CSV will schedule workshops as demand warrants.
CSV offers a number of workshops on an ongoing basis on the use of our most commonly-rented production gear and post-production software, as well as occasional special sessions on other available technologies or on particular issues of interest.
Workshops may be requested from the list of past workshops here and on the past workshops pages.
Workshops are open to both members and non-members.
Members pay reduced rates. Look here for more information.
| Budgeting Your Short Film This workshop will provide participants with an overview of preparing realistic budgets for a variety of short-form projects, including short films (doc and narrative), music videos, and digital content, at different scales. |
| Concept Development From Idea to Production Topics covered: brainstorming your idea; how to open up your creativity; outlining and script writing; imagining shots and creating a shot list; storyboarding, organizing your shoot day, and more. |
| Crowdfunding For Film This hands-on workshop will teach you the fundamentals of crowdfunding and how to plan, film, and launch your own crowdfunding campaign. |
| Digital Workflows and Data Management Insight into file-based production, data management, and workflow options for people who use tapeless media on the front line. Working with RED’s R3D and Blackmagic/ Adobe’s DNG file types, this workshop will cover transcoding dailies, applying LUTs, creating proxy files, conforming camera RAW footage using XML files, applying basic colour timing, and delivering diverse formats. |
| Directing Actors In this 3-week workshop, we will delve deep into the inner workings and characteristics that contribute to creating transformative performances and stories. Based both on the fundamentals of Directing for the Screen paired with hands-on exercises, this workshop provides participants with a toolkit of directorial approaches, techniques, and experiences that will help deepen their ability to connect and grow trustworthy and powerful collaborations with actors. |
| Entertainment law Proper legal planning for your project should ensure a smooth production and distribution process, allowing you to focus your main energies on the project’s creatives and its physical production. Topics to be covered include rights acquisition, clearances and E&O insurance, cast and crew deal terms and contracts, public and private financing arrangements, tax credit planning, and interim financing arrangements. |
| Financing Your Film This two-hour workshop explains the different funding options for financing your film production. |
| Grant Writing Essentials Introductory workshop will demystify the grant writing process for Media Artists seeking funding to support their projects in film, video, audio, digital, and/or new media. During this two-hour session, the instructor will provide a general overview of the funding programs available for media artists, break down the main components of a grant proposal, and cover tips and best practices for writing a successful grant application. |
| Installing Works and building community connection Installing Works and Building Community Connections will look at how works function within public spheres, and how inclusive activities, such as networking, can be used to build and bring together communities. |
| Introduction to Screenwriting An immersive and transformative screenwriting workshop designed to empower aspiring screenwriters with the knowledge and skills necessary to craft compelling stories for the big and small screen. During this intensive workshop, participants will embark on an inspiring journey through the art and craft of screenwriting. |
| Intro to Documentary Filmmaking A full overview of the documentary filmmaking process from concept through to screening. Explore issues that arise when you set out to make a documentary film: questions of consent, release forms, interview ethics, funding, and more, with insight into the different documentary forms. |
| Intro to Sketch Comedy Writing Learn the fundamentals of writing sketch comedy; how to develop clear premises, how to showcase their own unique POVs, and how to deliver solid endings. The class will cover a variety of scene types and how to write strong sketches, all while crafting your own comedic voice. |
| Multi-Platform Storytelling An overview of the overall story structure and how a story can be translated into different mediums. Participants will look at how scripts and screenplays can be translated on screen, as well as how to structure storyboards in a cohesive, propelling way. |
| Music Videos from Start to End Working with musicians & labels on creative concepts. Pushing the project through to completion. Grants, applications, and treatments, and where to invest and where to save. |
| Producing Short Films Geared towards emerging producers, this innovative, fast-paced workshop covers fundraising methods (grants, sponsorships, crowdfunding), crewing, pre-production logistics (locations, scheduling, budgeting), marketing your film, and collaborating with your team. |
| Producing Your First Short Film Define and explore the steps involved in bringing a short film to life, including crafting and locking your screenplay, financing opportunities, hiring and working with key creatives/crew, finding and casting actors, pre-production logistics, on-set dynamics, and how to plan your shoot, post-production workflow, festival and distribution avenues. |
