SWIFT Presents – Camera Lab: Bridging the Gap Between DSLRs to Cinematic Systems

February 24 and 25, 2024, 10:00 am to 4:30pm

Location: UNIT204 Production Services, 1090 Pacific Ave

Registration Fee:  $150

To register online click here and select ‘Camera Lab’ from the list of courses.

About the workshop:

This two-day course is for female-identified, trans, and non-binary adults who understand DSLR/mirrorless manual camera operation and want training with cinema cameras and cinematography. This course trains individuals with a general understanding of videography or photography to gain confidence and an understanding of cinema camera systems and the possibility of furthering their careers in the industry.

Course Overview:

Day 1 – Overview of different camera systems and how to build them. Participants will get experience with different cinema cameras. Instructors will share information and breakdowns covering information about specs and camera operating systems, as well as related gear and camera accessories. This day will be a combination of lectures and practical hands-on learning.

Day 2 – Participants and instructors will touch on stabilization, camera movement, and process. For movement, this includes the different options available and possible approaches to achieve a specific outcome (ex: rigging, positioning, possible supports). For process, this includes how to prepare for a shoot, tech surveys and location scouts, decisions around shot and approach, and a breakdown of camera departments on set. The purpose is to familiarize the participants with different supports and techniques so they can be aware of their options and gain confidence.

Topics of this course will include:

  • Building a cinema camera
  • Camera movement options
  • Accessories
  • Set Culture

*Participants must understand how to operate a camera on manual mode (changing shutter speed/ISO/aperture to get a desired exposure). We will not be covering this in the course.*

About the instructors:

Laina Brown is an Associate Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematography and is the Director of Photography and Co-Owner of Folks Films. She works in music videos, indie short-films, narrative and unscripted TV in Manitoba. Laina specializes in Blackmagic URSA and Sony Mirrorless Cameras systems.

Laina has worked with Canadian artists including The Fretless, Begonia, Dominique Rey, comedian Spencer Adamus and many more. Some of her recent projects include “Big Small Town”, a FibeTV1 sketch comedy series, and the reality cooking show “Ghost Kitchens”. She shot the short film “Model Citizens” which premiered on CBC’s Short Film Face Off and won a Golden Sheaf for best comedy. 

As a partner in Folks Films, Laina has years of experience in a multitude of roles in film projects, including Director, Editor, Creative Director, Camera Operator, Project Manager, Business Owner and more.

Laina studied Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba, with a focus on drawing and photography but couldn’t stop making movies since childhood. Cinematography is a unique artistic medium with enormous creative potential, and a relatively recent history. She is a ‘self-taught filmmaker’ with the guidance of generous mentors, Youtube, and the age-old trial and error!   

You can check out her work at www.laina.ca or www.folksfilms.com

Eden Carter is the Cinematographer and Senior Producer Think Shift Inc. In this role, she works as the lead camera operator and DP for live action projects across Canada and the U.S. and plays a large role in the development and oversight of all visual expression. Her commercial videos range from lean docu-style pieces to large-scale commercial productions.

With over ten years of camera experience, she brings a dedication to compelling visuals and a commitment to quality storytelling for all of her clients. Light, lenses and motion are where she finds real joy, and if she gets to wear a wild-looking camera rig, even better.

Outside of commercial work, she serves on the Digital Film and Media Production Program Advisory Committee, enjoys collaborating with peers on their passion projects and loves finding new ways to connect with women in her industry. If you have a camera, she’d love you to tell her about it.

Eden graduated with a double major in Film Studies and International Development Studies at the University of Winnipeg, and from the Creative Communications program with a major in Media Production at Red River College.

Tamara Roshka is a second-generation Indo Canadian multi-disciplined artist and cinematographer based in Winnipeg, Canada. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba and graduated in 2010.

Over the years she has worked alongside her father, who is a producer/director and editor. Brought up in the TV/Film industry since a young age, she has developed her skills as a camera operator and cinematographer over the years. Tamara uses her Fine Arts background in everything she does – taking great care in composition and artistic expression in her cinematography.

Over the years, she has been mentored by CSC cinematographers and has had opportunities to expand her expertise. With a passion for documentary filmmaking, Tamara has worked on numerous Manitoba productions.

Currently, she is partnering with other women in film on developing strategies, and teaching workshops, to help young women and marginalized individuals who are interested in film, bringing awareness to the challenges women face and advocating for gender equality and diversity hiring in the industry.  

 You can find her work here: https://tamararoshka.com


Cancellation Policy
Participants must cancel up to 4 full business days prior to the course start date to receive an 80% refund. No refund will be given to participants who cancel within 4 full business days before the course start date, or if they do not attend the course.


Film Training Manitoba reserves the right to cancel, or postpone, any course where a minimum registration level has not been met. Participants registered for a course that is canceled will receive a full refund.


FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program (through the Department of Economic Development and Jobs). FTM conducts workforce development and training to build a highly skilled and adaptable film industry to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates with members of the film and television industry to identify the training needs within the community. 

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