communicate this information to our 3-D animators and compositors. This saves us time and money during production and post-production."
Dan Kattman, Producer, Lightning Rod Studios
"After watching The Master Course, I couldn't believe how much information was included in the DVD's. I am not sure if you could find this level of instruction in a college course. The cost of the lesson is negligible compared to the education you receive."
Gil Gillis, Gillis Video
"Straight to the point, simple but not simplistic course that answers most of your questions, if not all. Priceless package!"
Oliver S. Ojeil, Film Director
"I couldn't be happier with the Hollywood Camera Work course. The lessons are
direct, concise, and packed full of information. As an aspiring filmmaker, I
thought I knew a bit about blocking and staging. The first thing I learned
from the course is how little I actually knew. The methodology used --
expressionless animated characters -- was a stroke of genius and really lets
you see the effect of the camera at work in enhancing emotion.
I can safely
say that this course has saved me years of painful trial and error; it's the
best money I've ever spent in the pursuit of filmmaking excellence and I
know I will be watching the DVDs over and over again. Thank you for a great
product."
Darren Miller
"The Master Course in High End Blocking and Stagipng is an incredible tool for any director. It's simple, direct, covers all the bases and opens up a lot of doors. I wish I'd had it sooner but I'll settle for all it's taught me now."
Gordon Hunt
"I think it's a great product. It's easy to understand and practical.I really enjoy it!"
Lo Ka-Wai
"I want to buy your company and shut it down so I'll be the only one who truly understands how cinematography really works in this business. Please don't be too successful with this."
Craig Brookes, Blue Dahlia Films
"Very clear, interesting and inspirational. Even though I have many years experience in directing TV, it made me feel there were definitely things in the course I could learn from. I wanted to let you know that the course is, in my opinion, fantastic, a tool all can learn something from, professional or amateur."
Joy Perino
"The Hollywood Camera Work Master Course is the best educational resource for mastering the art of motion picture outside of film school, period."
Reed Simonsen, University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts
"The Master Course is unbelievable. What a resource! When I tell my people about this DVD set, they laugh because they think there can't possibly be enough to learn about blocking and staging to cover a 6-DVD set and that it must be loaded with extra fluff to jack up the price. Well, let me tell you -- each of these DVDs is essential, and each keeps a quick pace. There is no filler here. The principles of making high quality movies are on display, and rendered with clarity.
This is a must-have DVD set. I mean every single word of it. I can't tell you how much I value this set. Great work."
Steve Miranda
"I found that the information given in the DVDs is the most unique and comprehensive learning series on directing, one of the best directing courses on the planet! I am waiting for the next series on visual effects directing."
James Chung, Producer/Director
"An outstanding, fantastic, exhaustive guide on anything and everything about working with the camera professionally. An absolute must-have for filmmakers both experienced and beginners."
Emelian Chernyavsky, Filmmaker
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging has absolutely blown my mind. The level of detail is amazing and I still can't get my head around how much information has been packed into the course. It's hell for leather from the way 'go' and it never slows down. I've watched it through once now and I'm itching to start again. This will keep me occupied and entertained in equal measures for a long time."
Antti Poussa, Filmmaker
"I bought this set because my teacher talked favorably about it in one of his classes. I can unequivocally state that for the price, this DVD set is a steal. I am a film student now learning the basics of filmmaking. I can tell you that I learned more watching 2 of the DVDs in this package than in one year at the school (no kidding), and I still haven't watched all the DVDs. If Hollywood Camera Works had asked me $1000 for this package it would still be worth it because you can keep this set as a reference for many years to come."
George Kouyoumjian
"I have taken two semesters of film study and put together they do not compare with just one Hollywood Camera Work DVD! These DVD's are totally awesome!"
Reg Robinson
"If you are an animator or CG artist and you want to make the big leap and be a director this is a must. The most honest and solid piece of information about blocking and staging I have ever seen. A complete course, all in 3D clear and intuitive."
Gherardo Martin, Freelance Maya Artist, Italy
"I highly recommend "Hollywood Camera Work". After having experienced the master class tutorial I have found it to be concise, easy to learn and rich in knowledge."
Jon Abraham, Straight Curve
"The most exhaustive instruction I have experienced. A private university for the videographer or cinematographer that can be viewed over and over again. The price and the knowledge does not compare to any class i have ever taken. - I highly recommend."
Alexander Gali, Director and Cinematographer
"When I came across your web site I was contemplating to take a break from my job and go to a film school. After going through six DVDs of Hollywood Camera Works, I have changed my mind to study the filmmaking techniques by myself. These DVDs are good stepping stones. Now it's up to my dedication and commitment. Most of the film schools (now a days) may not deliver this much."
Satheesh Kumar
"There is no faster way to raise your skill level!! It's "total immersion"."
John Tulin, Certified Mac Pro
"This is the best tool ever."
George Marusca
"For not coming from the Film industry, these videos were a great insight into blocking and the techniques to create mood and smooth transitions. It was particularly helpful to see the set layout as a whole and understand camera placement and movement, and then see the resulting shot that is created. Very thorough and very helpful."
Thanks, Tyson Kartchner, Sketchup
"Your DVDs on camera blocking are utterly amazing! They are very comprehensive, easy to understand and practical for a director like me. After studying your DVDs, I am watching films with new-found insights and have since learned to appreciate them more. I have to commend you for your efforts! Again, thank you...."
Alan Pahng
"We had a group of 3d animators that needed to get up to speed with the language of film and rules of blocking and cameras. After watching the DVD's our animators were much less frustrating for our Director to work with. They are excellent teaching tools and very comprehensive."
Geoffrey Hancock, The Nerdery
"I am creating a documentary film and needed to get up to speed with directing. I read lots of books but none compare to this course. There is nothing like seeing what to do - the before and after. The content is deep and perfect for my needs. Great to have a resource like this on DVD."
Eric Cohen
"In these times, it's rare to encounter a professional product as exceptional as you and your staff have created. Being in the field of cinematography for almost thirty years, I thought I knew much concerning blocking techniques. I can honestly say I've never seen a better training tool on the subject as yours. I would have paid 10 times the price of your product to attend a seminar to gain the insight that is revealed in these courses. No matter who you are or what you "think" you know, I promise you can pick up plenty form this course... it's simply a must have!"
Jimmy Young, President, Newcomer/Young Productions
"Hollywood Camera Work is the most amazing comprehensive collection of how to do it right in the film industry. Talk about Film school in a box... Save your time and money on taking classes and getting certificates and degrees and push yourself to learn this material...
Anyone interested in making themselves the best they can be should add this to their collection and use it as a BIBLE. The time, energy and MONEY it will save you can't even be estimated...just know that without it, you will perish if you don't do your homework."
Mark W. Shelton, President, Markmation Productions
"I am very impressed with the step by step approach of this very complete video set. I view it over and over, at any location - on the train, at lunch, even prior to shooting. Versatile and good reference, indeed."
Lihan Chen
"I found in the Master Course a great tool to keep developing myself as cinematographer. I feel I have learnt and understood a vast quantity of new things and techniques that certainly will be an enormous help in my career. Without excluding credits to books or others sources of information, I think this method with hundreds of examples in High-End Blocking and Staging is the quickest to comprehend the enormous amount of knowledge and skills the Master Course offers."
Marco Mora, Cinematographer, DP.
"I wish I had spent the money on these DVDs before I spent money on equivalent programs from a university. Not only do they do a more thorough job of actually showing what blocking is all about, but the Hollywood Camera Works dvds provide a great reference when ever you need it. Thanks, Per!"
Steve V., Las Vegas, Nevada
"Per kommt gleich zur Sache, 100% Lernerfolg!"
Fernando Samillan, Dresden, Germany
"Shooting your first feature is a daunting prospect. That's why I purchased The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging. It was money really well spent! Not only has it given me confidence knowing that I'm on the right track, but it has saved me hours of wasted time with story boards. I can communicate to my DOP what I'm trying to achieve clearly and easily, and adjustments to blocking are a snack. I highly recommend this finely crafted course. I've learned more about blocking from these DVD's than in three years at University."
Warren Ryan, Writer/Director, Shadows of the Past
"TX-2.tv are a London based video production company, specialising in the production of documentary and music video's.
The availability of such concise and implicit instruction has been invaluable for training, refreshing and providing new ideas. The sections
on camera movement were particularly useful as we use a lot of crane and dolly moves and provided some very insightful instruction, which we have utilised already.
We all found it fascinating that despite the 3D characters deliberately having been created to be expressionless, the camera moves and positions
made you feel that they were indeed expressing the emotions intended."
Keith Harding, Director, TX-2 Broadcast Ltd
"Hollywood Camera Work's excellent "Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging" has been invaluable to me as I build my career in the industry. As I currently work on the business side of things, one might not think such a deep and technical course in production would be of much use. On the contrary, I have found that watching these DVD's have given me a new appreciation and understanding of the art of production and a solid basis for communicating to the creative element.
As a writer, this course has given me a new confidence in visualizing the scenes I imagine, and, In the future, when I do plan to transition into directing, I am quite sure I will re-examine and refer to these comprehensive lessons frequently. Additionally, the staff at Hollywood Camera Work were incredibly helpful and efficient. I recommend this course to anyone in the business, in any capacity, who wishes to deepen their understanding."
Max Gilford-Smerling, Lakeshore Entertainment
"This DVD set is nothing short of brilliant! A must for anyone interested in the art and language of film,TV and comic books."
Jon Higgins (media communications student)
""If you want to move beyond the guessing game of getting the most out of your shots, then it is imperative that you get your hands on Hollywood
Camera Work, by Per Holmes. I have found this to be the most complete, authorative structure on camera blocking and staging on the market. The
amount of information contained on the DVD's is so immense and well thought out that even an experienced producer, director or operator will leave with something.
In addition to the DVD's, you get exclusive access to the forum where all the topics covered in the DVD's are discussed. If you can master what is explained in the DVD's, it will save you time, money and most importantly, bring a new dimensional quality to your work."
Richard T Meyer, CEO, L7 Music & Video Productions Ltd
"I recently purchased your master course and I felt compelled to write and tell to just how happy i am with it.
I am currently attending film school here in Melbourne Australia and I have to say that watching you production has helped me immensely. The DVDs have been so carefully put together and the dialog is so well thought out and helpful that it is a joy to watch.
I can't wait for my next project so I can put all that you have taught me into action. I'm sure that, like me, there are many other filmmakers out there who are telling their stories a whole lot better thanks to you guys. Thank you once again for brilliant program."
Travis Bigg, Film Student, Melbourne, Australia
"I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for producing the Hollywood Camera Work DVD set. I am only now midway through the course (completed disc 4), but I have learned so much about using the camera to create emotion. I don't think I ever really considered the non-technical 'science' behind good camera work. My only regret is that I did not learn about this course before my first attempt to make a movie. There are so many things that I would now do quite differently that would have resulted in a far superior production. Again, thank you very much."
Gaines R. Johnson, Broadcast Engineer & Senior Foreign Service Officer, Indy Filmmaker in spare time, Kuwait
"I got the DVDs 2 days ago, and I MUST tell you, I was TOTALLY blown away. I've indeed bought and read a lot of books on the subject but it all never quite came together until I saw just the first 1 hour of your master class, I wonder what will happen by the time i get thru the whole series. It so amazing what you've done, and I guess you can (and never will) know the full impact of your knowlegde on all of us, especially those of us in Africa where the movie industry isn't as detail and complex as the rest of the world.
There's nothing I can write that will justify what I should have written. Perhaps someday Africa will tell you thank you thru the screen."
Sura Shote, Filmmaker, Nigeria
"I recommend "The Master Course In High-End Blocking And Staging" to all serious filmmakers out there. It is powerful and inspiring. I will not start another project without first asking my cameramen to purchase and watch these DVDs. The useful staging and camera blocking terms tought in these volumes help me save a lot of money and valuable time communicating to my crew so I can spend more time with my actors. I wish I had this learning tool 15 years ago."
Sia Tavakoli, Writer/Filmmaker
"My name is Mark Gorobets and I'm Director from Ukraine. Some months ago my friend bought me Hollywood Camera Work course, which I had wanted for a long time. I'd like to say big big thanks, because this material is really brilliant. The course really helps me in my everyday filmmaking practice. It's simple, useful and professional."
Mark Gorobets, Director, Ukraine
"Hollywood Camera Work is truly "Film School In a Box!". I can't say enough about how remarkable this master course truly is. Without these wonderful instructional DVD's we never would have been able to finish our first productions, Highway Hunters, highwayhunters.com. Thanks Hollywood Camera Work!"
Christian Simpson, DP, Catch the Moment Productions
"The reason I bought The Master Course was because of the high-quality demo you had on your web site. I truly learned a lot from the free info you provided. And, in using these techniques, I've shot some pretty amazing video on a simple hand-held camcorder. Now, after purchasing and watching the entire DVD collection, viewing movies and teaching film studies has become a whole new experience for myself and my students.
Per, you really did your homework. Every shot imaginable is on those DVDs, and they're well worth the price. Of course, I made the mistake of letting my daughter watch them, and now SHE "owns" them. She is studying to be a film director at Arizona State University, and these DVDs have catapulted her years ahead of her peers. I'll never see those DVDs again... (so, if you have a another set lying around that you want to get rid of, I'd be glad to take them off your hands). Again, thank you for producing such a high-quality product and let me know when your next installment hits the market. You've made me a customer for life.
If anyone would like to email me about recommending The Master Course, you have my permission to include my email address."
George Haughton, Film Studies Teacher
"WOW! I've only been through the first disc and it has endless amounts of information to study, just the FIRST disc! I was amazed at how camera movements and placement of the camera can create emotion! I was in awe through the whole thing! THANK YOU!!! Rumaldo Holguin, Designer, Digital Matte Painter"
"I just had to study the first DVD for five minutes before I felt "WOW this is exactly what I've been looking for". Every sentence is filled with experience and so much knowledge. I feel I have learnt a new way to analyze movies to. Even though I knew it before it becomes even clearer new; everything is planned in a movie. A slight camera move is there to express something specific."
Gustaf Sylvin, Ericsson
"I learned more through watching the High-End Blocking & Staging series than any other directing course I have taken. I have reviewed the entire series no less than three times since. The lessons were logical and well taught with VERY practical examples. No fluff. I would recommend this to any director, writer, or producer."
Shannon Newton, Producer, Nickel Tour Productions
"Just writing in to say that I am entirely pleased with the quality of Hollywood Camera Work. We just started our production company last year and I can say that, with the density and clarity of the information presented in the DVD set, HCW was our most important reference. Furthermore, everyone in production, not just directors, should watch the entire set."
Paolo R. Leaqo, Creative Director, Praxi, Inc., Philippines
"Hollywood Camera Work is so thorough that it would be wise for its viewer to watch only a clip at a time, take notes in order to absorb the information and then move on to the next segment. Furthermore, if you let it seep into your faculties, it can help you to devise and organize shot selection and meditate on the edited product even before you shoot."
Juan Alvarez
"I purchased the "Master Course in High-end Blocking and Staging" on a recommendation in a book I read. One can never be certain of what these things are. For the most part the majority of "how-to" references rarely do little more than re-cycle what is already out there. However, like the classic "Grammar of the Film Language," this master course is simply outstanding. It communicates in the very medium for which it is intended. If the goal is to transfer knowledge, there is no question it succeeds. The only issue is that you have to curb your excitement and walk instead of run through it. As far as value, it is certainly worth every penny I paid. It is and will continue to be a valuable reference. And that is something I cannot say about most of the "stuff" I've purchased in this subject area."