| Scriptwriting Incubator Shape and deepen your script writing skills in this two-part workshop that will give you feedback and guidance as you gain the edge in writing your TV or film narrative. |
| Solo Show Creation Focus on finding your story, honing your voice, discovering a character, and all the tools needed to develop your own one-person show! We will go through different types and styles of solo theatre and explore which one feels right for you. While we will work as a group, this process will be unique to each individual participant. |
| Structuring A Screenplay TWO-PART WORKSHOP: Participants will evaluate their screenplay concept and apply it to an existing story structural model. They will be given lessons on a screenplay’s basic plot structure, the major emotional beats that exist within films, and the narrative function of various film techniques. Participants will leave with a better understanding of film storytelling — visually shaping their characters’ emotional journeys and creating plot lines that support their project’s themes. |
| Structure Your Screenplay: Advanced Participants will evaluate their fully completed short film screenplay. They will preface their work with the desired intention of their screenplay, and their project will be read aloud by the small group of participants involved in the workshop. Their screenplay will be evaluated using an existing story structural model for the functionality of their scenes, their dialogue, and overall screenplay structure. |
| The Art of the Interview An overview of interviewing techniques for film, including documentary projects and research prep for narrative work. The basics of interviewing and questioning, foundational tools and tips, and the ethics of the interviewing process. |
| Writing a Web Series Learn the basics of what makes a web series successful, how to write for the format, and how to get your idea off the ground. You will leave this intensive with the tools you need to dive into your next project! |
| Advanced Grip Techniques For people who already have a rudimentary knowledge of gripping but want to learn some advanced techniques. Some example topics include: grips vs electrics, grip walkie étiquette, flags and nets, setting up large frames, and much more. |
| Cinematography and RED Epic Camera, Intermediate |
| Cinematography – Theory and Practice Get a solid background on the importance of cinematography theory and practice, covering lighting, camera techniques, and exposure. Learn how to develop an overall original look for a motion picture, whether documentary or feature. |
| Director and DOP relationship As a director, working with a DOP is a nuanced and exciting relationship that is a cornerstone of a film. It can be immensely creatively fulfilling, but also prove daunting if you are not yet familiar with the fundamentals of visual storytelling. This workshop is aimed at providing participants with a crash course in what’s good to know and think about when crafting the vision, look, and feel of your film with your DOP. It will also cover finding a DOP for a project, things to consider when looking for the right creative fit, and how to navigate interpersonal dynamics that can arise when working in a collaborative medium. |
| Introduction to 360 Storytelling What is the difference between VR and 360? This two-day workshop will begin by exploring this question and then move into 360 cameras, workflows, platforms, and storytelling. From documentary to narrative, storyboarding, and scripting, this workshop unpacks how to work with this exciting medium. Learn how to plan, shoot, edit, and share in 360 degrees! |
| Introduction to Lighting Explore the basics of lighting, including 3-point lighting, fixtures, grips, light meters, and theory. Participants will get hands-on experience in multiple lighting setups to understand the intricacies involved. Various types of lights and lighting accessories will be used and discussed. |
| Introduction to Panasonic GH5 learn the features and workflow options of this fabulous DSLR-like camera. The workshop instructor will compare this camera with others, including the Canon 5D. See a full description of the GH5 camera at the following link: http://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/lumix-interchangeable-lens-ilc-cameras/DC-GH5KBODY.html |
| Introduction to Sony FS7 Designed as a camera that is at home on productions as diverse as “Cinéma Vérité”-style documentaries, reality TV, commercials, and corporate applications, Sony’s PXW-FS7 XDCAM Super 35 Camera System is a flexible 4K camera system. It features a Super 35mm size sensor that allows you to capture images with cinematic depth of field. |
| Introduction to Steadicam A one-day workshop to demonstrate what a Steadicam can do, its many parts, and their functions in the system. Topics for discussion will be: The parts of the rig and how it makes the shot steady; Setup and Balance of the rig; the best scenarios in which to use a Steadicam; Steadicam vs. Handheld stabilizing gimble (ie, a Movi) and examples of steadicam shots |
| Introduction to the Alexa Mini Learning the Alexa Mini and exploring the versatility of its modular camera build and menu systems. There will also be a discussion component exploring sensors, dynamic range, recording formats, “the Arri look,” and pros and cons of using a high-end cinema camera for indie projects. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of cameras. |
