The NYFA Panasonic Varicam-35 Masterclass: Telling Stories with Technology2 min read

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The Panasonic Varicam-35 Masterclass by Matt Siegel on 8-9 June attracted students and professionals with one goal in mind: to learn from a multiple-award-winning film producer and cinematographer

Held at *SCAPE in conjunction with the National Youth Film Awards, the masterclass helped students to refine their understanding and techniques in all areas from lighting to composition. For some of the younger students, it was their first time handling professional-grade equipment, making for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“We don’t really get to use these equipments but these equipments are actually industry standard. So yeah I think it’s a very memorable experience for me,” said Ng Sam Yuan, a student from Nanyang Polytechnic.

During the workshop, Siegel encouraged the students to think beyond the technology, using it as a vehicle for the stories derived from their own life experience and the knowledge gained from their education. He would often pause in the middle of a demonstration and ask what kind of story the technique could tell, not proceeding until he had an answer.

“What we want to do is make sure every technology that we introduce here is married beautifully with story,” said Siegel, who has worked as a camera operator on major motion pictures including The Matrix: Reloaded, Master and Commander and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

“Now we have the academic, we have life experience. So now we’re going to train you the skills on how to tell a story”¦ So the message is: Be well rounded. You can’t just go into this as vocational training.”

Each one of the participants walked away having been challenged with a refined understanding of film production, in addition to the new technical skills they have acquired.

The Panasonic Varicam-35 Masterclass is one of six free workshops held this month by professionals in the film industry. To register your attendance for the rare chance to meet and interact with names from Kazz Sato to Royston Tan, please visit http://scapers.sg/nyfa.