Mark Willner, Angel Station Corporation
"Watching Hollywood Camera Work is like taking several classes in blocking: The amount of the provided knowledge enormous. It's definitely worth the money and I highly recommend it."
Jan Becker, Director/Producer, Blue Tree Productions
"As an actor, Per Holmes's course has been invaluable to me in broadening my industry perspectives and gaining an insight into the concerns of those behind the camera. I'm sure everyone will find this excellent training tool to be useful to them."
Napoleon Ryan, Actor
"I want to thank you for your work on this course. I've shot video for years, yet the way you present the material makes it come alive and make sense.
It is the kind of course I know I will return to. You are making a great difference in how visual stories will be told. Knowing the tools and how they affect our perception are crucial to telling an effective visual story. (And, of course, the corollary is that something similar should be done for sound design and scoring.) Once again, thank you, and keep up the great work."
Paul Brand
"I've just watched the first 10 minutes and although it's covering some basic stuff that I mostly already knew I'm already blown away by how clear this system makes everything and wishing I had this set about 10 years ago! And I've never heard anyone mention that cropping below the knees makes it look like the character is standing in something before but it's so right! Will avoid in future. Can't wait to watch the rest! Thanks again!"
Anthony Sutcliffe
"Our company is a small Hungarian Computer Animation Studio and we create full CG films (usually for games) and VFX Shots for movies. You can check out our work at www.digicpictures.com.
Your Hollywood Camera work is a really great piece and our animation guys studied it a lot. Thank you for your hard work to create such a useful learning material!"
Gabor Marinov, VFX Supervisor, Digic Pictures
"Buying the course was the best thing that I have ever done in my directing career. It was more than helpful, simply solved all of my blocking problems, and gave me more confidence. The course is full of secrets that no one can find or know except after many years of experience. Thank you for your great effort."
Tarek Abdel Salam
"The finest collection of camera-wisdom you can find! Whenever I start it, I learn something or get a great idea. It's massive, yet structured and clear. And simply inspiring."
Christoph Schinko - Producer, character animator
"I think you did an outstanding job! I like how utilized the 3D "actors" so that they were there to support the concepts of the material, not an animation project in their own right. I like the small touches of how some of them would be "grayed out" when they played a smaller supporting role in the scene. I found the disks I've watched so far to be clear, concise and informative. The DVD's don't contain a lot of extraneous fluff. So I found myself engaged and learning."
Chris Froberg, Eye Popping Graphics
"Hollywood Camera Work is amazing and rich material. I did learn things that I could only imagine to learn. It is so well represented in 3D, so clear to understand every scene, shot, angle, etc. I wish for you in the future to do a Hollywood Camera Work "Lighting" course. Lighting in all kind of situations, indoor, outdoor, day, night, bouncing, different appertures, the correct film for this type of set light, etc. I can imaging this represented so well in 3D like the one you did."
Luichi Tejeda, Dominican Republic
"I have only looked at a number of the chapters on different DVDs and a few things hit me square in the head.
First off, I NEVER realized how much thought, planning and work went in to staging a "simple" scene. It's truly amazing.
I also realize how much work YOU put into creating these DVDs. For example, the chapter on different focal length lens helped me understand, although I knew about focal lengths in photography since my dad was a pro and taught me a lot of that kind of stuff, how differently a scene can come across based on the impact you're trying to create.
Finally I realize how little I know about this whole area and how much more I need to know. I feel like the DVDs give me an insight into film making that I could only get at the side of a real Hollywood Cinematographer or Director. Thanks for all the work you put into them and good luck in the future!!!"
John Orban
"The Hollywood Camera Work DVD set is really great and FULL of useful information. Just one section from one DVD is abundant with info. The use of 3D actors is a creative way of teaching. The user really gets an unbiased feel for each shot because of the lifeless 3D actors. I would highly recommend this DVD set to anyone from amateur to professional."
Katie Kosko
"I have seen 3 DVD's so far, and I have never seen anything like this before. I love it, and it has taught me so much regarding the 180 degrees rule, and also staging techniques. Once again thank you very very much."
Daleep Singh
"Hollywood Camera Work helps you broaden your filmmaking mind and really opens your eyes. It adds another dimension to your directing skills."
Peter Campbell, Writer/Director, Sydney, Australia
"I learned so much from this course. No one ever taught me about blocking and staging this well. Thank you for the great course!"
Massimo Burhanuddin
"Clear, succinct and thorough. A powerful tool."
Jordan Sommers
"Once, there was a child who didn't know how to write down his thoughts. The child found a piece of white chalk and used it on a street, to show the thoughts to everyone else. One day, there were was a stranger looking down at the drawings on the streets and he said, "Why don't you use coloured chalk?". The child answered "I don't have any". "I will give you some pieces of my coloured chalk", he said and the child began to draw. Everybody who drove by since then, was embarrassed that the drawings on the street where so good. The child found a "treasure", how to make colour to the picture. For me as a Filmmaker, I found such a treasure, and it's called Hollywood Camera Work."
Stefan Sonnenberg, Sunnyday Productions
"I'm a screenwriter who is seguing into film directing. I've been studying your dvds and i am learning a great deal. I come from directing in the theatre where we must learn to evoke dynamics and focus by virtue of composition, architecture, levels, stage props, lighting, traffic patterns, actor placement, etc.
What I'm learning from your course is that the camera is actually a silent actor that can elicit emotional dynamic by virtue of placement and movement. You've provided me with all the tools to effectively use this silent actor. Now, it's a matter of me learning to use it judiciously!
One slight complaint: I think your narrator, although well-spoken, speaks a little too fast. There is such a wealth of information couched in each sentence, I could have used a lslower delivery. It would be good to have the text to complement the dvds.
Kudos on a wonderful project!"
John Winston Rainey
"It's a great course, should be in the library collection of every media designer."
John Ngien
"Since I seriously got into film making several years ago, I have been asking just about anyone with real film experience where I could learn this part of the art. I have spent thousands of dollars on books, courses, and training DVDs on all aspects film making, but blocking and staging was something that there is very little real information on. I have taken courses at a prestigious film school on the east coast and was going to take another DP class with a noted filmmaker.
When I saw the sample lessons on line, my jaw dropped as I knew this was what I had been looking for. I didn't take the DP class because of your lessons. In all honesty, I know I couldn't have learned near as much in the DP class. This is an accumulated lifetime of knowledge of an extremely talented individual condensed into a few plastic disks. How much is that worth? Priceless! Unlike a class, its all there for you to study over and over, and you will need too. This is as concise as you can condense knowledge without losing anything. You should know it will take alot of time to digest all of these lessons, this isn't something you casually watch and absorb.
Without exaggerating, when I first watched these lessons, I had moment after moment of film satori. I knew this was it, the holy grail I had been looking for. Now it is up to me to really learn it. I know you will never find anything like this in any film school, it's just too huge a body of knowledge to pass on in any half dozen classes. I thank you, because of you and these courses, I know that anyone who is willing to study can bring their game up to a level they never could have achieved without a lifetime of hard won personal experience working fulltime in the film industry."
Brian Findlay, Giria Productions
"This course is, I think, the absolute best, awesome and exhaustive course on camera work! I didn't know there was so much to know!
I can't find another course this complete and a bang for your bucks! Courses with a live trainer can never go into this much detail, and they usually cost 5 times more!
I also love the fact that I can rewind, revisit, fastforward, skip things at my will and pace, any time that I'm ready!
The instructions and explanations are the epitome of clarity, straightforwardness, easy to understand yet deep and insightful! The 3d animations only add to this. No fancy unnecessary distracting graphics, bells and whistles. No BS!
Big thanks to the hollywoodcameraworks team for putting this together, it has added a lot of value to my films!"
William Truong
"I've been learning moviemaking (aspiring director) since sometime ago and mostly by myself. I used the Internet for that and thru the Internet I came along Per's Hollywood Camera Work website. I saw the samples he had on his website and I ordered the DVDs.
I was very pleased with what I saw! Every DVD have 3D examples and explains very well each camera movement (also has short 3D films as examples).
Now I understand much better how camera should work in certain situations. I would recommend Hollywood Camera Work suite to anyone who is new in filmmaking and I guess it is useful for who has already some experience too.
Thank you Per for your hard work in putting all these together!"
Mircea Goia
"The Hollywood Camera Work DVDs are not just a great tool for Directors or DPs, it also helps actors understand why a Director is blocking a scene in a certain way. The workshop teached me to do my work much better and took me on a new level of acting. I can recommend the HCW DVD-Bundle every actor who is interested in improving his skills."
Ivan Robert, Actor, ZOOM-Entertainment GmbH, Germany
""The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging" was even more informative than I anticipated. After taking several film classes at De Anza College in Cupertino, CA, NONE of the classes even came close to teaching me the same principals that I picked up in the DVD series.
If you're looking for a true learning experience with camera techniques, then buying the DVD's is well worth the money. I can't wait to delve into the "Visual Effects for Directors" DVD's that I just purchased as well! I'm looking forward to anymore film & video production training DVD's that you produce in the future. Great job!"
Dave Bakke, Independent Video Producer, Campbell, CA
"HCW is the best learning tool I know of to understand camera blocking. I've read a lot of film directing books, and none of them get even close to the amount of information I got watching the HCW DVD's. Thanks Per for creating such a great tool, I look forward to any new products you create."
James Garcia, Film Student
"The Master Course is fantastic backbone of theory and concepts that can help you solve real world problems quickly, right there on the set."
Nick Hansen, TVC Director, Swingtime Creative, Sydney, Australia
"I have found no other resource that covers blocking and staging as well as this dvd set. A perfect compendium of tried and true techniques. Truly a must have for any director who wants to know more about getting good coverage."
Brett Stumpp, Writer/Director
"I'm new to the world of 3D computer animation. And while there's a plethora of instructional material on how to utilize all the various software applications out there, there's only one choice when it comes to directing/staging/blocking. It is all too often a subject overlooked by 3D artists who are too overly obsessed with creating eye candy, that they neglect the strategic importance of thoroughly planned camera work.
After watching through all the "Hollywood Camera Work" instructional DVD's (a couple of times), I now know I will not succumb to this pitfall, as my scenes now ebb and flow with the continuity that you'd expect from the big boys... Kudos to Per!"
Brendan Hogan
"This course is simply the single best film study course I have gotten.
I have a whole library of all the books and workshops, etc. but it
wasn't until I purchased this course that I really felt like I might be
able to do this stuff myself.
I am an amateur film enthusiast who has
always been interested in trying to make a movie. However, I was
becoming more and more frustrated after reading all the books and being
overwhelmed in trying to visualize what it all meant with the diagrams
and pictures.
Now actually being able to see how all the shots and set
ups look in 3D is tremendous. This course is EXCEPTIONAL in
illustrating the how-to's in a clear, fun and easily understandable
manner. I congratulate you on this and am thankful for the knowledge."
Rich Dunn (soon to be filmmaker)
"The lessons of The Master Course are the standard by which all others should be measured."
Paul Saskas, Instructor, Art Center College of Design
"Hollywood Camera Work really opened my eyes. It's a great pool of knowledge for filmmakers of any kind. The complex material is explained in a practical and catchy way. Extremely recommendable."
Philippe Weibel, Director and Producer, Switzerland
"These DVDs clearly and systematically work through an amazing array of camera angles, blocking & staging. It also highlights and resolves issues that may arise in production. Great product, value far exceeds price paid."
David M Myers, Reel Home Productions
"Hollywood Camera Work is the most comprehensive, detailed, and practical work I have ever encountered on the subject, and the computer generated models clearly covey abstract concepts in a way no book could ever match. If you're only going to buy one work on the subject, make it this one."
Robert Romeo
"I have been a professional videographer for 20 years and figured it would probably be about the third or fourth DVD before I really started learning anything. Wrong! From the first disc on you will find practical instruction that is a mile a minute. There was so much information that I found myself pausing it often just to let my mind catch up. Highly recommended!"
Jason Prisk- President/Producer, Glassworks Media, Atlanta, GA
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking is the best resource on the market for shooters. What surprised me about the course is that it is as much about editing as it is for shooting, so that you always get the maximum amount of coverage for post. This is the technique course I should have had in school."
Brant Wells
"When I received the course, I simply was not ready to find such an excellent material on camera blocking and tracking techniques. The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging goes straight to the core of film staging and covers a great deal -- if not most -- of the potential approaches on staging a scene and blocking the camera.
The course is well structured, thorough, practical and greatly instructive. The voice is clear and to the point and matches perfectly with the 3D examples, which are extremely illustrative.
I recommend this course to all wannabe filmmakers who cannot afford to spend their time and money in a live course. Once you have watched though the 6 DVDs of the Master Course, the experience of watching a feature film will never be the same.
Per Holmes has provided an extremely valuable learning resource that will remain the cornerstone for film staging and blocking technique for years to come.
Thank you very much!"
Eduardo Martin, Las Palmas, Spain
"I am writing to Thank You for your incredible work on the Master Course in High End Blocking and Staging. I have been producing videos for several years now and was ready to take our work to the next level. This course was exactly what I needed. It developed my awareness of many issues to a much higher level. Our production values have increased dramatically and several compliments have come in regarding the overall "flow and feel" of our work. I have to thank your course for that.
I recently purchased your Second Course (Visual Effects for Directors) and have just begun working my way through the DVDs. So far I am as impressed with this course as I was with the original.
Thank you again for taking the time to develop such an incredible and in-depth course."
Bill Wilson, Always & Forever Productions, Inc., Las Vegas, NV
"As a producer / director, I'm constantly looking for ways to increase the quality and efficiency of my creative choices. Whether in pre-production or "on set", using the palette of information contained in this series has allowed me to make better "on-the-fly" decisions. Hollywood Camera Work has reduced my need to experiment and when it comes to the subject matter, these DVDs get straight-to-the-point.
The Master Course In High-End Blocking And Staging contains so much "how-to" information you'll want a personal copy as a reference for your own library. Whether you've attended the most expensive film schools in the world, worked in the film, video, 3D animation or gaming industry for years, you will still find this series extremely valuable as part of your toolset. There is so much detail in this series it's likely you will never be able to use all the potential blocking scenarios provided in this program. It's simply the best instructional DVD series I have seen on the subject.
For my company it's become required viewing for anyone involved in the pre-production process of our films."
Robert A. Brubaker, Producer / Director, Resonant Image
"The "Hollywood Camera Work" video series has become the industry standard that all video tutorials should aspire to. Everyone who is serious about learning to direct, or to direct photography needs to own this series and have watched it several times."
Leha Carpenter
"Hollywood Camera Work is the only program that covers the "Why" behind every tool in a filmmakers arsenal."
Daniel Reifenberger
"Without a doubt, after watching the videos I can't watch a movie without seeing all the different types of shots used and to realize why they were chosen. The videos are well laid out and each segment is narrated in such simple and clear terms that you will grasp so much information the first time you watch. I have yet to watch them a second time, and I'm sure I will learn more but the fact you can retain so much information the first time watching is a welcome value.
Its hard to attribute any direct credits because after you absorb the information you just seem to be able to apply it and also see the techniques in use, whether you are watching a movie or a commercial.
I wish more video training was done as clearly, with as much competence and cadence that these videos had."
Regards, Jason Clark
"Hollywood Camera Work is amazing, very informative and I've learned a lot. Now I'm here in my the Philippines doing my first full length movie."
Chris Clapano
"I would like to congratulate and thank you for creating your program. I
would recommend your program to anyone who would like to become a filmmaker,
director, producer cinematographer. I found your program to be very easy to
understand and be very effective teaching tool.
I would recommend this program to be used in all film schools."