| Introduction to the Canon DSLR Work through the challenges of operating the Canon DSLR with expert instruction. Covering everything from camera settings, to stabilization, to exposure, and audio, in six hours of intensive focus in a popular CSV workshop. |
| Introduction to the Panasonic AF-100 Camera The AF-100 operation and basic workflow. Particular emphasis is placed on sensor size, lens choice, and camera menus. The class is well-suited for anyone new to the AF100. Topics covered include: Sensor Specifics; Lens Choice and Operation; External Camera Control; Menu Specific Functions and Video Format and Workflow. |
| Introduction to the RED Dragon Camera Explore the RED Dragon’s capabilities and workflows, both in pre- and post-production steps. With a 5K Mysterium-X sensor, able to shoot 120 frames per second and capture at 14MP resolution, some feel this camera exceeds 35mm film. In this hands-on workshop, we will cover the main aspects of using the Red Epic: building the camera, using accessories, navigating the menus, shooting, and working with Red footage. |
| Introduction to Video Production for Seniors This one-day introductory course surveys the basics of video production for individuals with no previous experience. Beginning with concept development, shot types, and storyboards, the workshop quickly moves into hands-on practice with digital video cameras, tripods, microphones, and lights. If you’ve always wanted to make a digital film, this course will help to give you the skills and tools to get started. |
| Lighting and shooting on your own For DIY and indie filmmakers who want to do it all on their own, this workshop emphasizes using what you have at your disposal and working with your environment as opposed to against it. Participants will be using specific gear and kits from CSV that are easy for one person to transport and simple to use. The class will also review films that were made by one-person crew filmmakers. |
| Music Video Micro Course A quick crash course on elements needed to put together a music video! Understand the back end of creating a music video (ie, permits, working with artists, building crew), gathering visual references, and Lighting techniques. Furthermore, to understand the visual language of cinematography and how that corresponds to story, knowledge of set etiquette, and understanding Black Magic pocket camera to shoot dynamic videos. |
| Share Tech: Lighting Charles Street Video’s Share Tech workshops are themed evenings that focus on sharing knowledge and offering a brief overview of some of the most relevant gear in today’s industry. Though CSV will provide the equipment, we encourage participants to bring anything from among their own gear that they might like to share with the group. |
| Shooting, Directing and Producing in 360° Video An introduction to creating for the 360 video format. 360 video production has similarities to regular video production, but there are numerous new hurdles that must be accommodated to create a good immersive experience. Participants will be introduced to various production workflows and have a chance to try various cameras and see the results. Once participants are familiar with the process, we will produce a 360 video from start to finish for everyone to understand how the process works and how they can evolve it for their own projects. Processes introduced will be stitching, motion graphics, tripod removal, and stabilization. Cameras available will include Insta360, Ricoh, Nikon, Samsung, and Xioami. |
| Shooting HD on a Canon DSLR, Advanced Further strengthen your DSLR skills in this advanced workshop examining all the possibilities and challenges of using a DSLR-based workflow, with topics ranging from maximizing quality in post-production by camera settings to how to use stabilization platforms and accessories. |
| The Art of the Interview The art of the interview will walk through the different techniques and methods necessary to create a well-structured interview. The workshop will cover everything from camera angles to how space is implied through scene structure, as well as making the interviewee feel comfortable and formulating well-rounded questions. |
| The Role Of The Intimacy Coordinator Since the #MeToo movement, intimacy coordinators have been employed to support scenes of nudity and simulated sex as well as emotionally sensitive material. What is this new role? What do they do? Where can we find them? How do they fit into the overall duty of care? And how do they work with the various departments?v |
| Introduction to Logic Pro 9 This hands-on workshop introduces students to the primary features and basic user interface of Logic Pro. Students learn how to use Logic as a film and video sound editing, mixing, and mastering tool. A comprehensive array of software instruments, Apple Loops, and DSP effects will be demonstrated. In-depth lessons will cover audio recording, streamlined editing and arrangement techniques, user-defined key commands, automation, scoring to picture, and surround mixing. |
| Post-Production Sound for Filmmakers This introductory class is a must for filmmakers and producers who want to familiarize themselves with the post-production sound process. |
