Squeeze the best footage out of the gear you have.

In this weekend Master Class, videographer and ex-CTV bureau chief Kai Nagata takes you through two days of collaborative, hands-on training to squeeze the best footage out of the gear you have. This workshop will walk you through everything from conceptualization to distribution, with a chance to film and edit something you can take home afterward or post online.

Day One begins with a discussion about gear, technique and maximizing cost-to-impact ratio. After lunch, participants will break into film crews and get their feet wet with a camera exercise before reconverging for screenings and group discussion. The day will end with scripting for a collaborative Sunday project.

On Day Two, participants will take what they’ve learned and put it to use in their own short video projects. Groups will head outside to film in the morning, and will edit and attend break-out sessions on funding in the afternoon. The day draws to a close with refreshments and snacks to accompany final project screenings, instructor feedback and networking with other Kai and other filmmakers.

Lunch, snacks and refreshments provided.

Who's it for? Journalists, amateur filmmakers, community groups, photographers, writers -- anyone wishing to weave documentary technique into their work. This course is designed to be flexible and relevant for all skill levels.

Required Materials: Bring whatever equipment you can borrow. A laptop computer with some video-editing software (doesn't matter what) and a digital camera or phone that shoots video will be helpful.

Kai Nagata is a graduate of Templeton Secondary School, the UBC English department, and Concordia University's Journalism program. He worked as a video production instructor at the Pacific Cinémathèque, then later as a radio reporter and videojournalist at the CBC in Montreal. Kai briefly held the post of Quebec City Bureau Chief at CTV, reporting mostly on politics, but resigned after losing faith in the potential of TV news to effect meaningful social change. These days Kai is the Tyee's Writer in Residence, and is developing documentaries and experimenting with new models for online journalism and political engagement.

Follow Kai on Twitter @kainagata.

Visit Kai's blog.

Don't live in Vancouver? The Tyee has partnered with the Rosedale on Robson hotel to offer a 25% discount to Master Class participants. The Rosedale on Robson is a locally-owned, eco-friendly hotel within walking distance of the classes. Just mention you want The Tyee rate at the time of booking.