Artur Kade, Director, Participate Film Academy
"The hollywood camera course is the best I 've ever used. With this course you get hands on actors to work with and an explanation of their relationships to scene blocking, camera movement and production setups This course should be mandatory for anyone attending film school or a college communication program. The hollywood camera course is not for the twenty four hour wanna be. It's for those who seriously want to bring their talents to screen and master the technique of visual setup."
Stewart Allen, Director
"The high-end blocking and staging course is exactly what it says it is- a master-class in how to position and move your cameras, actors, track, crane, dolly (and actors!) to create the most professional, elegant and coherent cinematic experience in your work. The course bears repeated viewing because once you've got the hang of the basics, there's an awful lot of depth to keep coming back to. It is the best DVD training course I've ever used."
Hywel Phillips
"All my life I have been very interested in making movies. Not big Hollywood productions but just anything, and whenever I could. Shooting on VHS and editing between 2 VCRs was something I spent a lot of time doing in my early teens. Eventually felt that I had a good sense of where the camera should be but never felt totally comfortable in that area even with years of practice.
I watched the first HCW DVD and later that night when a popular action/drama was on TV I could easily see the techniques the HCW DVDs had laid out and why they worked. Camera work suddenly made much more sense in my head. The rest of the DVD set just kept giving me more and more valuable information. Thanks for making such a great teaching tool."
Rob Cleaton, VFX Artist
"Top notch - my head is still spinning. Really is multiple life-times of knowledge in a few DVD's - great stuff. I just handed my breakdown to my DP and Producer; who had never seen one so clean and precise! I'm now treated like a pro - now I have to prove it!"
Matt Leach
"The DVD set is great. It's full of insight and is well structured. A great resource for working directors and cinematographers."
Jorge Valdes-Iga, Director / Cinematographer, Feature Films: Hotel Chelsea, Cocaine Cowboys II, You Can't Kill Stephen King
"P.S. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy viewing your courses. I have been in the business for twenty years and I have learned more about shot composition in a couple of hours of watching "Camera Work" than I have in all those twenty years of being on set.
So much of what I do every day in getting a shot is based on coverage that is based partly on time and budget restraints, location considerations and on what is considered the "safe" or "staple" shots. I have really learned to look at other ways to convey the information of a scene differently since watching "Camera Moves"."
Glenn Dreher
"Hollywood Camera Work will literally have you working in Hollywood, if that's your #1 Goal. After viewing the entire Disk Set a couple of times, I've added a ton of new tricks and techniques to my arsenal that I didn't even know were possible. It's The Real-Deal-Holyfield!!! I highly recommend."
Tommy Red, TheHollywoodScoop.com
"Technique - I would have argued that a well written script, an inspired director, or a dynamic actor have far more power to provoke a scene than anything that good camera technique could offer. My philosophy on this was understandable since I approach most projects as a writer/director/actor. But WOW - I was blown away by the power of camera technique demonstrated from these tutorials. And mind you, although these scenes are in three-dimensional space, they contain NO dialogue, NO music, NO real actors - just 3D models. But even under this most intentionally neutral environment - by watching the edits cut from one well planned camera to another well planned camera - I found myself literally drawn into scenes only by the shear power of camera technique and it's subsequent edit. It was unbelievable!
I can't recommend Hollywood Camera Work enough - it could save performances and/or at the very least, enhance the scene... Well worth the investment!"
Lonnie Bell, Mamas Boy Productions
"In my opinion Hollywood Camera Work has created the best course there is for Directors. It has given me an in-depth understanding of visual language, staging and blocking. The course has truly empowered me and have allowed me to tap into techniques that are helping me to become a much better filmmaker. In my opinion Per holmes is a genius."
Ana Corrie, Writer/Director
"This is the best value you will every receive for so little money. The training is excellent and very detailed. If you are looking to learn everything about camera and blocking, this is the resource to have."
Daniel Johnson
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging should be at the top of your must-have list if you want to learn the language of high-end camera work. It's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to truly master camera work or be a DP."
Paul Cotto
"Everything you always wanted to know about directing but were unable to find! Essential for anyone who wants to direct fiction!"
Mathieu Saliva, Director of Magic Kisa
"Hello to all at Hollywood Camera Work! I just wanted to say what a revelation this series is. As a student and lover of films I have to say without a doubt that the master course in high end blocking and staging has raised my knowledge and ability to a much higher level. As I progress further through the series I can literally see my skill sets advance on every shoot, and I know I am progressing toward true mastery."
Waldo R. Martinez
"University in a box set."
Scott Elliott
"Your course is GREAT! I love it because I've been an editor for more than a decade so I love it...great work!"
Phillip Lefesi, Fresh Farm Films
"Thanks for a such a great product, the best money I ever spent on how to make movies.
Practical and inspiring, every film maker should have this."
Cashell Horganindie
"Whether you are a seasoned veteran or someone starting from scratch, the Master course DVD's will either sharpen your skills or introduce you to the fundamentals of filmmaking. Either way, you're good!"
Peter Winther
"I was absolutely fascinated by this DVD series. I have been in film school for couple years but have never encountered such direct and comprehensive camera work study that breaks down all the camera angles and gives you a bird's eye view of the entire filmmaking operation. It ties together many crucial elements for the Director and the Dp. Most importantly a rare found jewel to keep for reference and education that will never grow old. I recommend it to all serious filmmakers."
Shahla Motamedi
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging is the instruction that I've been seeking for years, containing a concrete, concise, and staggeringly comprehensive body of teaching that goes far beyond anything I learned in my master's degree in film. This is years' worth of learning in a box for the cost of a weekend seminar."
Luke Murphy
"Phenomenally innovative and refreshing, iconoclastic, breaks new ground in cinematography."
Greg Keast, Hawaii Film School
"After watching this course, you will find yourself dissecting every TV show and movie you see. And what's amazing is how you can tie nearly every shot back to a lesson in the course. It has it all.
Armed with this knowledge, your shoots will go more quickly and the results will be far superior to what might have been 'figured out' while on set without it. It still comes down to the artists involved, but this course helps you remove much of the camera positioning and blocking from the endless list of 'what ifs' that go on.
Thanks for the great course, looking forward to the next one."
Doug Bonomo, Tier 4 Productions
"It's all very well reading the books, taking the lectures and questioning the practitioners, but there is no substitute for actually *doing*, with perhaps one exception: The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging. As a multimedia-designer, I don't have access to a set, a half-dozen cameras, a dozen actors and spare days to learn, but I do need to know this stuff to brief my suppliers and budget the shoot, whether it's real or CGI.
With these DVDs I can 'direct' from the comfort of my armchair, plot the camera angles, judge the effects of different lenses, block the scene and watch the 'actors' move, and see the final effect on screen just as I could by actually looking through an eyepiece and exposing film. And what's more, I have a master director shadowing my every move and telling me *why* I'm doing it. While it's still not as good as actually having done this stuff in reality, it's as close as I am likely or need to get, a damn site easier and cheaper, and I'd lay bets my suppliers think I *have* been behind an actual camera..."
Andy Warwick, Creed New Media
"The Master Course is a pretty amazing journey to go through. You learn so much, and at your own pace! If you don`t want to rush it, take your time. It`s packed with information, and if you watch it a couple of times, learn from it and try it out, I can almost guarantee that you`ve gotten yourself a future career in the film industry!"
Fredrik Honningsvåg - Director
"I found your training online through Digital Media Net Newsletter. They did a review of the DVDs and I knew right away that I was looking for just this type of instruction. I look for training that gets me right to the point and shows me how to get things done. I don't have a lot of time to spend on my video projects for work, so when I can pull up a topic from your training and see how to set up and shoot a scene, I am glad I spent the time and money to purchase your work. They help me take my projects and add a touch of professionalism that I was lacking before studying your DVDs. Thanks a million!"
Michael Paulus, Champaign Police Department, Training & Development
"Per Holmes is a genius. He has created a high voltage, radically unique Master Course without equal. It is stunningly insightful, imaginative and powerful. If you are seeking camera work wizardry, then watch this unparalleled creation, learn its lessons and enthrall your audience."
Sandeep Singh, President, Marketwise Communications, Inc.
"Hollywood Camera Work taught me the things I didn't even know I needed to learn. My focus is animation, so up to this point I've learned to move the *characters*. Now I realize how important the position and movments of the camera are. This set is more than worth the price."
Warren Christiansen
"I am producing now for several years videos and animations and know therefore quite a bit about camerawork. These DVDs explain systematically every possible aspect of this complex topic in a way I have never seen it before. Things get automatically structured in your thoughts and while watching the DVDs you will think of new ways how to shoot your next production. It is a really great learning resource which inspired my work a lot."
Joerg-Mark Kasassoglou, JMK Media Solutions (Germany)
"This training is PACKED with information. It appears that very little is left out of the discussion. The pace is rapid, but with a DVD you can review the material at your own pace. The unique idea of using simplified 3D models staged in a basic background makes the training accessible, easy to understand, and retain.
You can see clearly how certain shots will give emotional effects despite the complete lack of acting on the part of the 3D figures. I have gained a tremendous knowledge of cinema techniques just in the first volume alone, and there are five more beyond that! Now, when I'm viewing movies, I am seeing exactly why a shot is made a certain way, and I am able to transfer these ideas to my own work. Hollywood Camera Work is several years of intense film school captured in a six volume DVD set."
Mike Perry
"This series is a real eye opener and exactly what I was looking for. I really feel like I know what I'm doing now."
Stuart Denbigh
"Fabulous courses, very well explained and detailed. Several hours of classes to hear and watch. The content is so comprehensive that it has become my reference course. For all directors wishing to improve their direction in a creative way: Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging. Thank you for this wonderful treasure."
Branislav Miskov
"I'm learning a lot and I've already seen an improvement in the shots I'm taking with a film I'm working on."
Dave Jem
"Mindblowing. I've just bought the DVD course. I'm a university student at Middlesex University in the UK and I had to argue myself into justifying the expenditure. It was worth every penny I spent. I thought I was reasonably competent until I studied these DVD's. They are mindblowing."
Sabia Byrne
Film Student, Middlesex University
"Hollywood Camera Work has made my life simpler. I DP for Bollywood films where a language barrier can be an expensive time-consuming factor on set. Communication is bridged using the easy to learn shorthand system for blocking scenes, which is now a permanent constant in my shot planning. It naturally allows for the consolidation of shots giving sequences an organic flow with increased visual interest and life. Additionally, I can train a crew much faster with this intuitive visual system. A tremendous tool for Pro and Novice alike. Great idea generator as well."
Leon Rodriguez,
Filmmaker/Cinematographer, Blue Hill Cinema
"I've been interested in cinematography for some time, but did not have time to go to film school. I read most of the standard books on the subject that were recommended, which helped for some areas. Ultimately, however, a book is a static medium, and cinematography is the study of moving pictures. This proved frustrating as I always felt like there was some significant link missing between the standard list of shot types and the sweeping feel of high end motion pictures.
The Master Course DVD set is exactly what I was trying to find -- it is the most directed learning in the subject that I have experienced. I lost count of the number of times that I had a moment of sudden clarity while watching the segments. Instructional videos rarely make full use of their medium, but this set is an exception. If you already understand the usual shot types that are repeated in every beginner course, and want to learn to think in the interlocking patterns of high end cinematography, then these truly are the DVDs that you are looking for.
Can't wait for the 'Visual Effects for Directors' set . . thanks again for putting this level of instruction together."
Eliot Mack
"As a "newbie" of less than one year to the film business I am about to direct a full
length feature film in the UK. After buying anything and everything on the subject
I watched the samples on-line and finally took the plunge and purchased The Master Class course.
Ten minutes in I had to change my storyboards and came up with bigger and better scenes as the course showed many new methods I had not even thought about. I decided to go straight on to Discs 3&4 so it could not be returned and I can safely say that this is the best and most in-depth course I have ever had the opportunity to see.
Impressed with the responses to emails, impressed with the customer service and totally impressed with the product. Watching this set before you put pen to paper or even attempt to storyboard is highly recommended and opens up a whole new world. Hopefully the film is going to have a theatrical release and I look forward to giving you a BIG CREDIT (with consent).
Anyone who wants to hear me sing its praises more than I have is welcome to
ask Hollywood Camera Work for my email address. I am just looking forward to the
release of Visual Effects for Directors (that's even if I don't really need it).
The only down-side to it is headache from imagining all the new shots and that my signature on the film may now be thousands of pivots / converges and reveals."
Alan Girvan
Writer / Director
Dominos, The Road to Spain
"No School in the world can teach better these dvds. They changed my performance from an amateur to a professional. Whenever someone appreciates my work I thank each and everyone who contributed their time, effort and energy in developing these DVDs."
Dinesh Potluri, D.P., HIDEF Technologies
"Hollywood Camera Work is hands down the most informative and complete DVD collection on the market. Basics to advanced topics are clearly explained and easy to understand through use of animated previsualization style examples. The Master Course In High-End Blocking And Staging has changed the way I plan and execute my scenes."
David Weinstein, Director / PreVis Artist / Animator, Star Wars: Episode 2, Matrix Reloaded & Revolutions, Narnia 1 & 2, Monster House
"The Master Course is fantastic. I have been doing camerawork and cinematography for over fifteen years and have never come across any resource like this. Your course is focused, direct, and extremely applicable in almost any type of production. The information and skills taught are the perfect balance of theory and practice. I teach it to both my film and animation students and it is relevant to both disciplines."
Jeff Gustafson - Cinematographer/Camera and Electrical "127 Hours" (2010) "Napoleon Dynamite" (2004) "High School Musical 3" (2008)
"This comprehensive DVD set perfectly demonstrates some of the most difficult concepts in directing the camera. A vital tool for first time filmmakers and an excellent addition for directors looking to develop advanced blocking and staging techniques. The amount of work that went into developing this DVD set is a gift to the student of filmmaking and a necessary tool for all filmmakers."
Cristina Kotz Cornejo, Associate Professor of Film Production at Emerson College, and Independent Filmmaker
"The whole program is wonderful! I've directed four feature films, produced eight features -- was the VP of Production at 20th Century Fox for 4 1/2 years and I still learned a ton from watching the videos!
I recently directed Behind Enemy Lines 2, and I would fall asleep at night watching your videos so that I would dream about the techniques! Great stuff!!"
Jim Dodson, Director, Behind Enemy Lines 2, Vice President of Production, 20th Century Fox
"The Master Course is excellent. Nothing I've seen even comes close to the amount of information you get on blocking and camera work, all presented in an easy to follow format, which gives you a great sense for how to manage a set in order to achieve the best results.
Preparing shots using the information in this course will no doubt take your shooting/blocking to a higher and more efficient level. I know I will keep referencing what I've learned from it when fleshing out scenes for my work."
Jonathan - The Jay Bird
"I was blown away by the depth and usefulness of this course. I wish they had been this thorough in film school. I am calling my old directing and cinematography instructors and telling them they need to check it out! I can't wait for the visual effects course to be released."
Matthew Greene, Media Producer / Technical Director, Siegfried & Roy Present: Darren Romeo - The Voice of Magic
(www.siegfriedandroy.com)
"Hollywood Camera Work's Master Course has been invaluable to me. I found their innovative approach both refreshing and unique. I definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in film."
Jamie Kawano, CG Artist, Stargate SG1, Stargate Atlantis
"The Master Course is really like a dream come true as far as my filmmaking aspirations is concerned. It has thought me exactly what I needed to know when it comes to Blocking and Staging in film productions. I don't know how else I would have found out about these Hollywood tricks and have the know how. Thanks a lot HCW Master Course."