| Sound Recording on Location Work with sound more confidently by learning scouting, mic, common gear configurations, roles of mixer, boom, and sound assistants, working with camera crews, the sound report, and most importantly, training one’s ear to listen for acoustics, pinpointing unwanted sound to make your production audio clean. |
| Introduction to Adobe Premiere Introduction to the primary techniques and procedures used in this popular non-linear editing software, including: initial project setup, codecs and frame rates, 2K and 4K issues, standard editing procedures (splice, replace, overwrite), motion and video effects, modular editing, and exporting for various video and web applications. |
| Adobe Premiere, Intermediate Moving from the intro to intermediate, the course tackles advanced editing techniques and tools as well as how to utilize the power of Premiere’s sister programs, like Audition, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Speedgrade. |
| Final Cut Pro 7 Designed as an introductory overview of the software and is aimed at those with a basic knowledge of editing systems and little or no familiarity with Final Cut Pro. |
| Introduction to Adobe Ater Effects Covers video and animation sequences, composition, timelines, keyframes, wireframes, masking, titling, and applying effects. Participants would benefit from having some knowledge of video editing and graphics applications. |
| Introduction to Adobe After Effects Covers video and animation sequences, composition, timelines, keyframes, wireframes, masking, titling, and applying effects. Participants would benefit from having some knowledge of video editing and graphics applications. |
| Introduction to AVID Learn the basics of Avid, a professional, non-linear editing system, and apply it to the editing, finishing, and post-production of your project. Participants receive a good overview of Avid, including video, timelines, and cutting techniques. |
| Avid: Intermediate Continuing on from the introduction, get into the nitty-gritty of Avid Media Composer by exploring the more complex tools and procedures offered by this revolutionary software, including editing functions, sound filters, and keyframing. |
| Introduction to DaVinci Resolve DaVinci Resolve is the world’s leading color-grading software. This introductory course will look at the basic interface, covering initial importing/conforming, raw colour grading, and final exports for your favourite non-linear editing software. The course will use the RED 5K RAW workflow. |
| Introduction to Editing for Seniors This hands-on introductory course will look at the basics of video editing for people with no previous experience. From importing media and assembling images on a timeline to exporting your final product, this course will help you create a short video in a single day. |
| Introduction to Final Cut Pro X Immerse yourself in the editing technology of Final Cut Pro (FCP) X, a complete rewrite of the original FCP application, with new applications, support, fixes for defects, camera shake, and many other features. |
| Photoshop for Filmmakers A powerful tool for filmmakers, especially when used in conjunction with other digital media applications, explore Photoshop, including its file formats, masks, filters, adjustment layers, as well as preparing images for video sequences. |
| Voice-Over Techniques Many in the business think voiceover is the least of their concerns when it comes to any production. The reality is that sometimes the voiceover can make or break what you are trying to convey. Learn through scripted examples, exploring bad writing, poor direction, and other foibles, and the solutions to the same. |
| Build an exploration game in Unity Participants will learn how to set up a basic exploration game with an open-source (free) version of Unity, as well as gain some insight into the video game industry. Topics covered include: how to customize and texture paint your environment, basic modeling, first-person controller, and how to make games that are playable on your computer. |
| Immersive Storytelling with 360 Video With 360 panoramic videos, artists are able to transport viewers into exciting realms and share their stories. This new avenue for storytelling can allow viewers to participate in the action and can create more powerful connections than those seen with other forms of media. In this class, you will learn how to begin to create your own immersive story using Adobe Premiere. |
| Intro to Colour Theory for Film and Video Using examples from film and video, this workshop will explore the effects of colour on the viewer and how treatments and manipulation are used in the industry. Beginning with an analysis of additive colour (light-emitting sources), participants will be exposed to the psychological effects of individual colours, saturation, colour “casts”, and colour grading, as well as some popular techniques used in the industry. |
| Sound Editing For Film This workshop is an introduction to using Pro Tools for sound editing in film. Students will be introduced to the post-production workflow for sound editing– including foley, dialogue, and sound effects. We will go over importing an OMF/AAF, building a sound library, basic editing techniques, audio effects, and more. |
| 360 Degree Video Primer Have you ever wondered what 360 perspective looks like? Learn how to shoot, stitch, and edit with a 360 Theta camera. We will upload our 360 videos to YouTube to toggle the screen and experience 360 vision. We will learn how to edit images and sounds with our 360 footage and play with this perspective. |
