Foundations of Film

FOUNDATIONS OF FILM

Courses in this area serve as essential steppingstones for individuals embarking on a career in the film, television, or commercial industries. Classes are designed to equip students with the foundation knowledge, terminology, and skills necessary to pursue additional training or a career in a specialized area.

Working in a film camera department is technical work that is both physically and mentally challenging. It also requires contractors who are skilled and experienced. This introductory course provides an overview of the camera department, roles of the camera crew, career pathways in the field, and skills you can practice getting started in this growing industry.

Students will also be introduced to the fundamental principles of cinematography, including composition, highlighting, framing, and camera movement. Students will become familiar with several types of cameras, lenses, and other essential equipment used in film and TV production. Additional content will focus on the hierarchy and responsibilities in the camera department, establishing a collaborative workflow between the camera department and other departments, as well as professional etiquette, on-set protocol expected in the camera department., safety, equipment handling, and the importance of clear communication.

Students will have the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment, and practice different camera techniques. This course will also provide an overview of career pathways within the camera department. Students will learn about industry trends, job prospects, and the skills required to pursue a career in cinematography. No film experience is needed for this course, but camera and video experience are a plus.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

1/09 | T | 6 - 9 PM | $49

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Learn more about instructor Andrew Appleyard.

Having a well-crafted film industry profile is one of the most important steps you can take to increase your visibility and credibility and land a job. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn where you should be listed and why, discover tips for optimizing your profile for maximum impact, and identify pitfalls to avoid. Additional content includes how to connect with local industry-specific groups, tips for building your personal brand, using social media to promote your film projects, and strategies for keeping your profiles current. Whether you are new to Oklahoma’s film industry or already have a few credits, this class can help achieve maximum impact through an online profile.

1/20 | Saturday | 9 AM - 3 PM | $39 

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Learn more about instructor Jordan Wilson.

Thinking about a career in the film industry but don't know where to start or which jobs align with your skill set? This one-night course provides and overview of each department in the film industry including what they do on a set, skills needed to work in that department, and pathways for employment. Time will also be spent discussing how departments work with each other during a production.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

1/22 | M | 6 - 9 PM | $29

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Learn more about instructor Ty Dickson.

Getting a job in the film industry is the first step. Understanding the industry's unique employment paperwork is the next one. This course will walk you through how to complete the federal, state, and industry specific paperwork needed for employment in the film industry.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

1/23 | T | 6 - 9 PM | $29

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Learn more about instructor Ty Dickson.

Radio communication on a film set is the secret language that keeps the production running smoothly behind the scenes. In addition to getting hands-on experience using a walkie talkie, participants will learn about the dedicated channel that each department uses, how to keep messages clear, learn the use of industry-specific lingo, etiquette and timing, testing equipment, and coordinating with other crew members.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

1/24 | Th | 6 - 9 PM | $29

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Learn more about instructor Ty Dickson.

A Production Assistant performs a wide array of services on a film set and no two days are the same. Typical tasks include helping move equipment, handing out scripts and shooting schedules, organizing paperwork, cleaning up set, and anything else that's needed on a set. In this crash course, you'll learn what it's really like to be a PA.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

1/25 | Th | 6 - 9 PM | $29

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Learn more about instructor Ty Dickson.

Having a well-crafted film industry profile is one of the most important steps you can take to increase your visibility and credibility and land a job. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn where you should be listed and why, discover tips for optimizing your profile for maximum impact, and identify pitfalls to avoid. Additional content includes how to connect with local industry-specific groups, tips for building your personal brand, using social media to promote your film projects, and strategies for keeping your profiles current. Whether you are new to Oklahoma’s film industry or already have a few credits, this class can help achieve maximum impact through an online profile.

2/13 & 2/15 | TTh| 6 - 9 PM | $39 

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Learn more about instructor Adam Ropp.

Dive into the world of aerial filmmaking as you learn the essentials of operating drones for film and TV production. From mastering flight controls to capturing breathtaking aerial shots, this hands-on course equips you with the skills needed to elevate your storytelling to new heights.

No experience required. Drones will be provided for use during this class.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

3/12 & 3/14 | TTh | 6 - 9 PM | $49

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Learn more about instructor Jacob Ashlock.

This course is the foundation of Meridian's film industry training. It provides an overview of the film industry for those just beginning a film crew career or those interested in exploring opportunities in this growing industry. No previous film experience is required for this course.

Participants will become familiar with the film and television vocabulary, set equipment, film crew roles, employable soft skills, networking, and other essential knowledge for a career in the film industry. Time will also be spent discussing working conditions associated with a career in the television and film industry.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

4/9, 4/10,  4/11  from 6 - 9 PM &  4/13 and 4/14 from 9 AM - 5 PM | TWTh and Saturday and Sunday |  $199

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Learn more about instructor Ben Richardson.

Explore the essential drone angles used in film and learn practical strategies for capturing effective footage. From mastering the classic bird's-eye view to implementing strategic flyovers, we explore various drone tactics employed in film and TV. Dive into the nuances of framing, movement, and timing, and discover how these elements contribute to visually striking aerial images.

Drones will be provided for use during this class.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

4/9 & 4/11 | TTh | 6 - 9 PM | $49

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Learn more about instructor Jacob Ashlock.

Thinking about a career in the film industry but don't know where to start or which jobs align with your skill set? This one-night course provides and overview of each department in the film industry including what they do on a set, skills needed to work in that department, and pathways for employment. Time will also be spent discussing how departments work with each other during a production.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

4/22 | M | 6 - 9 PM | $29

Enroll Now

Learn more about instructor Ashley Stewart.

Getting a job in the film industry is the first step. Understanding the industry's unique employment paperwork is the next one. This course will walk you through how to complete the federal, state, and industry specific paperwork needed for employment in the film industry.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

4/23 | T | 6 - 9 PM | $29

Enroll Now

Learn more about instructor Ashley Stewart.

Radio communication on a film set is the secret language that keeps the production running smoothly behind the scenes. In addition to getting hands-on experience using a walkie talkie, participants will learn about the dedicated channel that each department uses, how to keep messages clear, learn the use of industry-specific lingo, etiquette and timing, testing equipment, and coordinating with other crew members.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

4/23 | T | 6 - 9 PM | $29

Enroll Now

Learn more about instructor Ashley Stewart.

Having a well-crafted film industry profile is one of the most important steps you can take to increase your visibility and credibility and land a job. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn where you should be listed and why, discover tips for optimizing your profile for maximum impact, and identify pitfalls to avoid. Additional content includes how to connect with local industry-specific groups, tips for building your personal brand, using social media to promote your film projects, and strategies for keeping your profiles current. Whether you are new to Oklahoma’s film industry or already have a few credits, this class can help achieve maximum impact through an online profile.

This course will take place at our South Campus in Guthrie located at 3025 S. Division St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

5/28 & 30 | TTh | 6 - 9 PM | $39 

Enroll Now

Learn more about instructor Adam Ropp

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