Richard K-Book - GHF Media Clients include Ghana Music Awards 2016, Afrobeats Dancers, BEFFTA Awards 2016
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging has taken my previz process from vague notions of 'sorta like this' to a system that easily and directly communicates the ideas that are in my head. The level to which the techniques learned in the Master Course has streamlined all of my shoots is short of a miracle, allowing me to add more complicated shots, giving my editors more choices in the final cut."
Russell Hay - Writer/Cinematographer/Producer "For Sale by Owner" (2016) "Office Minutes" (2017) "Directing Rage" (2014) "Trapped" (2017)
"I am a graduate filmmaking student at New York University, and I have spent the last three and a half years studying filmmaking at one of the most famous film school programs in the world. Hollywood Camera Work taught me more about blocking, framing and camera movement in a few hours than NYU taught me in three years."
Max Rissman - Producer/Writer/Director "Root for the Villian" (2018) "The Shvitzing" (2016) "Shelly's Possessed" (2015)
"Beyond being challenged, engaged and impressed by the Hollywood Camera Work Master Class, I have to say that the dominant feeling I have about it is gratitude. I'm grateful to Per and his team for caring so much about the art and craft of filmmaking that they've built this meticulous and monumental tool for learning and are sharing it with the world. The information included is priceless for anyone looking to hone their skills in directing the camera and blocking. It's one of those rare products that are so valuable and so modestly priced, that even after purchasing it you don't feel like a consumer- you feel like you've received a gift."
Kirk Benttinen - Actor/Writer/Cinematographer "Alterverse" (2019) "Budai" (2017)
"With everything I am learning in the blocking & staging and directing actors course, I feel like I am learning everything that the masters know. In every chapter I learn techniques that I automatically visualize where I would apply it in scenes that I will one day shoot in my films.
It helps to have your own scripts as a reference point when you have your own material you plan on making into a film one day and these courses give me all the confidence that I will know the purpose behind every creative decision I make. These courses show exactly why every aspect of film-making and storytelling is the most fascinating craft to learn."
Thair Ramirez - Producer "Room 146" (2021)
"In making the transition from documentary to drama, I have found The Master Course' an invaluable source of information, assisting me in bridging my knowledge gap and improving my ability to work with directors during the blocking process. It has given me a deeper understanding of camera language and of how to best serve the visual narrative."
Calum Stewart - Cinematographer/Camera and Electrical "Le Champion" (2019) "Embedded" (2016) "Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) (2020)
"As a producer of educational videos, I have to say that The Master Course from Hollywood Camera Work is fantastic. It not only demonstrates how to technically set up shots, but also why they have the effect they do. I have never seen a video series that explains the language of the image and transition in such a comprehensive way. A+ work. Worth every penny!"
Todd Berntson - TangleTown Media - Director/Producer "Mercenary Kingdom" (2019) "The Glass of Demontrachet" (2012)
"I've devoured the course, it's the most influential package of lessons that I've ever seen. It should be accessible everywhere in apps etc... I will certainly use some of the learnings on set, as it changed the way I approached coverage. "
Guido Benedicto - Director/Writer/Producer "Klesh" (2018) "Parka Labs" (2018)
"The Master Course helped me understand the challenges during Production. For the screenwriter, the Master Course can only improve his craft."
Charles Michaud - Sound/Composer "Kursk: The Last Mission" (2018) "Proxima" (2019)
"I found the Master Course very practical. With the demonstration with bird's-eye-view floor plan and 3D animations of shots, the on-screen effects of different blockings and the corresponding cam works are shown instantly and thus very easy to understand. Much better than 2D graphic demonstration on books or other course materials."
Ana Stasia Tsang - Scriptwriter/Director/Producer "Mariage sans frontieres" (2011) "A Light Never Goes Out" "A Journey of Happiness" (2019) "L'arrivee d'un typhon: A Typhoon is Coming" (2018)
"HCW has revolutionized the way I teach cinematography, it visually communicates a visual skill. I plan to expand our use of HCW. It will become the required "text" and the book will be available in the library for reference only. I guarantee our students will appreciate that."
James Ball, Instructor, Southern Digital Institute
"I just wanted to send you a note saying how great The Master Course is. What a tremendous asset you've created for the ever-growing visual effects community. This is one area of computer animation I'm passionate about and it's great to see professional training in this area. Keep up the great work!"
Dan Ablan, President, AGA Digital Studios, Inc. and 3D GARAGE.com.
(Dan Ablan is the creator of the de-facto Lightwave training).
"The Master Course is one of the most amazing filmmaking classes I've ever taken. As an aspiring director, the class gives me a super solid blueprint that cuts out all the guesswork when it comes to staging and blocking, especially for those more complicated scenes! This is an ESSENTIAL class for every filmmaker!"
Colby R. Rice - Novelist/Screenwriter/Film Director "The Grind Life Music" series
"I can't think of a better system for quickly learning high-end camera techniques. This is information that has to be 'seen'. Worth the investment."
Chad Fahs, Author, "HDV Filmmaking", www.chadfahs.com
"Over the years we have employed many training materials in our efforts to teach both students and staff, but nothing we have seen is as comprehensive, detailed, relevant and effective as Per Holmes' DVD sets. His "Visual Effects For Directors" seven-disc series is an outstanding resource for learning to employ high-end effects such as motion capture, virtual sets, compositing and camera tracking. It is like having a team of seasoned industry pros on hand to walk you through each lesson.
We were equally impressed with his "Master Course In High-End Blocking And Staging," which is so thorough and advanced that even experienced directors find its many lessons new and sophisticated techniques that enrich their cinematic language and give them greater expressive power.
These are extremely valuable resources for anyone who is serious about learning to work at a high level in cinema or television."
Michael D. Calia, Director, Ed McMahon Mass Communications Center & Associate Professor, Communications (adjunct), School of Communications, Quinnipiac University
"The Hollywood Camera Work course is fantastic! In the most compact and precise fashion it covers literally the entire craft of the film-medium from A to Z. For a beginner, it's the ultimate crash-course, and for professionals, it's an inspiring reminder of all the many possibilities we have to fill every second of our films with precise moods and emotions. Any serious filmmaker should own it."
Hans Fabian Wullenweber, Director, Catch That Girl (Awards),
Gemini
Signe Søby Bech, Director, The Men's Room (Best International Short
Film, WOW Festival Australia), The Butterfly Woman
"The Hollywood Camera Work DVD is the most comprehensive approach to cinematography ever made. It's film school in a box. One of my favorite things about the dvd set is that it shows you the shots as they are edited together, what works and what doesn't. Each disc is just loaded with information. Highly recommended!"
Ed David, Director of Photography/Editor Kitty Guerrilla Films, History Channel, HBO, A&E, and Biography Channel
"I recommend Hollywood Camera Work almost daily to new filmmakers as a way to jump-start their learning process. For those preparing to embark on their next project, I urge you to view the DVDs together with your production team."
Scott Billups, PixelMonger, Inc., Author of Digital Moviemaking
"I've been in the industry since 1975, in television, commercials, and feature films. This series feels like you get to sit down with a true professional and get the inside scoop. I did a series of commercials with Vilmos (Zigmond), and he spoke in much the same manner. It is excellent! Thanks!"
Will Guest (I've done miniatures and SPFX on Galactica, Superman, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Wrath of Kahn, the BeastMaster, etc.)
"Thanks so much for all the effort you put into this course, you obviously have a generous heart and really do want to help others get to the fast track of making good films!"
Don Mc Kim, Director "James Taylor October Road Tour 03", Camera Operator, Paul McCartney 04 Summer Tour, Dolly Parton, Gloria Estefan, Toby Keith, Jimmy Buffett, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Jo Dee Messina
"Forget Film School! Go buy a camera, write your script and watch Hollywood Camera Work! Then go make your film!"
David Basulto, Filmmaking Central Podcast (www.filmmakingcentral.com)
"The program is superb. Informative, cohesive, extremely educational. I highly recommend it."
Timothy Parker, Producer, Merv Griffin's Crosswords (Syndication) and The Mole (ABC)
"Hollywood Camera Work has been one of the best purchases ever for the BA Honours film course at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth. The series of DVD's allows film students to study the rationale behind camera movement and affords the student to examine basic concepts and ideas with regard to directing. Well done, and keep up the good work."
James Carew, Senior Lecturer on Film Production Degree, Arts Institute at Bournemouth
"I would define the Master Corse using just one expression: absolute Masterpiece.
And I am saying this from the bottom of my heart. Mr Holmes' teaching skills are supernatural.
As a director, I personally improved my ability in dealing with Directors of photography.
The pattern of all the conceivable camera movements have become crystal clear in my mind.
When you finish this course you kind of graduate again."
Manuel de Teffé, Director
"I use the The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging in both my Film I and Film II production classes. They are extremely useful in teaching these concepts and the set in the library are always being checked out by the students who usually watch them at least 2-3 times. The clarity and comprehensiveness of the set is without equal and I recommend the set to any film instructor. They are the best of their kind."
Charles Myers, Professor of Cinema - Television - Radio, Saddleback College
"I operate a small market TV channel. I have to create content fast and on a budget. My background is in "run and gun" videography. Before watching Hollywood Camera Work I really struggled to direct staged programming. Now I am producing 3 shows a week and doing REAL directing. The pace of the course was perfect. If I had asked someone to develop a course tailor-made for me, they couldn't have done any better. Anyone who wishes they had gone to film school, or needs a good no-nonsense refresher course, should purchase this product. In fact I'll make a slogan for Hollywood Camera Work that sums up my experience. Purchase with confidence, and begin filming with confidence. Best of luck to you guys. You are one of the few that really "gets it" in the training industry."
Bryce Walker, Supervisor, SFCN
"I just received the 6 DVD set, and just 20 minutes into the 1st DVD, you've covered everything about lens sizes, perspectives and their visual and story telling uses. What the DVD said was just covering the basics, is info that took me 5 years to completely understand and instinctively apply; starting with the School of Visual Arts in NYC, to fanatically scouring every book and video series sold, to putting it into practice as a full time pro advertising photographer.
And this rave is from the guy everyone, in every class, would come to when they needed clarification on what the teacher just said.
Its laid out simply, visually, and completely. There is nothing like it anywhere."
Hal Hansen, Photographer, Northlight Studio
"This one is simply the definitive course on camera work, and is sure to become the canonized staple in the life of every filmmaker. Clear. Concise. Comprehensive. The course is an absolute must."
Ela Thier, Writer, The Wedding Cow, Screenwriting Teacher
"You did an amazing job on it. I am a 3d Artist at The Mill Los Angeles (post-production facility), and I am really into camera work and previz. I do believe this is an essential tool nowadays, more important than a powerful renderfarm.
Your DVDs are really efficient, I am really into it, even if the Poser characters are a bit boring. For someone who wants to get into camera work, you created the masterpiece tutorial! Congratulations, even if I am used to most of the things you talk about -- this is a new Bible for saving time and space in camera blocking, and hopefully at some point all I get to see on theses dvd's will feel natural way of working thanks to you. Thank you for your great work."
Xavier Zahra, 3D Artist, The Mill L.A.
"As an animator, I purchased the Hollywood Camera Work DVDs hoping the techniques on blocking and staging in real-world filmmaking would improve my animations.
They have! Already my camera work within Maya has made a big difference in the look of my animations. And I think my composition skills in general are stronger, even in 2D layouts in After Effects and Photoshop. Overall, I'm very pleased with this DVD set."
Mark Steckel, Senior Animator, National Cinemedia
"I'm an acting coach and writer, preparing to direct my first feature film. I've scoured the earth to find books and instructional videos to help me make the transition. The DVDs from Hollywood Camera Work are the best. Immensely informative. Very to-the-point. Exactly the kind of course needed by anyone getting ready to direct. Well worth the price."
Rob McCaskill, New York, acting coach, WGA writer
"As the president of Pixine Ltda., a film rental company, I'm always trying to improve the service we provide. To do so we try to add new equipment as often as we can and we also try to improve our knowledge in order to provide a better service.
I'm always searching for any sort of film workshops online. While much of what I've found on the web ended up being a total deception, Hollywood Camera Work made it up for all of those deceits. Clear examples, a LOT of useful information about interesting and real film situations. This is a great course and no matter what your level is, you'll end up learning something useful.
Now that I've watched it for the second time, I wish there was another course for sale! Perhaps some camera and lens continuity lesson in the future?
Best regards and congratulations on your fine work. It's worth every dollar!"
Rodrigo Lizana Lamarca, President, Pixine Ltda. , Santiago, Chile
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is genius. My DP and I sit and just watch it over and over and then have creative mind explosions and brainstorming events that last for hours. As a Puppet Filmmaker, staging puppetry is an art in itself and seeing an extremely clear and precise understanding of staging actors is invaluable in being able to compare with fabricated creatures that hang from strings or come up on rods where a puppeteer needs to be masked or hidden, either by the frame or by matting out.
Speaking of masking or hiding puppeteers, Visual Effects For Directors is equally outstanding, if not better, and delivers the same "knowledge per second" (as my DP says) as Blocking and Staging. Our next picture involves massive compositing efforts and this is setting the stage nicely to walk on set feeling more competent, capable, and confident than ever. Much thanks to Per Holmes for this work. Bravo Per."
Yvette Edery, Director, ArtistrYE Puppets' Magic Lantern Pictures, Professor of Puppetry and Film at Tisch NYU
"In my opinion, it is a must for any junior or even senior DOP in the field of movie making. This course offers a good lesson about story telling as well as technical instructions which can save you hours of research and a few bucks as well. You won't have to invent the wheel each time you go out for a shoot, just watch the related chapter and you should be ready to roll."
Eran Stern
"I think the Master Course in High-End Blocking is exactly what the doctor ordered. Especially since I am very limited on time. The videos get right into the meat of the subject and is very easy to understand because of the technology and graphics that are used. The videos go over a wide range of shots one could capture to add value to his or her production. Thank you!"
Daniel Lizalde
"If I had to describe the Hollywood Camera Work DVD set in one word, I would say "astonishing" Not only because it covers all of the bases, but I appreciate all of the hard work that went into the making of this product. Highly recommended, this is an essential purchase to anyone who is aspiring to work behind the camera."
Louis Podesta, President, SPX Studios, www.spxstudios.com
"After investing thousands of dollars on my education at a University film school as well as a trade school for post production, the best (and
cheapest) investment I've made towards my career is the Hollywood Camera Works Master Course.
HCW nails blocking and staging square on the head. As a director and editor my skills have been exponentially elevated. Thanks Per for these incredible tools."
Sef Morris, Media Artist
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is a good analysis on camera work especially for stories with a lot of dialog. It helps to focus on your own staging & blocking. With the 3D Visualization you can get a better mind of what a good DoP can influence in storytelling and therefore what solutions are a minimum for the editor to make a scene hit its goal of interest. High-End Blocking & Staging helps stabilize your work and it can also give good solutions in quick setups as like for documentaries or TV Series.
I recommend to watch these DVDs to those with average experience, and those who want to optimize their work in directing, camera or editing."
David Bruckner
"found the course to be exhaustively complete. I am not aware of any other DVD course like this, and it was definitely worth the investment."
Stan Von Miller
"First of all, the customer service at Hollywood Camera Work is fabulous! I called with questions, and one of your employees was so kind and knowledgeable, I never forgot it. Secondly, I knew NOTHING about camera work, a total beginner, and these tapes made camera work so understandable it was amazing. They are extremely clear and concise and even though they go into high end work, the terminology is still comprehensible to a beginner. Thank you!"
Jaimie Blake
"Your program shed a serious beam of light on how the director, DP, actor and editor work together.I will definitely use it(Hollywood Camera Work) as a guide down the dark corridors of film making. Thank you!"
