Catching up with Camera Productions

Queen using the skills of lighting and composition that were introduced earlier in the course. The students choreographed, filmed, and edited the music videos independently and in small groups, creating distinctive videos using the same sound and footage.

“So we cover how to film with a video camera, how to do lighting, how to [work with] sound, and how to edit it all together into a movie,” Morr said. “This class is really about filmmaking, and everyone loves movies and video, whether you are going to the movies or watching YouTube.”

The class takes place in SPHS’ retired workshop as it was revamped into a new studio equipped with softwaresupplied computers, a green screen, individual cameras, lighting stands, professional grade lights, lighting parachutes, and furnished with a soundbooth to be used in the second semester for the Radio Production course. The class focuses on making videos and putting together projects, but also incorporates cinematography strategies, editing, and the opportunities found in the filmmaking industry.

“Making art can be fun, and it can also be a professional career,” Morr said. “So I guess it is not just a core class that you would take when you’re getting a GED college degree. It is more of a true elective where if you want to learn about how to make videos, which is a career, then this is a good place to start.”

T another and everyday items as props to compose a photo. Students applied studies of framing, set dressing, and lighting to imitate the structure of the paintings in their own renditions. he Single Camera Production course is a PCC Dual Enrollment elective course part of a two semester Broadcast Journalism path that teaches students the art of video editing, production, and filming.

In its first year at SPHS, the class aims to give students experience in the cinematography and filmmaking industry.

Nicholas Morr, a cinematographer working principally in video, sculpture, and documentary, teaches the course as a current Pasadena City College (PCC) professor and a lecturer at the University of Southern California (USC) for the past six years. Now an instructor at SPHS, Morr aims for the course to provide hands-on experience with framing and composition.

The class has done projects such as the “Tableau Vivant,” where students recreated iconic paintings with only one

As the semester progressed, students began to work with videos and different techniques with composition. After teaching them the basics of composition and camerawork, Morr had the students focus on smaller details like color temperature, aperture, and frame rate to achieve a more professional look.

“We really were focusing on doing interesting cinematography, interesting lighting,” Morr said. “I try to give them hands-on experience so everyone has an opportunity to use the cameras, to use the lights, learn proper safety techniques, and learn how to use the editing software.”

Consisting of two periods, the classes worked on selfproduced music videos, one class to “Brain Stew” by Green Day and the other to “Don’t Stop Me Now” by

The course goes beyond these aspects and provides students a background in film history. Students view landmark films such as “Citizen Kane” and “North by Northwest” and are expected to reflect and analyze the cinematography and depth behind the films.

“I also try to give them sort of a background in film history and aesthetics by screening some movies and having them write essays about it,” Morr said.

Differentiating itself from other electives, Single Camera Production gives students hands-on experience with cameras and editing, while also providing safe and engaging training and insight on the filmmaking industry.

“We are teaching students the ins and outs of video production and intro to filmmaking,” Morr said. “It is more of a true elective where if you want to learn about how to make videos, then this is a good place to start.”