Camera Skills for Researchers and Assistant Producers
"Piers offers no-nonsense and understandable techniques that empower you to become a fully-fledged shooter, de-mystifying the process at the same time. Thoroughly recommend!!!"
Rachel Carmichael,
Freelance Assistant Producer
“Piers’s masterclasses are extremely informative and helpful. His willingness to pass on so much experience and knowledge coupled with his initiatives to tackle inequality in film and television means that Piers is an invaluable asset to our industry!”
Holly Fathi,
Freelance Assistant Producer
Piers runs regular Camera Skills workshops for APs and Researchers. He has over 60 graduates from those courses, many of whom have progressed their careers and are now working as shooting APs and PDs. Piers partners with Electra in London and with Tabb in Bristol to deliver quality training with access to high-end equipment and facilities.
Piers offers focused masterclasses which get participants understanding the essentials of camerawork and demystifies the technical jargon which can be so off-putting. In a relaxed environment, he can share insights, experiences and tips he has gleaned in over 20 years of working professionally for international broadcasters.
Although primarily aimed at Researchers and APs already working in the industry, these sessions are also accessible and informative for anyone who has an interest in getting better at shooting documentary.
"The sessions Piers facilitated were a much-needed safe-space to explore self-shooting. Not only did he break down complicated concepts in accessible ways, but he empowered us, as women, to speak up and get stuck in.
Beyond the course, he connected a number of participants to other people in his work network, exposing us to further unique opportunities to grow within the industry”
Nana Owusu-Ansah,
Freelance Researcher
The workshops consist of a 3 hour in-person session, followed by two small pieces of individual work which are shared with the group for an online feedback session. The in-person sessions take place at Electra TV in Brentford, London and at Tabb in Bristol.
The courses cost £ 300 in total, with a deposit of £ 100 payable to secure a place. Once you have paid the deposit, these courses qualify for the ScreenSkills Bursary scheme which could entitle you for up-to 80% of the course cost: up-to £ 240, leaving you with only £ 60 to pay.
The bursary scheme is completely separate from these courses and must be applied for direct with Screenskills. Piers is unable to guarantee that participants will be given the ScreenSkills Bursary, but everyone who has applied for the bursary to-date has been given one…
Upcoming Workshops…
Three hours of in-person training, with a focus on how to understand the jargon and technical terms surrounding cameras. The session aims to demystify the language of camerawork and provide simple examples and solutions, enabling the participants to engage with a practical shooting project as part of their ongoing work. Participants will take part in two further 2-hour online sessions for feedback and guidance within the group.
PLEASE NOTE There is a major under-representation of women with these skills in the film & TV industry, therefore participation in the morning sessions is preferentially given to those identifying as women. For all others, Piers encourages you to apply for the afternoon session and thanks you for your understanding as we build a more diverse industry