Darrell Williams
"I am lousy at drawing, and storyboard artists never seem to capture exactly
what I need from the crew. I've found myself with a storyboard for a
complex scene, that simply couldn't be translated into editable shots.
Sometimes it boggles my mind just keeping track of lines I shouldn't cross.
The Master Course has empowered me with knowing ahead of time where all the
lines are and how many cameras I need. I select blocking that precisely
matches the emotional impact of the scene."
Michael Drummond, Director, ADP
"I knew how to deal with cameras, though only the basics so my knowledge was somewhat lacking. So i decided to purchase The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging. This has been an incredible experience. My knowledge has increased ten fold as these DVD's are jam packed with quality training. There's more information on these disks than i even knew existed about camera work.
Without this set who knows how long i would have stumbled along doing the same things over and over. I now have the knowledge to tackle almost any project and when it comes to dealing with cameras, for every conceivable shot, i feel like i have a multitide of options which gives me a lot of artistic licence and also gives me tremendous confidence. With a little more experience i'm sure i'll have the skillset to create work on par with the pro's.
I cannot praise this training set enough. There's nothing around that compares."
Steve Mclean
"Per Holmes' Hollywood Camera Work DVD set does what no book on directing can do...it SHOWS you how to direct! While books can put up a million pictures of different shot sizes, camera angles, etc., they fail to give a good picture of how all those different shots can and should be used in a scene/sequence. Furthermore, it is impossible with books to show the effects of moving shots. The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging overcomes those limitations, by actually showing you on your TV screen what each type of shot actually does through the simple, yet clever use of animated characters. Beyond that, it also makes sense how each type of shot can go together with another shot, and how all those shots can work together in a scene through proper blocking. The only better method for learning directing would be to get a camera, cast, and crew together and shoot an actual movie!
For me personally, watching the DVDs changed the way I approach directing. In fact, I have to admit that I learned more from it about directing than from my years at college earning a degree in film. One thing that I find common in a lot of aspiring directors is that they (including myself) make the mistake of approaching directing from an EDITOR'S point of view - only seeing the individual shots as they work from cut to cut, like on a storyboard or a comic book. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Per's method enlightened me on how thorough blocking and planned camera setups for each key shot is the way to go. By doing that, all of your shots will automatically fall into place and cut perfectly."
Mark D. Lee
"This Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging has been a blessing for me. I've spent most of my career in audio and concert production, so, when I formed the Films & Digital Cinema side of Lighted Path Entertainment, I needed the very best training tools for all of the creative applications and equipment that I purchased. We shoot in 24p and I feel that The Master Course is truly all I'll ever need next to just plain shooting and experimentation to get the best results out of our productions. The course's attention to detail is what gives me confidence that I am being taught the proper techniques of the professionals. With time and practice, and with this course at my disposal, I know I can handle the challenges of bringing our visions to fruition. This course is a permanent and invaluable part of Lighted Path Films | Productions' training materials.
Thanks for creating it and making it available at an affordable cost."
Keith Hill, Lighted Path Films | Productions
"Hollywood Camera Work is a must-have resource for independent filmmakers. It will help you put real production value on the screen."
Christopher Cook, Strange Stuff Productions
"The Hollywood Camera DVDs series are fantastic! As a Weddding & Events Videographer it has helped me tremendously.
The course teaches me how to express my artistic view of how an event is interpreted. The ideas in this course allows me to expand my abilities as a videographer and allows me to be more creative than ever before.
Also, as my production values increase (by using this course) so do me fees I charge for my projects. This product is a blessing! Thanks, Pers for creating such a great product!!"
Jaime Espiritu
"In my opinion, HCW is just one of the best tool for a DoP/Director. You'll never find something like that in a book. Easy, practical and full of informations. I recommend it to pros and beginners. Nine hours of fun."
Fabrizio Sciarra, Director of Photography, www.hdunderwaterfilming.com
"Going over budget often triggers a penalty in studio features and is a disaster for indies. Per Holmes is to be given credit for an inimitable achievement : his course equips the viewer with techniques to not only shoot cost-conscious without relinquishing artistry but tutors artistic mastery."
Christian Schrade, Entertainment Lawyer, Germany
"I never really gave too much thought to moving shots and staging in my creations. Composition was always important, but my compositions themselves never had much depth/meaning. After getting the Hollywood Camera Work set I'm approaching my shots in a whole new way. I can easily recognize and apply techniques used in productions, plan out complex sequences that would have made my head explode, and give more meaning and purpose to my camera positions and movement. With such a dense collection of cinematic techniques, this set is great as a reference and learning aid. I never had a single regret in purchasing it."
Eric Maslowski, Autodesk 3D Studio Max Certified Trainer, EGo Farms Consulting
"I am studying your DVDs religiously!"
Mathilde Bonnefoy, Producer/Editor of CitizenFour, Academy Award Winner
"As someone who has worked on several short films, documentaries,
music videos and full-length feature films, and an active member of
PixelCorps (on the Animation Team for Europa), I am completely blown
away by the quality of the "Hollywood Camera Work" DVD Set. I don't
think I've ever learned so much, even with over a decade of
experience in the field shooting and editing video.
One word: wow."
John Flowers
"The time constraints and geographic limitations of my day job (Radiologist) make it impossible for me to get a "film school" education. That reality, coupled with a dogged desire to see one of my stories on screen, led me to The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging. Now, five weeks after its arrival on my doorstep, I've graduated six times and feel fully capable of tackling any project confidently with outstanding results. This summer I start production on one of my shorts, and then next year--a feature. All thanks to you, Per Holmes. This "film school in a box" has made my dream a reality."
Kyle Kallenbach, MD, Part-time Physician, Part-time Writer/Director
"An absolutely fantastic DVD set that visualizes key concepts for the aspiring cinematographer and director. Contains so much valuable information that you will want to hold onto these for review many times over. Very powerful and highly recommended!"
Brooks Halliday
"The course has proven excellent! Unlike popularist texts on the subjects such as New Riders digital 'Cinematography and Directing' by Dan Ablan, the Visual experience of the Hollywood Camera Work Course re-inforces the practical aplication of the skill of planning cammera positions prior to shoot and general set awareness. As an animator there is very little available on the techniques covered by the course, ALIAS in their Maya tutorials only cover Camera Work on a few pages of their 'Maya Secrets Of the Pros.' If Kong was the Mokeys Bananas then Hollywood Cammera Work can only be described as the dogs whats-its. I cannot praise the presentation of so much practical information enough. Thanks."
Peter Stock, Creative Director, DiamondFountain Entertainment
"It took me 4 years of Engineering to realize that film was my
passion. I heard about Hollywood Cameraworks from a friend and I
couldn't believe the quality of the material. The course builds upon
previous lessons and are indexed for easy quick reference. This is
*the* video textbook of high-end blocking and staging. As a student
with precious time and resources, Per Holmes' DVD set has been a
fantastic and worthy investment
I used many the camera moves that I learned from your
course in a piece I did as a part of a 72 hour film
festival. Needless to say, "ode/onska" won Best Picture.
I hope you enjoy the course as much
as I did."
Christopher Ferris Zabaneh, Toronto, Ontario
"After 18 national awards, including 6 Film Festivals, the Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging, has given me the real insight on Hollywood looks."
Tony Picciotti, Any 5 Films
"I'm thrilled with the quality of information you've provided. Going from still photography into videography, I had no idea how complex the thought process is, in putting compelling moving images on screen to tell stories. This is not a subject that can be adequately covered in a book and there is too much to possibly remember from a seminar. With your DVD's I can watch them as often as needed or show them to my cast & crew to communicate what we need.
You've provided an outstanding resource!"
Steven R. Driediger, President, Parmesan Pictures
"I am very please with the master course, and of course, I did take 1 year film school in Vancouver BC, Canada, but compared to your master course, don't make me laugh! I learned more than I did in school. Thank you, I am watching those DVDs every single night."
Arthur Le
"Your Hollywood Camerawork - Master Course was really helpfull and a great input for the camera and the director's work process in our company. Thank you very much for the concentrated and vast information on this 6 DVDs!"
Georg Grunsky, SGX Filmproduktion, Germany
"In order to be successful, evey director must develop his own style, and in order to arrive at a personal style, one needs to know what the options are and have a basis for making creative choices. As a film and television graduate student focusing on directing, I have found the Master Course in High End Blocking and Staging developed by Hollywood Camera Work to be extremely helpful in explaining the full range of options available when shooting different scenes from which the most appropriate choices can be made. It provides a comprehensive in-depth examination of the many camera positions and moves potentially available to a director or cinematographer. The DVD set made available by Hollywood Camera Work, with its three dimensional representations of these many options, is remarkably easy to view and study. I am very pleased to recommend the course to others."
Richard Akel
"As a student filmmaker I recommend "Hollywood Camera Work" highly. The course is easy-to-follow and thorough and my confidence in terms of blocking has increased tenfold!"
Goran Spoljaric
"After working with The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging
for two months, I have come to the conclusion that your DVD set is the
second most important piece of equipment in the filmmakers arsenal
(after the camera itself). Thousands of dollars worth of gear is no
use without the ability to get the camera angles, framing and shots
that communicates your story and makes a movie interesting to the
viewer. This is where the brilliance of your DVDs comes in.
I have learned a hell of a lot from these DVDs. They are helping me
attain a rich vocabulary for blocking, framing and angles. Your work
has likely even surpassed the great books on the subject: The 5 Cs of
Cinematography and Shot by Shot, which is more than a little
impressive. Not only is the blocking logically ordered but you get to
see everything in motion from a bird's eye view as well as views of
how the shots appear onscreen.
I am now finding the set to be a great reference 'book' that I can
come back to for ideas and problem solving.
Thank you Mr. Holmes for creating something new that isn't just hype
and for putting out something that is worth far more than its cover
price."
Frank Discussion, Filmmaker
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is a great collection to have around. I learned a lot from it, and I know it will be useful for my future and upcoming projects. These are fast and easy lessons that I can watch again and again."
Romulo Cardier
"Regarding camera-directing, I could learn much more from this DVD than directing class in the school. Per's highly structured course gave me solid basis to read great films deeply, and shoot my movie very elegantly and efficiently. After watching this DVD, I don't want to shoot any scene without dolly and crane. This course is a must to make a better independent film."
Michihiko Shimazu, USC graduate student (MFA - Production)
"This DVD course blew me out of the water. Cuts and shots and where they are placed and why they are done constitute the language of cinema and I can honestly say that I learned more about that language after watching the first DVD then I did in two semesters of expensive cinematography classes at a major film school (and this is a SIX DVD course).
That is what this DVD series is all about. It teaches you the full language of movie making. Why are certain shots appropriate while others aren't? What does the blocking of a scene tell us about the characters in it? How can I visually underscore what the characters are saying? How do I break down and achieve complicated camera moves that will leave my audience rocking?
I found the answers to these and a million other questions within this spectacular DVD course. This course will benefit anyone involved in any form of film or video creation. Whether you are a director, cinematographer, editor, producer, actor or writer; if you are serious about being a serious filmmaker you will benefit greatly by investing in this course. It is the best educational resource for filmmakers ever made.
I only have one warning: DON'T BLINK. There is so much information contained in this course, that you will definitely miss something if you blink; but, if you know how to use the rewind feature on your DVD's remote control you'll be OK."
Frank Dima, Director / Editor
"This course is very, very good. I applaud you for producing such a valuable training course! I am looking forward to watching and then re-watching the DVDs"
Brent Peterson, Director/Producer, Sandia National Laboratories
"The Master Course is amazing. It's right to the point, clear in language and more than well worth every single cent. I knew from the first sight of the clips that I will never regret that I spent the money. Definitely a great Investment!"
Lorenz Mueller, Animator, 93Grad
"If you are serious about this field then the HCW set is must have on your desk."
Ashish Rastogi, Freelance 3D Animator, Admin of CGArena.com
"I learned more about camera movement, directing, shot planning, set design, and editing from these DVDs than I did from my communicative college experience. The confidence I have gained because of this Hollywood Camera Work is carrying me through my first feature film production Brothers Last Call."
Joe Southwell, Filmmaker, Member of Mensa
"I'm an amateur animated filmmaker and got into the field as more of a hobby. I heard the great review from Filmmaking Central about The Master Course and thought I would take the plunge. The DVDs are an excellent encyclopedia of camera work. What I do in addition to watching them is to listen to the audio at work--in order to drill the information into my head. Although I'm still pretty new at this, The Master Course has definitely helped my out in filmmaking."
Dennis N.
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is a pretty damn impressive package. It covers a lot of ground (I haven't yet viewed the final disc) contains a lot of highly relevant details, tips etc yet at the same time because of the advantages of the 3D visual presentation it is easily understood, memorable and even entertaining which is not bad for a subject that is often regarded as dry and theoretical. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project."
Gerben Cath, Producer/Director, South Seas International Developments
"At 47 years of age, I wish I had the time to go to NYU Film School, but I don't - (I have too many deadlines). The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is an incredible tool that fills in all those gaps in whatever intuitive film making sense I may have absorbed over the years - without formally studying film making. I can see though, how it would still be invaluable to any pimple-faced film school grad who thinks he knows everything he needs to know. Thank you, Per Holmes!"
Jim Morlino, Audio/Video Producer, Legionaries of Christ, North America
"I've been watching the DVD's and have enjoyed them immensely. Thank you for this great educational advantage that is not covered at all in any school offering cinematography. You only get any of the information and techniques you have laid out and explained by osmosis while on an actual movie set....you hope!"
Daiquiri St John
"I have not completely finished watching the entire course, but I have watched DVDs 1 through 4 before I had to start a new semester of school. What I have watched so far has really opened my eyes as to how to position a camera to achieve a better result with characters, than what I had been trying to do previously. My cameras have been jerky and not great on the editing program that I have, but after just watching a few hours of each DVD, I saw where I had been going wrong with my camera setup, and what I should have been doing to make each scene smoother rather than jerky.
I do highly recommend this DVD collection, even for students like me, because in all the books I have looked at on camera setup, not one has explained it better than this collection. Through the small scene setups on each DVD, you get a better understanding of where to place a camera, how many cameras you need for a certain scene, and how the camera should move in the scene to avoid jerks and weird angles that you didn't see coming until you have played it in an editing software program, and then had to start all over again."
Stephanie Newman, Student
"Quite simply, this course was the 'thing' I was looking for - and never thought existed. I can think of no better way to learn blocking and camera work."
Joe Shaw
"This is my comment from the bottom of my heart. I am thoroughly impressed with this DVD Set. It is clearly the most comprehensive & effective learning tool. Filmmakers of any level should buy it. I really thank you for this DVD set."
Milan Holec, Steadicam Operator
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging was great! Seeing every aspect of what one needs to do, and more important learn was just what we were looking for! Having worked on other animated television series as a technical director, actually taking the reigns on our new project was something I had been toying with. Now after doing this course, I totally feel that I can actually pull it off."
Robbie Robfogel, President/VFX Supervisor, OCEAN VISUAL FX
"Since Buying Hollywood Camera Work we have found it to be a great teaching and reference tool, we look forward with anticipation to the new package Visual Effects for Directors."
Tyrone Murphy, Classic Media Entertainment
"These disks are amazing. I mean, truly amazing. I learned more things from this set than I have in any other forum or medium. Watching practical examples through the 3D animations is exactly the way I learn. As I was watching, I was anxious to get up and try each and every move and technique. Each chapter and each technique is perfectly laid out and explained. I understood the entire series - and that's saying something for an educationally challenged guy like me. If you're like me and learn through example, and knowing the reasons why a technique works and the theory behind it, this set is definitely for you. I recommend them highly."
