Professional Motion Picture Equipment
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The latest technological updates and industry news delivered to your Inbox! For information on updates to all these product lines, special promotions and sales, frequently asked questions and answers, Chicago Academy of Visual Arts (NAMI) classes and more, you can now subscribe to the SMS Productions, Inc. electronic newsletter. To subscribe, or read more about this service, click here to subscribe.

Well it's hard to believe that the first quarter of '99 is behind us. We hope it was a good one for you and yours.

SMS has been busy adding to our rental inventory by building upon the outstanding Aaton XTRprod camera. Now available is a wireless follow focus unit, Chrosziel clamp-on matte box with three filter stages, and the new 7~81mm Angenieux Zoom lens. Now the camera person can shoot the "ECU" and wide shot with just one lens; no changing of lenses or filters needed. This Aaton XTRprod film camera package with accessories provides a cost-effective, high-resolution, and high-quality medium for conversion to HDTV. Come in and take a look!

Also becoming increasingly popular is the Sekonic L-508 Cine. A multi-functional light meter that eliminates the need for multiple meters, saving you money and space.

For those needing quality field cases, KATA is giving Porta Brace a run for their money. Originally designed for the Israeli military, the high quality craftsmanship and durability proved to be so outstanding, requests starting coming in for video and cinema bags. Based on the enormous amount of requests, they started a line of cases and bags to meet the needs of the cinematographer or videographer. They will be introducing even more products at the NAB convention. For more information on their current line, please go to -

• KATA page 1
• KATA page 2
• KATA page 3

More and more people are purchasing the Canon XL-1 camera. While the purchases are being made through consumer mail order outlets or other consumer oriented facilities, they are directing their desire for a Chrosziel Matte Box to SMS. Well, it is here. Come in and check out the Chrosziel 3X3 matte box with French Flag. (Two filter stages) It is ideal for the XL-1 and comes with a less expensive price tag than the larger models. (Filters also available from SMS.)

Moving on to other items of interest, the National Academy of the Moving Image hosted their first seminar January 8-10, '99. In spite of the cold and continued snow, the turnout was great. People even made their way in from Michigan and Wisconsin as well as Chicago's far suburbs. Based on conversations held after the seminar, as well as continued feedback, everyone was glad they made their way through it all to attend. Again, thank you to everyone who assisted with the seminar and to everyone who attended.

* * * * * * * * * *

It's official, the National Academy of the Moving Image will start classes on April 19th. Whether you shoot film (Super 8, 16mm Super 16mm, 35mm) or digital video, a strong foundation in the principles of filmmaking is still mandatory. The first session will be four weeks in duration. More classes will start in May and June. Please check the detailed schedule below.

Additionally, the National Academy of the Moving Image will host the next seminar on June 5th & 6th. Producer/Director William Grefe, one of America's leading independent filmmakers, will be the main speaker. Mr. Grefe will cover Film Financing and Distribution in detail. He will also share his experiences and knowledge on pre-production, production and post production.

His producer and/or director credits include 25 feature films, including the James Bond film "Live and Let Die", "Impulse" starring William Shatner and the highly critically acclaimed "Cease Fire" starring Don Johnson. He was head of Production and President of the Ivan Tors Studios which produced TV series, such as "Flipper" and "Gentle Ben". He served as Chairman of the Directors Guild of America Advisory Board five times. Mr. Grefe is a rare combination of businessman and artist and will be available to answer questions on all facets of filmmaking (after the presentation). Please set that weekend aside and join us for an engaging experience.

Seminar: $195.00

National Academy of the Moving Image Class Schedule

The Fundamentals of Directing: Production Workshop

This comprehensive introduction to directing for the camera details the step-by-step process, from pre-production through post-production, in lectures, demonstrations, screenings, and discussion, illustrated with numerous real-world examples. The instructor covers methods of approach and interpretation, structure, characterization, energy, composition, movement, staging, mood, style, timing and rhythm, and the director's sensitivity to the strengths and weaknesses of fellow artists for whose performances he/she is responsible. Students use their new tools to direct a scene as an in-class exercise. Scenes are shot on ¼" videotape and reviewed in class.

