Every decade or so we see some kind of giant leap in cinematic technology. These advances take the art of filmmaking to entirely new places and changes the game from pre-production to screen.

The RED line of cameras and accessories is one of these leaps. Arguably, the most important camera advance since digital cameras became commonplace, the RED is one of the most sought-after cameras in the industry today. To shoot on a RED camera is to shoot with the best.

Last week, DP Sean Laskey brought his RED camera into the school and spent a couple days teaching Class 10 the ins-n-outs of the razzle-dazzle new hardware and the theory around shooting with the camera.

“It is so important to stay on the logical, leading edge of camera technology, says SFSDF co-founder Stephen Kopels. Bringing in the RED, teaching the camera’s workflow and allowing our students to actually shoot with this thing is pretty exciting.”

Most of Class 10 will be shooting their next project – a :30 commercial – with the RED camera and everyone will have a chance to handle the camera. SFSDF alumni Sean Sullivan and Alex Fletcher will be out in the field with the students making sure each shoot goes smoothly.

Incidentally, Sean Laskey is also an alumni (Class 3) and has turned the skills he learned at SFSDF into a full-time job. His production company, Orange Moon Films, creates documentaries, music videos, indie films and more.