Matthew Roddy, Producer/Director/Editor/Animator
"The Hollywood Camera Work series taught me how to block, how to think through not only the physcial placements of actors, but the emotional impact I can make by creating that right shot. I learned so much from focal lengths, to jib placements, to getting the most out of one camera placement. Anyone who wants to direct, toss out those books and buy this series."
Charli Gulley
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging has absolutely blown my mind. The level of detail is amazing and I still can't get my head around how much information has been packed into the course. It's hell for leather from the way 'go' and it never slows down. I've watched it through once now and I'm itching to start again. This will keep me occupied and entertained in equal measures for a long time."
Antti Poussa, Filmmaker
"Hollywood Camera Work provides more in-depth learning and is truly a great critical study of the art of blocking and staging. The set is well worth the investment for anyone interested in filmmaking."
Phil Planta, deLeon Photography
"I just wanted to say that I’m so happy that I have found you and your work. This is absolutely awesome man! What you are doing is nothing less than fantastic! I wish I could spend more time with it all (24 hours a day or so) but I have to settle with a slow pace and digest it all a little bit at a time. Once again, WOW man, you are a true hero! I wish you all the success you can ever imagine."
Fredrik Persson, Project Manager, Writer, Director, Biscuit Films
"As someone who has approached a screenwriting and directing career through film finance, I've had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of today's most visionary and successful filmmakers, from David Lynch to Chris Weitz. Per Holmes' "Hollywood Camera Work" has given me the knowledge and vocabulary to effectively communicate my ideas to filmmakers like these, as well as to my own production teams. Thanks to "Hollywood Camera Work," I'm always prepared!"
Tennyson E. Stead
"I have found the Master Course in High End Blocking & Staging to be an extremely valuable tool and resource for understanding the role of the camera in visual story telling beyond the recording of a scene. Replacing actors with "deadpan" 3D Models in simplified virtual sets truly allows one to learn how powerful blocking and staging is to evoking emotion and drama on screen. Anyone interested in cinematography both live action and computer generated should ad this to their training and resource library. Thanks for producing this product."
Dave Langley, Visual Effects Artist
"As a screenwriter I will step into the director's chair at some point in my career. As part of my development preparations I want to ensure I have a solid understanding of the craft so that I can establish an effective working relationship with the creative team. I found the 'Hollywood Camera Work' series to be an excellent resource in this regard."
Harold L. Brown, Producer, Storychaser Studios Inc
"It's a great course, you can learn at your own pace, easily understood and practical."
Daniel Alonso, Director, Mexico, Pasumecha Producciones
"The Master Course was very thought-provoking. It has hours of lessons. It forced me to look at my blocking issues in a totally new way. I constantly use the course as a reference guide."
Tom Balsamides, Producer / Writer / Director / Actor), IndieFilms
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging is great course for anyone that wants to learn the art of blocking and staging cameras. As an aspiring filmmaker I find this series of DVDs an invaluable tool that will provide great instruction and techniques to use, and expand on. The more you watch the DVD set the more you learn, I highly recommend the course."
Wes M.
"I have been a still photographer for many years, so I know a lot about camera angles, posing, lighting, etc. I was just getting into video and trying to figure out how to photograph characters who are moving when I discovered your website.
After watching the sample lessons, I wasted no time placing my order. The samples were good, but the video lessons are spectacular. I was seriously considering taking a few film courses to learn how to move the camera, but, as many on the forum have said, your Hollywood Camera Work is a film school in a box. I really love your product!"
Rod Cole
"The Hollywood Camera Work box set is packed with so much information that it may be the single most important item in my film making kit. And that includes my camera."
Chris Paredes
"This series gives the kind of educational experience all instructional courses should aspire to: clear, concise, and in-depth. Packed with learning, at an outstanding price."
Darren Leung, SOS Pictures
"I am self taught in film and video as I am not able to go to film school. I have been looking on the internet for different ways to get the education I need. I found this website and saw the demo chapters. I had to order this course. Most of what I have learned previously was through instructional books and internet forums. But your course really laid it out for me. I have a new understanding and confidence when I approach film making. I look forward to the next course that you release as I am pretty much getting to "go to film school" now."
Jason Coblentz
"The Master Course has been an amazing investment. My short films now have a cinematic quality that makes them stand out from my peers. Indeed many of the techniques I'm now able to use aren't even known by degree graduates, so I'm finding them asking me for advice! Great work, I can't wait to see more titles from you."
Jon Walker
"Thank you for making Hollywood Camera Work. It has benefited me enormously."
Joe Germinaro
"I've learned a tremendous amount about camera blocking while directing film and television for the past eight years. So, imagine my shock when I was able to learn just as much, if not more, in 9 hours! I don't know whether to recommend Hollywood Camera Work to my peers, or to hide it from them."
Taz Goldstein, Director
"It's an excellent tool that every director must have. It helps us to visualize, and take every scene from the script to the screen."
Marco Sanchez
"I don't think I have ever learned such enormous amounts of quality subject matter in such a short amount of time in any other training or real world experience in my life. These DVDs will show you high-end techniques and concepts laid out in graphic animations that allow the subject matter to sink in and be understood immediately. This is definitely material that any director of photography would embrace! The material on these DVDs is fantastic. This is probably the best method out there to learn the skillset for becoming a talented DP."
John Froton
"A phenomenally well-executed, highly informative set of DVD's. It may cost a few hundred, but it's worth it."
Ron Pike, Inroad Films LLC
"We received the DVD's this week and reviewed them; actually we couldn't stop watching them. There is so much information there that 'film school in a box' would be a great description. I learned a great deal of terminology and techniques with the first review. This set is truly what you promised it is. We are going to watch, learn, watch some more, learn even more and then share your incredible collection with our students. Thank you for creating such a complete and detailed course. The value of this collection is immeasurable in the classroom environment."
Detective Daniel Rosario, Worcester Police Department, Affected Youth Program
"I am very pleased with your program The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging. It has cut years out of my learning curve. The graphics are excellent and every shot is explained in a crystal clear manner. This is a great program and I highly recommend it."
Darren Hale
"I find the course invaluable for aspiring DP's as well as professionals. The in-depth coverage of the different camera work is remarkable. Jim Moore, Moving Pictures Collective"
"Dude, your course is the bomb. It is teaching me everything 10 GRAND & counting worth of film school didn't and in a much shorter time. I can't wait to what the Effects programme has in store and what else you come up with. Maybe lighting...(nudge, nudge). Again, absolutely awesome."
Jamil Agard
"I come across so much stuff that doesn't have the caliber as your course does. I find the course invaluable for aspiring DP's as well as professionals. The in depth coverage of the different camera work is remarkable."
Jim Moore, Video and Photography for the Performing Arts, Moving Pictures Collective
"I want to sincerely let you know how I feel about "The Master Course". This set of DVDs is by far the best instructional and most comprehensive course in the market. It totally changed the way we film by creating or blocking scenes according to the plot. Your program simplifies the most complex shots into elementary steps. If you are serious about your directing or even acting career this program will enhance your projects tremendously."
Orlando O'Neill, FocalPoint 3 Films
"I've been directing commercials for close to 20 years. I've always been on the lookout for a complete and concise course on Blocking & Staging. Fortunately, Hollywood Camera Work has done a great job, they have created the definitive course on Camera Blocking including cranes and dollies."
Tomas Hernandez, Producer/Director, TV Commercials
"I ordered Hollywood Camera Work several months ago and since then it has helped me visualize new ways to tell my stories.
I'm no novice to filmmaking, but this extensive library of cinematic camera techniques was a real refresher course for me. The course is logically ordered starting from simple and basic rules that can assist beginners to advanced camera and blocking techniques that even seasoned pros can find useful!
Now when designing blocking I will refer to one or two of the course DVD's as a quick review, now with my technical knowledge refreshed, I can concentrate on the creative work of making my films more visually dynamic.
I highly recommend this valuable reference tool to any filmmaker who wants to truly understand not only what techniques are possible but also how they operate on the audience. In this way experimentation becomes less of a guessing game and more of a creative science."
John Lipsz, Montreal, Quebec
"I had a great time with the Master Course and I have a great time again with it repeating all lessons currently. This time I do this without the commentary. So I sink all sophisticated blocking and staging in my subconscious. I think with this Master Course you have a real good chance to improve your film directing abilities onto a high level."
Hans Georg Nenning, Actor and Film Director, Vienna
"Per Holmes, you need find a way of getting these DVD's out to every filmmaker. I'm blown away and I'm only on the second dvd. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Derrick Phillips, KaeRah Entertainment
"The DVD's are great! It is very evident in how the material is presented, especially the well thought out narrative. It has opened my eyes to how video is meant to be captured. Keep up the great work!!!"
Glenn Abcede
"Making my very first feature and having tackled a hotrod period film no less than 130 minutes long no less, I knew I was up for a big challenge. Having never been to film school I was very worried I would fail getting adequate coverage for my scenes. I needed to learn how to do this properly and needed to learn FAST. Local film schools were time consuming, expensive and did not provide the crash course I needed. I didn't have time to spend 2 years to learn how to block and film a dialogue scene. I have to start filming in 4 weeks.
So when I heard about the Hollywood camera course, I bought it on the spot. The 3D images really helped me visualize things and wrap my mind around the concepts and I found the course to be well organized, very informative and extremely time efficient. I had to buckle my seat belts because it is very fast paced. At times I was a bit overwhelmed.
There is so much information it can be a bit overwhelming. I would stop and replay the same section several time until I got it down. Afterall I have never done anything like this before. But in the end I was able to fully understand the fundamentals of scene blocking and camera angles and movements. Not only that but the next films I watched I could see all of the theory I had just learned at WORK in someone else's motion picture. And I would comment: "Ah! That's an internal reverse. They used a long lens on that shot... Here, they used foreground objects to create parallax" etc etc...
Having completed the course, I am now watching it a second time to make sure I have fully assimilated everything. I now feel confident tackling the production stage of my film.
This is a GREAT value for the money. I am very glad I bought it. I recommend it to anyone, especially people like me, who are self taught, DIY, aspiring independent film makers. This will save you a lot of trouble the day of the shoot!
THANK YOU for making such a great product. I hope I make you proud when my film comes out!"
FAITH GRANGER, Filmmaker, Deuce Of Spades Movie
"Short of actually being on set with an experienced director through varied projects, I don't believe there's a better way to learn how to tell a story with a camera. The 3-D world of the DVDs makes for an easy grasp of the points. I've seen many of the same ideas in books but just couldn't visualize them. With Hollywood Camera, you're free to concentrate on the material because part of your brain isn't used to create a 3-D space. The work's been done for you. I've learned more in a shorter amount of time. I highly recommend this product."
R Dale McCarver
"BTW, I would guess that you hear it a lot but this series is truly outstanding. There is just so much info that it's a bit like drinking from a fire hose. It's taken me a couple of years to really internalize just the first four discs. Thanks again!"
Dan Wilder
"The Master course was vital in shooting our reality show, as well as, our cooking show. It was in great detail and easy to understand. I recommend this course to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of making great footage."
Joseph Pothen, Masti Media, LLC
"First, I'm french. That's not really a problem but of course we think we are different (that is to say better) and I was not sure that American people
could teach me any kind of useful advice. Then, I'm a beginner as a filmmaker. My experience is at this stage limited to real life reportages. I am preparing a short story for the middle of 2008.
But let me tell you than even for reportages, I am now using extensively the information I got in the Hollywood Camera Work Master Courses and as a matter of fact, my reportages are really better.
Many thanks to you and your courses. Hope you will see my work one day or an other."
Jerome Salord
"Just a little word from Gravestone films. I have to say this Master Course is by far the finest course I have ever used, far superior in every way, explanation, theory and example, even auto suggestion, to arm yourself with more theoretical ammo than you will ever need. Hollywood Camera Work, my hat is off to you, and I say thank you to all the people involved in the production of this most excellent course, I feel privileged that I was able to access this material and look forward to any future learning product put out from this fine company."
Marcus Smith, Gravestone Films
"I have found your "Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging" to be an invaluable tool in the production of my Documentary, "The France I loved -- La France que J'aimais.” This is my first professional production of this magnitude, and your course gave me many new techniques, which greatly improved my film. Thank you."
Roger-Pierre
"These DVDs came to through a friend at AFI. Wow. What can I say? Just one DVD is enough for a year's worth of shooting!! There are moves in this series of DVDs that you can shoot a whole feature on. Not only the camera moves but the dvds take in account the post process also. Which is an incredible thing since a DP or director takes into account the edit process as they shoot. These DVDs will save you time in shooting which translate into saving you money. I would suggest you NOT get them, so it is kept as a secret for me. That will give me time to learn them and out shoot you!"
Austin Haley, E. P.
"I went into this not knowing much at all about blocking and staging and it's opened a new world for me. I encourage all visual storytellers, comic artists or illustrators to check out this series. It'll open up a new world of how to tell stories. Not only that but now I have more to talk about with my video friends."
Joel Fulkerson
"I have been extremely impressed with the quality and comprehensive nature of the instruction. Your decision to go with models was a stroke of genius, and for just the reason you state on the website. It forces me to focus my attention on the effect that the camera has on the big picture and nothing else. I have little doubt that this program will revolutionize my work as a director. Already I watch the work of others with clearer eyes, as if the scales have fallen from them. Thank you for putting the time into this program. It is much appreciated! I'm sorry I don't have any credits yet that would be helpful to you, but with everything I have been learning, that may change soon."
Steve Washer
"Hollywood Camera Work's Master course in High-End Blocking and Staging is the ideal choice to learn camera work for 3D artists. I could honestly say that it broke the myth that camera work is an art and turned it into a science. A logical sequence of lessons easily observed, understood and implemented, especially in the 3d World. The DVD set has elevated my understanding of the essentials and the advanced mechanisms in camera work. In this case, it was a must have from day 1. Honestly there is so much praise about your product, its hard to pin it down to a quote."
Yazan Malkosh, Managing Partner, Null Studios / Institute
"Amazing set of videos! I've spent the last 5 years producing, directing and filming and thought there was nothing left for a book or video to teach me - I was very wrong. This is NOT just another superficial repeat of "crossing the line" and "3 camera lighting set-ups." Per's video set goes in depth on composition, camera movement , dollies, cranes - basically, this is the BEST resource I've ever come across. Thank you! I'm excited for my next project. The videos went beyond a static lesson and have inspired me to set-up more imaginative and elegant shots. Excellent!!"
Eero Johnson, Video One
"This is sincerely the best camera training DVD's on the market. If you are a director, animator, or work in Film or Entertainment Industry in any capacity and want to learn how it tell a compelling story the right way, using the right camera techniques, you owe it to yourself to get the Hollwood Camera Work DVD's. They are clear and concise, and the best part is you see it in all in action. They are absolutely designed for every skill level just like it promised. Don't think about it, just do it and spend the money! This is A+ stuff baby if you really what to become a professional. This is one of the few times I have ever written a review with this much passion about a product. I can hardly wait for the Special Effects DVD's."
K'ankh, Portal Moon Studio,Inc.
"This release fills an important gap. With full utilisation of modern technology, it clearly elaborates on the job of the cameraman, one cornerstone of Hollywood movie-making looking back to a development of 70 years. The DVD makes it possible for everyone to tell his/her own story in a language spoken by billions on Earth: the language of the movie."
Istvan Zorkoczy, Animation Director, Digic Pictures
"First off, I have no formal training but spent a few years doing wedding videography.
Then last year after writing my first screenplay and discovering some great indie movies... the bug bit and I started down the road to learning the craft.
Well I soon discovered... after many disappointing book purchases, that any practical info
must be locked away in Oz.
As a wedding videographer I had no experience in theatrical style staged scenes and
learning how the pros block and set up cameras was a major area I needed to learn.
