First steps on a film set: high school students discover the world of cinema with Cinécréatis
On 27/28 and 28/29 April, Cinécréatis welcomed high school and university students in the process of changing careers to its discovery courses dedicated to the film and audiovisual professions. Organised on the Montpellier and Nantes campuses, these immersive workshops enabled participants to discover the different stages in the creation of an audiovisual project, in conditions close to those of a real shoot.
The courses, which were free of charge and had no pre-requisites, were designed to introduce the school’s courses and world to young people who were sometimes still unsure about their future direction. No particular technical level was required: it was not necessary to have already followed courses or extracurricular activities related to cinema or the audiovisual sector to take part. Organised in small numbers and by enrolment only, these courses encouraged a practical, collaborative and immersive approach to the teaching offered by the school.
For two days, participants were able to take their first steps in the field, discover the tools of audiovisual creation and experiment with the various functions essential to making a short film.
A cinematic immersion on the Montpellier campus
In Montpellier, participants immersed themselves in the creation of a short film inspired by the world of Jason Bourne. The aim of the workshop was to offer an immersive experience that would enable participants to discover the technical and artistic requirements of a professional film shoot.
The first day was devoted to shooting in the studio. For the occasion, a set inspired by the aesthetics of spy films was entirely recreated to immerse the students in a dynamic, cinematic atmosphere. Participants learned the basics of framing, directing and handling camera equipment.
Visual inlays were also prepared on the computer screens in the set in order to integrate graphic elements consistent with the project’s universe. This approach enabled the students to understand the importance of visual preparation and detail in building a world that is credible on screen.
The second day was devoted to post-production and, more specifically, an introduction to 3D tracking. Participants discovered how to integrate digital elements into filmed images to achieve a realistic and fluid rendering. This step gave them a better understanding of the role of visual effects in contemporary audiovisual productions and the many possibilities offered by digital tools.
In Nantes, participants discovered all the stages involved in making a film
On the Nantes campus, the discovery course also included the creation of a short film over two days, with a focus on the various stages involved in making a film.
On the first day, participants were introduced to the basics of lighting and camera work. They were introduced to the essential concepts of axis, framing and technical breakdown, before helping to identify sets and allocate roles within the film crew.
On the second day, the students got down to practical work, shooting the scenes they had imagined beforehand. The students then discovered the first stages of editing and finalising the films made during the course.
Over the course of the two days, participants were able to experience first-hand the various stages of audiovisual creation: cutting, location scouting, set design, shooting and editing. It was a complete immersion experience that gave them a better understanding of the film and audiovisual professions, while enabling them to discover the teaching methods and working environment offered by Cinécréatis.
Cinécréatis pursues immersion with its summer courses
The discovery courses organised by Cinécréatis are now over for this year. However, future participants will still have the opportunity to discover the world of cinema and audiovisual thanks to the summer courses offered by the school. These immersive week-long courses will give enthusiasts a more in-depth introduction to the various practices involved in audiovisual creation, as well as giving them hands-on experience on campus.