| Acting for Film and Video Ready to take the spotlight? Learn the ins and outs of screen acting with exercises, practical applications, and tips on making you look the pro on set. Whether you’re a rising star or a director looking for ways to communicate with a cast, this workshop covers the fundamentals. |
| Comprehensive Media Arts Installations Designed for artists installing their own work or artists looking to be informed on working with and what to expect from installation workers. This workshop will introduce participants to the process and logistics of installing media arts-focused exhibitions. Topics covered will be: assessing installation spaces, assembling installation kits, time management, creative problem solving, accessibility considerations, and the relationship between installation planning and curation. |
| Digital Workflows from Stem to Stern Considering workflow and pre-production elements in filmmaking is incredibly important and often overlooked. This workshop will provide participants with a hands-on, interactive look at creating storyboards, shot planning, as well as assembling a digital project that is ready for delivery. Transcoding, data management, proxy files, converting raw footage, XML files, and applying basic colour timing and much more will be covered in this workshop. |
| Directing Dramatic Film Geared towards new directors, this innovative, fast-paced workshop covers script breakdown, shot lists, pre-production, locations, camera placement, post-production, and working with a crew and a producer. |
| Distribution Strategies for Indie Filmmakers A breakdown of navigating the international film festival circuit as a filmmaker, in addition to the SVOD streaming & distribution opportunities for both feature & short films. Intended for both emerging & mid-career artists, festivals and their many intricacies will be demystified with the intent of equipping filmmakers of any kind with incisive strategies to disseminate their film in the most suitable forms. |
| Experimental Documentary Making Participants will learn about the use of mixed digital media to effectively convey story and emotion by thinking outside the confines of a singular narrative or framing device. This involves a consideration of sound, images, and colour; anything that pertains to the moving image. In this workshop, Sharlene will be sharing her works, followed by a discussion where participants are invited to share their own projects at any stage of production. |
| From Photographer to Filmmaker While photographers generally have a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of setting and composition, it can be difficult to retrain the mind from still to moving images. This course aims to make that transition easier, teaching how to develop these transferable skills into cinematic visuals. |
| Introduction To Projection Mapping For artists with plenty of video content to build into their next installation, party, or performance piece, this workshop will teach the basics of working with the node-based software, Isadora (no coding required), and its intuitive projection mapping tool, IzzyMap. Learn to use Isadora* to projection map your video, animation, or images onto 3D physical objects and even learn how to incorporate live interactivity into your installation. |
| Intro to Game Design Covering seven core game design principles relevant to independent artists, whether they’re working in games or other time-based or screen-based art or interactive media. Theoretical talk with hands-on exercises exploring mechanics and rules with a focus on play. |
| Intro to iV for Filmmakers, Animators and Video Ar iV is a system for making synchronous, hackable, interactive narrative games. It’s a Web-based, free, and open source game-making tool designed for anyone interested in creating multi-screen interactive art and video games. |
| Intro to TouchDesigner TouchDesigner is a node-based visual programming language for real-time interactive multimedia content, developed by the Toronto-based company Derivative. Explore UI elements, discuss Operators and Operator families, explore logical workflows, Network optimizations, performance interfaces, display management, etc. TouchDesigner’s core elements will be explained and demonstrated, and many common problems will be preemptively dealt with |
| Producing During The Pandemic This workshop will cover safe practices to keep yourself safe on film sets as productions reopen and Toronto moves towards Stage 3 after the major COVID-19 outbreak, especially in regard to the commercial film industry. Topics: Basic Crew Safety Procedures and the PPE requirements; Preproduction; Prep; Production – Shooting. |
| Social Media for Filmmakers How to devise effective and creative social media strategies for your film project or production company, regardless of your marketing budget and online savviness. The instructor will focus on zero-cost publicity campaign methods that utilize the most common social media platforms, and how to build & retain an online audience that remains interested and invested in the journey of your film project. |
| Video Production for Educators Using participatory video techniques, develop skills for the classroom to engage students in pre- to post-production, including storyboarding, hands-on camera exercises and games, and an introduction to editing. A great March Break workshop! |