Your course was a godsend and did not disappoint. I give it ten out of ten!
the DVDs actually show you step by step what's going on behind the curtain.
For anybody wanting to save money on useless books and go right to the source for setting up and
executing great camera moves, this course is all you need.
As for my movie... the ideas are still fermenting and I view this stage as "learning & practice time"
You can't help but learn from these DVDs and when it's time to roll the project will be the better
for it.
In closing, I want to thank you for creating this valuable tool."
Jim Angus
"While I am no stranger to cinematic camera work, the Master Course in
High-End Blocking & Staging has not only deepened my understanding of the
cinematic language, but has taught me in such a way that I feel I have
learned a whole new vocabulary.
Not only does the course explain things in
an understandable way, but it builds and renews your understanding from the
ground up using the basic concepts and motivations behind everything which
you learn how to blend seamlessly together, or take apart for any given need
when constructing a scene.
There is no doubt in my mind that I am a better
director and filmmaker because of this course. I would also consider it an
excellent learning tool for actors to understand how the camera work helps
shape their performance. Having a solid understanding of what's going on
around them will definitely help an actor be able to feel more comfortable
with the way their performance is being translated to the screen.
I would
recommend the Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging to anyone who is
serious about taking their productions to a higher professional standard,
and growing their confidence, abilities, and potential as a director or filmmaker."
Neil Rowe, Rowe Cine LLC
"From a career standpoint, these training DVD's are changing my life and im not even past the first 2 volumes! If you work with directing or shooting actors then you need to get your hands on this awesome training tool."
Rich Nation
"Hollywood Camera Work is even better than advertised... if you're serious about learning, understanding, and ultimately mastering the craft of directing, then this DVD collection is a must! You have a truly fantastic product."
Deon L. Wilks, Writer, G.I. Jesus (Grand Jury Prize Winner - CineVegas Film Festival 2006)
"This material is unlike any I've ever seen. It has provided not only instruction but also inspiration to our young students. Their minds have now been exposed to the powerful tool that camera angles and movement provide for use in cinematic storytelling."
Stevan Speheger, Director, Fresh Fire Media, First Assembly of God, Lafayette, Indiana, www.freshfire.tv
"First of all I would like to say job well done, I'm proud to own this DVD set. It's packed with so many tips that when you come back to it you see some thing new and you keep building on your knowledge, which you are sharing with us. For my personal use, I have learned loads. I thought I knew a lot but wow this is a life time study of the art of film. Has it improved my work? Yes. All ready have had feedback from work I have done after watching, as people are so pleased with what I shot. So thank you for a great DVD set."
Trevor Hughes
"In Hollywood Camera Work, I found exactly what I was looking for, but I didn't think it existed! Great, a very helpful tool for every filmmaker!!!"
Massimo Monacelli
"Based on only having watched the first disk, I'm thrilled with the DVD's, however that's the only one I've really had time to watch so far! I like that you use computer animation instead of real people, as it demonstrates how camera angle can create emotion without having to rely on actors. It's a well-designed tool that will be useful in all our future projects."
Rich, CinemaWest Productions
"These DVDs are the best filmmaking learning tool I've ever used, in any format! I'm a new student, and these DVDs opened up a whole new world of camerawork. They seemed to cover every imaginable camera technique.
The animated characters are expressionless -- there's no "acting". So in each lesson, all the emotion comes directly from the camera angles and moves. It's a great way to isolate the emotional impact of different camera techniques.
I like that the lessons are highly structured -- I know where to look, when I need to review. And they're precise and economical -- no filler.
One caveat: For me, watching these DVDs brought up many, many questions regarding lighting, and lighting just wasn't covered here. Can we have a lighting course next?? Thanks for a great course!"
Paul Dauben
"I think your course was one of the best pieces of instructional video I've ever seen. If you have ever seen the old Fred Astaire movie where he dances with a broomstick and makes the lifeless stick look like an accomplished dancer, you will know what Hollywood Camera Work will teach you. Using simple 3D dummies the tutorials show how the camera can dance with them until they become quite dramatic. It is especially effective using the 3D characters because you can see what the CAMERA is adding to the drama. Great movies and great acting are seriously enhanced, and darn near created by the camera work! Inside these 6 DVDs are the secrets."
JA, Pixelcorps Member
"I'm Maarten from Belgium and your tutorials concerning directing is really the best thing I ever saw. I learned more than in one year at school."
Maarten Vandewalle
"Where were you and your DVDs four years ago when I made my first film!? What you have done is precisely what fledgling filmmakers need, particularly those who wish to forego film school. I haven't been able to get past the first dvd, but I am very excited about what I have seen thus far. I can clearly see that with your DVDs a filmmaker can set foot on his or her first set and every set thereafter with confidence. I have made three shorts: a 15 minute short shot on miniDV, a 6 minute short shot on 35 mm and most recently a 20 minute short film shot on Super 16 mm but filmed out to 35 mm to quality for the nomination process for AMPAS."
Woody Wichard
"Watching the set of six DVDs was a real revelation for me. I am
currently studying filmmaking at a local college. I have not taken any
classes specifically focused on camera work and there are no classes
of that type offered at my college. Film production and directing
classes cover a few very basic camera techniques but for the most part
focus on frame composition and lighting theory.
This DVD set covers in
detail what you have to do with your camera or direct cameras to do to
actually make those theoretical frame compositions come to life. It
also expanded my camera technique vocabulary by about ten fold. I plan
to provide the crew on my next project with a list of terminology so
that we are all talking the same language i.e. are on the same page. I
hope this will be one more thing that will make the production run
more smoothly and efficiently."
Bari Boswell
"The Master Course has been phenomenal for me. The individual chapters are well thought out and clearly explained; plus the addition of the online exercises are extremely helpful and challenging. Not only am I creating blocking diagrams, but I have gathered some actors and we are shooting the exercises! Giving the actors more experience in front of the camera and me more experience working with actors and applying the blocking in a real world setting. I tell everyone I know about the program. Thanks Per for the great work!"
Dariush Khansari
"A great learning tool! I just completed an intensive 4 week film workshop and this is the perfect follow-up course to supplement my learning thus far..."
Anjani Edwards
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is a Master Course indeed. The information contained in the set is invaluable by itself, but the actual illustrations of both the correct execution combined with weak technique brings with it a numbing pace of comprehension. I would recommend this set for anyone remotely interested in film-making or film production."
Ken Johnson
"I've found the The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging to be an invaluable tool in helping to improve my understanding of camera use. It's thorough, easy to understand format, and outstanding visuals makes it the ideal tool to use in pre-viz'ing my moves on the set, regardless of whether its a budget-free short film, or a mid-budget feature I'm shooting!"
Nicholas David Lean, Writer/Director, Hotel Caledonia, Hard Shoulder
"I have learned quite a lot. It is a little overwhelming, but in a good way. I am taking my time and reviewing it a little at a time. This is an excellent course to learn blocking for actors and blocking for the camera."
Steven E. Shirley
"Hollywood Camera Works The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging is great for professionals and new people who are getting into Film making to have it in your library of courses."
Sonu Chahal, Producer, Director, Actor
"The Hollywood camera work DVDs they are truly a fantastic resource, so packed with information that at times it is truly scary, and yet all the information is presented in a truly intelligent way which makes it very easy to put to work straight away. Top marks all around."
Karen Bradley, Geonome
"I must let you know that as a professional in the business for some 20 years, I think this could be one of the best investments I have ever made besides my camera! What a useful tool, presented in a no nonsense easy to understand set.
I have wanted something like this for years. Because of the pace that the information comes at you you're not bored or bothered by the stuff you already know. The new ideas are clearly presented with good background and interweaving post production consequences. I could go on about the set but I'm only through the first 2 discs and can't wait to see the rest.
Thanks you again for such a well done product."
Lawrence Gress, ProGress Productons
"You don't need to be a member of the Directors Guild to benefit from
these discs. Gaining a more intimate knowledge of how good movies are
made is important for writers, aspiring auteurs and anyone who really
loves the art form.
Acquiring enhanced knowledge of professional camerawork promotes
increased appreciation of the fine work being done and a better
understanding of why some productions don't make the grade. The same
principles apply from viral videos to big budget Hollywood.
There is a wealth of information in this set from Hollywood
Camerawork. It's an important reference that really should be viewed
again and again over time."
Bob Pinkus, Make It New Productions
"I first watched somebody else's copy of the Hollywood CameraWork's "The Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging". It is an exhaustive compendium of camera placement and movement in theatrical film-making. Several years later when the opportunity came up to buy my own copy, I jumped at the chance. It's not something you watch once.
As a Director I want to have these techniques at my fingertips when blocking a scene so seeing them demonstrated over and over is just like an actor learning lines ... when the time comes they've got to just be there. I recommend you watch them over and over, take notes, watch them again and expand your notes. These techniques are the lingua franca of cinema story-telling."
Robert Shaver
"I found the course to be very helpful in reinforcing blocking and staging
concepts. Although at first it appeared that much of what is discussed
pertains to blocking and staging for big budget filmmaking (vis a vis the
large number of camera angles), there was still a lot of useful information
for those who are doing low budget films or anyone in need of a primer on
how to best approach each scene.
I highly recommend this course for any
Director or DOP to be sure everyone is on the same page before the camera
rolls. It's obvious this series was well thought out and it must have taken
a lot of effort to put this together. I've read a lot of books on this
topic, but I've yet to find one that explains things as clearly as this DVD
series. I personally spoke with Per and found him to be a friendly and
knowledgeable fellow."
Gregory Kuiper
"The depth of what you learn here is amazing. I discovered new things about shots I'd been using for years -- new shots I'd never even thought of."
Ed Nammour
"Working as a film editor demands a clear knowledge of the emotional impact
of different shots. Hollywood camera work provided me with an excellent
overview of the directorial decisions involved in staging a scene.
It also
provides a good approach to understanding moving camera work and the
opportunities for editing moving sequences. I would recommend it to anyone
involved in editing films who is seeking to learn more about this subject."
Ron Milestone
"Amazing course, it helped to secure my first directing gig."
Archie Archambo, Director, FROZEN -- an Alaskan Nightmare
"All I can say is wow. The insight into expressive camerawork is amazing. As a Film and Telecom student at SDSU I sure could have benefited from this info when I was taking a directing course from the infamous Robert Mckee. I can tell after ingesting the series I will go back and outline notes on the concepts to really give myself a database to work with. And the site Movie Storm is an wonderful adjunct to allow not only blocking of camera / talent moves, but real time visualization. Too bad my primary job is that of an editor for dopey commercials for casinos and anniversary videos for the wealthy! Per, I am in awe of your knowledge and skills!"
Tom Daigon, Avid DS / FCP Editor, HDShotsAndCuts.com
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging” is a MUST for anyone working with film or video. I really like how it encourages the thought process, so the scenes can be shot quickly, efficiently. As a motion graphics artist, this series has helped me understand how to use the camera to tell a story with more impact and clarity. Thanks for the Great Learning Tool."
Damon Adamo, Freelance Motion Graphics Artist
"American film director Robert Rodriguez once said: 'You should never go to film school. Everything you need to know about film you can learn in a week'.
But he forgot to mention one very important thing: to pull off this feat, you definitely need Per Holmes' DVD set 'The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging'.
It's a top-quality product. And it comes with top-notch customer service."
Bart Gouhie, Producer/Director, Impact Documentary Films
"The Master Course is a flat-out REQUIREMENT for any serious director. Its strategies for breaking down scripts to get the best shots in the most efficient way possible is not only a massive way to relieve stress, but also a fantastic way to create an effective story. I have never felt more prepared designing shots than I have after watching the Master Course DVD set. I can't wait for what they might come up with next!"
Mike Blankier
"LIKE BEING IN LOVE AGAIN!!! My wife is rightfully jealous of this little DVD box next to my bed, feeding my laptop every night. Wow, I haven't seen anything as comprehensive and professional on this subject, EVER.
Being an independent photographer/producer for many years, I thought I knew it all. I just wish these were around when I went to film school back in the 80's. Thank you for producing this DVD course. It's a must for any filmmaker! Just what I needed in my life."
Michel van Steenwijk, Photographer / Producer / Director / Husband (last I checked), Hotmedia - Copenhagen, DK
"I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE DVD SET!!! I learned more from the first DVD than I did in film/tv school. I keep playing the first DVD over and over, so I haven't got to the other DVDs yet, but the DVD set is a film school in of itself. I cherish my set. The 3D models are awesome and the way camera angles and shot composition are executed can evoke emotion is just amazing! I never knew the power of a certain angle and the way a shot can be composed could evoke reactions/feelings from lifeless/emotionless 3D models is just simply amazing!"
Simei Pulu
"Thank you for your program, I find it so easy to learn. I'm glad I bought the program and I can't wait to check out your next training program. It's worth every penny. Better than any film school I've been to."
SPC Gino Palu, US Army 7th Special Forces Group Videographer
"I teach a high school class called Electronic & Video Imaging. After presenting basics of camcorder operation, I focus on framing the shots and camera movements. Your Master Course in High-End Blocking and Staging is excellent in demonstrating the moves and showing the many options that contribute to making a master shot. The serious students get quite an opportunity to learn by seeing how the pros do it!"
Joe Schildkamp
"Recently I purchased the DVD set of 6 of the Master Course High End Blocking and Staging... which before I begin were worth every dollar I paid for them. When I first sat down to watch the series I didn't know exactly what to expect... I must say I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the production. Per Holmes's use of animated characters/models in this production is absolute genius.
All six of the DVD's taught me what I needed to know and much more. They are a "must have" sea of knowledge for any student or professional in the business of film and TV productions."
Nikki Oldaker
"Hi, I am the Director of 3D Animation Course in Hong Kong Shun Tak Fraternal Association Yung Yau Collge. We are the first Hong Kong School to put 3D Animation in normal cirriculum, but I don't know how to teach my students about the use of camera, the Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging give me a whole picture in the camera moving, and the animation format is more easy to be understood, I am very happy to use this."
Owen Chan Ka Chun
"The big and complex issue of film is clearly and concretely brought on the point and easy to understand, if you take your time an concentrate on it. After the Hollywood Camera Work DVD collection I got a very good basic understand of filming."
Alex Bayer, Vision Studios (Switzerland)
"We just received the DVD's for the Master Blocking course and I must say you guys have done a bang up job explaining the process! The use of 3D is dead on perfect for explaining the different shooting scenarios and techniques. We have only finished Disk 1 so far but are thoroughly impressed! We eagerly look forward to viewing the rest.
Your narrator is fast, authoritative and easy to understand (kudo's to the writers too). I'm a Visual Effects Supervisor for the last 15 years and a union DP and I've been watching them with my partner, a first time director up here in Seattle as we endeavor to shoot an independent film here shortly. The timing was impeccable for these to come out as we are shooting in mid-August (I'm DP'ing with a Sony 900 HD).
It really is a master course in directing and blocking with camera. For me it's a great refresher course and for my 50-something friend an invaluable aid in even better understanding camera placement even though he already has a fairly good understanding of the process.
All you need are these DVD's, Dov Simen's book "FROM REEL TO DEAL", a screenwriting course and you're on your way! You can learn more of the nuts 'n bolts from these disks than in 1-4 years of film school.
Once again, fantastic job! Look forward to your VFX for directors disk too."
Paul Gentry, "THE AUDIENCE STRIKES BACK", Producer & Director Of Photography
"Hollywood Camera Work is a fascinating tool for anyone wanting to improve their ability to make films. I had no idea how much I didn't know before I watched these DVDs!"
www.officerockerproductions.com
"Finally! Homework that you can use! The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging provides the best in camera technique."
