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IDA Tech Days - Part 2: Camera & Sound

American Film Institute, Mark Goodson Screening Room, 2021 North Western Ave, Los Angeles CA 90027

A Daylong Exploration of Production Tools for Documentary Filmmakers

Since large sensor cameras proliferated a decade ago, the professional video landscape has evolved rapidly, offering new tools for documentary filmmakers to create previously unimaginable images. To help navigate this expansive field, IDA Tech Day: Camera + Sound will provide an essential survey of current cameras and audio equipment, including features, cost, and performance. Through panel discussions, clips, Q&As, and the opportunity to meet exhibiting vendors, attendees will hear about the latest trends and discover solutions for all of their verité and interview shooting needs.


Keynote Conversation: Kirsten Johnson and Amy Ziering

 

Kirsten Johnson
(Cameraperson, Citizenfour)

Amy Ziering
(The Hunting Ground, The Invisible War)


Confirmed Panelists Include:

 

Natalie Avital
(The Three Hikers)

Adam Bricker
(Chef's Table)

Eve M. Cohen
(VICE HBO, CNN Heroes)

Tom Curran
(Adrift, The Silence)

Svetlana Cvetko
(Inside Job, Inequality for All)

Bryan Donnell
(Morgan Spurlock: Inside Man, Intervention)

Shana Hagan
(Queen of Versailles, Food Inc.)

Jerry Henry
(City of Gold)

Adam Irving
(Off the Rails)

Beth Kochendorfer
(Real Housewives)

Elizabeth Lo
(Hotel 22)

Andrew Petersen
(Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future)

Christina Chin
(Survivor, Amazing Race Australia)

Thaddeus Wadleigh
(The Hunting Ground, The Invisible War)

Michelle Guasto
(Zappa)


Schedule

9:00 - 9:30

Registration / Exhibitor Visiting Time

9:30 – 10:00

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Keynote Conversation - Kirsten Johnson and Amy Ziering 

Dive into the work of a top doc DP in this illuminating and inspirational conversation and clips program.

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10:00 – 10:15

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Camera Essentials - Presented by Adam Irving (Off the Rails)

Adam will compare DSLRs, camcorders, and digital cinema cameras, highlighting differences in cost, sensors, form factor, image quality, and features.

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10:15 – 11:45

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Top DPs Share Their Secrets: What’s in Your Equipment Bag?

Veteran DPs share their favorite cameras, lenses, lights, and accessories.

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11:45 – 12:30

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Lunch / Exhibitor Visiting Time

Mingle, spend with time with our exhibitors, and enjoy a catered meal on AFI’s leafy outdoor patio.

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12:30 – 1:30

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The Hear and Now: Recording for the Best Location Sound Possible

Seasoned audio mixers discuss the mics, accessories, and methods they use in recording broadcast quality interviews and verité.

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1:30 – 2:45

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Adding Production Value and Shooting in Specialized Situations

Learn how drones, image stabilizers, and sliders can add production value to your docs, then hear strategies used by top DPs shooting abroad, in harsh weather, low light, tight spaces and crowds.

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2:45 – 3:00

Break

3:00 – 4:00

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4K and Verité:  Finding the Right Resolution -- Presented by Canon

Expert DPs weigh in on the great resolution debate: how do you decide whether to shoot in HD, 2K, or 4K? Get their top tips for shooting docs across all resolutions.

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4:00 – 5:00

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Exhibitor Visiting Time: Canon, SONY, Blackmagic Design, Red

Spend time at our vendor tables where product representatives will demonstrate the latest innovations from your favorite brands.

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This Event is Designed for:

  • Directors and producers who want to learn how the latest cameras fit into their budgets and creative needs
  • Cinematographers who want to learn the latest advancements in camera technology including an overview of current models, prices, and functions
  • Directors who do their own shooting that want to incorporate professional audio gear into their skillset
  • Emerging filmmakers and students who want to connect with experts in their field
  • Filmmakers who want to meet with camera manufacturers to test out gear and learn about future products