• C113: Monday & Friday -- 6:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
  4/19/99 - 5/14/99

• C114: Saturday -- 9:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
  4/24/99 - 5/15/99

Instructor: Jerry Courtland, Director (Walt Disney Prods. - 12 yrs. and more than 200 episodes of TV)

Hands-On	$695.00
Observer	$350.00
Actors	$350.00

We encourage all actors to take this course!


Industrial and Corporate Filmmaking

This class will cover: basic elements of cinematography; coming to the job prepared (gearwise, attitudewise, or otherwise); contracts; "Up Front" money, travel pay, per diem and cancellation fees; choosing the crew; vendors; reading the script (if available); responsibility for the finished product; working with the producer/director; your relationship with your client and your client's client; giving the film its "look"; working under time constraints; equipment and personal liability insurance and independent contractor vs. employee.

• C116: Monday - 6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
  4/19/99 - 5/10/99

Instructor: Amatore (Tory) Mazzacano, D.P., (Clients: Allstate, Sears, Continental Can, Montgomery Ward, etc.)

$350.00

Camera Assistant Class

The purpose of this four-week course is to allow the student a hands-on approach in learning the duties and protocol of a professional camera assistant. Not only will the daily demands of the First, Second and Loader job classifications be explored but an important emphasis on set etiquette will also be taught. The students will acquire a working knowledge of the challenges and expectations demanded of a Camera Assistant and a realistic overview of the employment opportunities which may exist.

• C115: Tuesday and Thursday - 6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
  4/20/99 - 5/13/99

Instructor: W. Joe Carroll Camera Asst. I.A.T.S.E. 1975-Present, Credits include: The Fugitive, Backdraft . . .

$695.00

Newsreel and Documentary Filmmaking

Filming in uncontrolled and partially controlled circumstances. This class will cover: basic elements of cinematography; working under adverse and uncontrolled conditions, the nature of the newsreel (past and present); the Documentary (glorified newsreel?); the advent of video and its ramifications; selecting equipment that's compatible with the job; documentary script; choosing the crew; "Up Front" money, travel pay, per diem, and cancellation fees; shooting techniques (newsreel/documentary and production); envisioning continuity through the viewfinder; shot opportunities and retakes; equipment and personal liability insurance; independent contractor vs. employee.

• C117: Tuesday - 6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.
  4/20/99 - 5/11/99

Instructor: Instructor: Amatore (Tory) Mazzacano, D.P.
Combat Cameraman - South Vietnam; Documentary Cameraman - ABC, CBS, NBC; Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement.

$350.00

Classes Starting in May and June, 1999

• Monday, May 25th - Budgeting

• Tuesday, May 26th - Lighting (Industrial and Corporate)

• Monday, June 21st - Film Post-Production Using AVID Media Composer with Film Matchback (6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12 - 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.)
  • So often directors and producers come into the edit room without the necessary knowledge of the post production process. Being unaware of critical steps to take can cost a filmmaker time and money unnecessarily. This class will explain the overall steps needed for filmmakers to take their exposed film through the editing stages and to a film release print. The information will be geared for all filmmakers: directors, producers and editors. Although there will be some hands-on AVID editing it is NOT a traditional AVID editing seminar. This course will discuss the various stages of the editing process and the many steps needed (and in what order) to complete a film economically.

Financing and Distribution Seminar

June 5th and 6th

Also Starting In June - Dates TBA

• D.P. Course (Covers Advanced Cinematography and Lighting)

• Props/Set Decorating

• Advanced Directing

Registration:

Please call, fax or e-mail the following information:

1. Name
2. Full address with zip code
3. Telephone number (Home and Office)
4. Pager
5. E-mail address
6. List the Class(es) you are registering for
7. Your film background information

We have created a form that you can print, fill out, and fax or mail to us. Click here to go to our enrollment form.

Deadline For Payment: (For classes starting in April, 1999)

Half Payment Due By April 10, 1999
Balance Due By April 16, 1999

Your assistance is needed! You can help immensely by filling out our National Academy of the Moving Image questionnaire and returning to our attention.

Names of those returning questionnaire will be entered in a drawing for a small gift.
Drawing - 4/30/99

Go to the NAMI questionnaire


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