Jeff Carrol
"Hollywood Camera Work Master Course is a superb learning tool with 6 DVDs of learning material. Especially good for students who cannot afford to go or cannot get into a film school. A highly essential course for every Director and DP who wants to maximize the impact of their story by brilliant camerawork."
Leif Paul
"I've got to say thank you for creating such a great resource with your "Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging". It's inspiring to find a course that has been so carefully thought through and which guides you painlessly from the baby basics to sophisticated, achievable setups and concepts. I'm particularly impressed that you concentrate on the emotional impact of shots and how/when they might be most useful, and that you give us a language to express what we are trying to achieve.
The techniques are clear and relevant and, most importantly, they will free me up to make creative decisions on the run - which I would not have been brave enough to do before. My thanks."
Gregory Gesch, Producer/Director
"Hollywood Camera Work is the holy grail for filmmakers. It's vital."
Oli Santoro
"I'm just a student at this point, so on a limited budget. So at first I was hesitant to invest the money for the Blocking and Staging course. But it has turned out to be one of the best investments I have made thus far! I've watched the first 3 volumes in the series several times now and have incorporated the techniques into 3 short films. The improvement was amazing over previous films. I am looking forward to competing in film festivals and other contests and taking home some prizes. I can't recommend this course highly enough if you are a Director or DP."
Dave Borja
"Kudos to Hollywood Camera Work! I am now a proud & thankful owner of both the visual effects and blocking & staging sets. They are comprehensive, deep and accessible. They have done a thoroughly professional job. Whatever else these guys produce, I am getting it right away."
Tilahun Selassie
"Thank you very much! I am studying directing, but cinematography and camera work for me has the same importance as a good story and good acting. So I took many camera courses by myself in different schools including NYU, SVA, New School, etc., read a lot of books and NEVER was more satisfied! Camera work is a very difficult part of filmmaking and Per Holmes was able to create comprehensive and very precise course which totally transformed my way of thinking in terms of visualization the story."
Julia Aldana
"When I watch low budget European films, I frequently get confused over the direction of dialogue among actors/actresses when the camera jumps over the key conversation axis line. 'Hollywood Camera Work' accurately describes how to shoot scenes with numous actresses/actors from either a static position, or from a camera in motion. Hollywood Camera Work also makes it easier to conceptualize scenes from the writing stage, when we're brainstorming character relationships in a scene, to the actual shoot. It eliminates the fear many writers/directors have of introducing scenes with more than a handful of people."
Peter Dollé, TV producer, Berlin
"OK. Let me say this and be perfectly clear; OMG the Hollywood Camera Work Course truly INSPIRES! So pervasive is the impact of this 3D Audio/Visually presented training program, that it has undoubtedly and single-handedly launched an entire motion camera work and directing technique: High-End Blocking And Staging.
The course, on its own merits, deserves an Oscar, as does Per Holmes, its innovative creator."
Paul B. Khan
"Per Holmes has taken great pains to explain the intricasies of how to shoot your project with the intent to add visual effects, and it shows in this massive volume DVD set. Following these concepts and tips should save you days of re-shoots and days in post production!"
Darren Yamamoto, Element Pictures
"These DVDs should be mandatory for anyone interested in becoming a filmmaker. Can't wait to see what these guys come up with next."
Jerome Olivier
"I just finished watching all DVDs for the Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging. I must confess this tutorial is awesome because it presents a methodical approach for film making. Thanks for putting the package together."
Mort Fotouhi
"This course is absolutely amazing. Now I feel 100% confident to direct my first feature film."
Salvador Ponce
"I love you people. You saved my life.
Received the set today, and I must say: this is the greatest thing I've EVER bought... EVER. NO HYPERBOLE (and this comes from a person who hates gratuitous CAPS in e-mails). You're teaching me everything I should have learned in filmschool. I won't say which one I attended but it's one of the big 3, and they taught us EVERYTHING... everything EXCEPT what you teach here. Any topic you guys cover that my alma mater did address, they managed to mangle and confuse to a point that bordered on sabotage (I'm thoroughly convinced that these "conservatories" operate to discourage students from achieving a logical grip on shot selection and line management, in order to prolong the careers of the faculty and pump out "edgy," i.e. ignorant, filmmakers).
I own every book on the mechanics of directing, and this thing blows them all away. The only thing I can imagine that'd top this is some kind of interactive course/game... but we'll leave that for the future.
I've worked briefly as a commercial director (like, TV spots), and I can't tell you the number of times I've panicked on the set (these were, at the most, 4 character "scenes"/vignettes for .30 sec spots). Now I'm a moderately successful screenwriter looking to branch out into directing my spec properties. Again: these videos were made for me.
Lastly... and I hope you won't hate me for saying this... but I was completely prepared to illegally copy your work and return the product. But, after being floored by your insight, your meticulous care, your love of the craft... I could never dream of cheating you guys. I won't even make copies for my director friends. Screw them. They'll have to shell out the 5 bills if they wanna enjoy heaven. This comes from a cheapskate who rarely buys anything he can't nab for free, much less a person who's never written a thankyou before to folks he doesn’t even know. That reminds me: please, please do not make any deals with any Netefixes or Cinefiles; it's my opinion that it'll kill your business. Expansion bad. Boutique good. Y'all serve up the highest grade product anywhere. You've built it. They will come.
Your stuff fuses intellectual and practical analysis in a way that both the professional and student alike will cherish for a lifetime. You can't buy this kind of knowledge... well... I guess you can now."
Dao Jones
"I ordered your three training videos and compared them to the curriculum of most film schools.
I still haven't found one that teaches everything on those DVDs without spending at least three years and thousands of dollars. It dawned on me that you guys saved me years of trial and error and thousands of dollars for training and experimenting. Great job guys."
Semoy Enakele
"Basically, the Master Course solves all the headaches of who-goes-where and where-to-place-the-cameras...so just buy it already!
Then I decided to buy Hot Moves and Visual Effects for Directors! Amazing work, Per! You've basically put it all in a nutshell so that a noob like me doesn't have to figure it all out by himself... and I can still kick-ass against kids from film-school."
Gary Ow, Genetix S Pte Ltd.
"The Master Course DVD series is an excellent addition to the teaching materials I use for my "Visualization" class for Directors. It clearly shows many of the concepts I teach, and a chapter from one of the volumes becomes the defining "aha!" moment of the lesson."
Alyson Drysdale, Langara College
"The DVD is awesome, very very informative and I LOVE IT. I highly recommend it for any movie makes - whether you are professionals or just starting off. The subtitles are also very helpful for a Deaf person like myself. Thank you so much Hollywood Camera Work."
Gladys Flitcroft
"Never have I seen such a detailed and masterful display of knowledge. Your DVD's put complex issues into perspective in a simple manner with a "show me" style that made comprehension easy. I would highly recommend this product to anyone and already have spread the word to my colleagues. I may sound like I'm on a TV ad, but this product is the only one I've ever come across that lives up to the hype. Well done."
Thomas Jordan, Producer/Director, Clean Slate Pictures
"By far, the best product available to learn the tools and techniques you need to become a skilled professional in the movie business. I have tried some others but they didn't stand a chance. Every aspect is analyzed, explained and clarified by attractive and fast paced lessons. Kick ass product for those who can't afford a so called university of cinema. With its help, I've been able to shoot my first short and it's on post right now."
Fabrice Incandela, 3D/Motion Graphics journalist, “L’Ordinateur Individuel” (France)
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging DVDs are an invaluable resource for me because Im a full time student and dont have a lot of extra time to explore all of the movie making reference material thats out there. With the dvd's I can find an answer for a scene that I want to set up and move on without a lot of downtime. Its also not a "do it like this ONLY" type deal. The instruction teaches principles that the artist/filmmaker can then use and/or manipulate in the best way they see fit for the project. I definately got my moneys worth! Special thanks to Alex Lindsay and the Pixel Corps gang for reccomending it."
Owen Albertson
"I remember the day I first discovered The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging online. I was hooked after the first demo, and could not wait until they arrived in the mail. I have watched them three times all the way through, and watched bits and pieces more times than I can count. They have revolutionized the way I think about camera movement. I can put a name to every technique that I see employed on TV and in the Theater. If I advance as far as I hope to in this business, it will be thanks in part to the ingenuity of the team at Hollywood Camera Work."
Josh Ryan, Student, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
"A professional crash course in High-End Blocking and Staging that taught me many tricks of the trade and made me save a lot of money and time."
Armando. Lago, Digital Dreams Factory Animation Studios
"Absolutely the most comprehensive instructional videos for blocking and staging that every Director and Cinematographer must have in their arsenal. The professional grade material is presented clearly and succinctly for both amateurs and professionals alike. Forget wasting your money on film school - everything you need to know is included in the 6 DVD set. There is no competition."
Keith Cottingham, Artist/Director/Producer - represented
by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, NY
Inwhan Yeo, Director/Producer
"Thank you, for creating the "Master Class" DVD. Where were you 15 years ago when I started in the film & television industry. Your DVD set provides some well-needed tips and techniques that people can immediately put into place which will allow them to achieve a more simplified, and clutter free shoot or indeed have the knowledge to block out a very complicated scene without frying their brains on set. The only criticism I have is that you've left me wanting more, which is certainly a positive testament to your skill as a working professional and the timely and relevant content of the DVD set. Thanks again, Per!"
Rich Steel, Steadicam Owner/Operator, www.steadicams.com
"Hollywood Camera Work is a self-contained filmshool-in-a-box. I saw the demo footage on the website and knew it was going to be packed with information. Absolutely loaded with information, it truly is a complete in-depth description of everything having to do with camera setup/movement to make a scene dramatic. It was such a fascinating course that I watched all 6 DVDs within 2 weeks!
I was amazed to find that many high end movies 'resonate' because of the types of camera moves described in this course. By using simple 3-D dummies with no facial expressions you can clearly see how much of great movie making is in the camera presentation! There are example scenes which are read by ordinary people where you can see the scene still works even with dummies and poor readings because of the sly camera moves! This was a revelation to me.
The narrative is very fast and covers so much ground that you need to pay attention, or replay the disks several times, but it is pleasant to watch. It is organized in clear sections and makes a great reference work. Although the videos are easy enough to understand, there's just a LOT you can do with a camera to create mood, pacing and effects, and there are many strategies you can use to save yourself work. Just the section on focal length would have been worth the cost of the course, but there's a ton more."
June Eberhart
"I have been preparing 2D and 3D animations for some time now and as the programs and my abilities advanced so too did my areas of weakness. Topping my long list of weaknesses was the use and power of “the camera” within a 3D animation. My knowledge was limited to the creation of the scene and then just “plunking” a camera where it could capture the event.
While I am still trying to absorb all that your course has to offer, my presentations have already made a quantum leap forward in final product quality. I may be the rest of my life trying to master the art of the camera but at least now I am moving forward in this area.
Your course is both informative and entertaining, making it a true joy to work with and learn. Most beneficial is my ability to go back as many times as needed to revisit a lesson when trying to recreate a technique you present in the course. So much would have been lost by me had I taken the same course in a classroom setting where the lesson would only have been presented once."
Gord Frost, NAV CANADA
"This course is everything I was looking for and much more! I scoured the web for a legitimate, effective course and it paid off. Worth every dollar. I have no formal training so I cannot compare this to a film school, but based on the content and detail of the Master Course, I am confident that I am learning all the material and methods I need to know to one day direct my own film. "
Nicholas Schilero
"My partner and I have been overawed by your work. Watching it is a daunting process because it is so detail-rich; we keep one finger on the pause button and we stop and discuss points a couple of times each chapter.
Your sensitivity to the emotional impact of shot design is outstanding; you have considered many key ideas that are ignored by traditional film grammar theory. This shows it is clearly written by a practitioner, not a critic, and it gives the viewer a full vocabulary of camera-based technique to use in production.
We do find that the voice-over in its current state does not best serve the content. Any one voice which speaks at any one speed continuously will become tiring to listen to over time. We suggest that greater variety of rhythm would be easier to listen to, and that perhaps male and female voice artists alternating between chapters would lift the monotony.
Overall we have been very impressed, and thank you for your astonishingly high level of attention to detail. One recurring phrase we use when referring to moments from the series is "gold dust". Your work is very much appreciated."
Kindest Regards, David Wigram
"I wish I would have had your DVDs to train myself with during film school! I learned more production technique and visual storytelling language from your DVDs than from any teacher or book. You truly did a wonderful job. I have several friends whose arms I had to twist to get them to watch just 5 minutes, but then when they did they begged to borrow your DVDs."
Geordie Martinez
"I doubt my testimonial would be of much value, as I am but a simple video director/editor at the local commercial level. I don't own my own company, and I have a family of 5 to support. Not a lot of room for risk, the way I see it.
But I will tell you, from my heart, that your series of DVDs, which I have yet to finish, has done more for me and my limited career than any other single influence -- period. I absolutely love the philosophical approach -- the emphasis on meaning -- being attached to every suggestion and observation. No dry formulas. Lots of observation.
If I were not a working man, I would sit and watch them over and over until I had each one committed to memory. Because I know, that when I can think the way you have presented these DVDs, my direction will be as creative and as complimentary to any of the other creative forces at work in any production process. I love a challenge, but it's also important how I meet that challenge. "Winging it" is never satisfying, but neither is playing it safe. Your DVDs provide a framework of thought, from which a philosophy of approaching each subject can help direct not only the cameras, but also the momentum and flavor of the
story.
I am so grateful that I took the opportunity to buy those disks, and should I ever do anything remotely interesting, I am going to send you a copy just to prove how valuable your course has been for me. Again, in the world of film, I'm pretty much a nobody, but I wanted to at least thank you personally for what you've done."
With nothing but gratitude, Glen Hurd
"First of all, I would like to thank you for putting together "The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging". This is the kind of information that I have spent the last 10 years trying to find. I have read almost every book on Filmmaking / Cinematography and watched countless "behind the scenes" DVD special features and I have learned more about filmmaking in one viewing of your DVD course than I have from all of those aforementioned sources combined.
"The Master Course in High-End Blocking & Staging" is an absolute must-have for any aspiring filmmaker. The work of beginning filmmakers and even novices would benefit greatly from your Master Course. I learned even more from subsequent viewings of the DVDs. Because the course is visually-based, the comprehension of the filmmaking concepts is immediate and has already impacted my work.
I highly recommend "The Master Course in High-End Block & Staging" to anyone interested in filmmaking/cinematography. It will put your work light-years ahead of anyone not familiar with these concepts and techniques, allowing you to move from novice to pro very quickly. This should be first on the list of any aspiring filmmaker even before they buy a camera. I wish this was available when I first started. I am also looking forward to Visual Effects For Directors."
Brian Brooks
Producer/Writer/Director
"I bought this course and thought it was exceptionally good. This is only the third time in 25 years that I am giving a course 10 out of 10. It has great clarity thanks to a very focused delivery, using 3D animation that is much more helpful than live footage would have been. It has great depth and breadth. If you think you can watch these DVDs and go to the bathroom without hitting the pause button, forget it. There is no fluff and no slack in this course.
Regardless of what you are shooting, this will help you get better. Even highly experienced DPs may find that what they thought they knew completely actually had some additional twists.
I bought this course two weeks ago after seeing a posting on 2-pop, and frankly didn't know what to expect. The free samples on the web site looked competent though, so I thought I'd risk the $500. It was well worth it, thanks to its meticulous thoroughness. No stone is left unturned and I doubt there is any film school course that can even get close to this level of clarity (for this particular subject). Highly recommended."
Bjorn Ahlen - Producer/Director/DP, Los Angeles
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