October's Filmmaker’s Central School of Cinema presented Cinematography I, the illusions and magic of light. The instructor, Cinematographer Daron Keet, literally had less than a 24 hour window of opportunity between shows to conduct the class. And like all of Daron's pictures, the class was a big success.

Through active participation and experimentation, students developed the fundamental crafts of professional cinematography. As Monica Oritz, an attending student, seen above in the photo, remarks “Wow! I can truly now say I’ve got a better understanding about the practical and artistic application of controlling various qualities of light. We covered many different types of lighting, moods, colors, filters, lighting fixtures, equipment, including light meters, and what it means to be a gaffer, electrician or grip.”

Filmmaker’s Central practical lighting workshop illustrates principles that involve the ability to create different cinematic lighting environments as it applies to various story telling and budgetary motion picture limitations. “Daron opens up his bag of tricks and shares his secrets, which he’s the first to say is not really secrets at all.” Daron’s revealed a strong emphasis on visual mood and stylized lighting. His stressed that his approach is about research and preparation. He spends a great deal of his energy determining the director’s vision, so that all aspects of his work serve the material, and contribute directly toward the emotional response of the audience. He stressed it’s about knowing the value of each shot, and the amount of paint to apply.

In early 2000, a life-changing opportunity was presented to Daron when he won the Green Card lottery, and he moved to Los Angeles with his wife later that year. Since his arrival, his body of work includes eight independent features and sixteen short films.

Daron’s cinematography reveals a strong emphasis on visual mood and stylized lighting. His approach to his craft is not based merely on spontaneity and past experience, but also on research and preparation. He spends a great deal of his energy determining the director’s vision, so that all aspects of his work serve the material, and contribute directly toward the emotional response of the audience.

If you’d like to reserve a front row seat (not that you’ll be sitting very long – it’s a workshop) with Daron, at the next Filmmaker’s Central Cinematography I class, let us know.

Check out the next class dates and send us an email and we’ll put you the list. Seating for this event is very limited and in big demand. If you have a project coming up or your shooting for fun, it’s an absolute must attend!