Black Friday - up to 40% off courses - Join MZed Pro annually for only $199!

Vincent Laforet's Directing Motion

Vincent Laforet

Vincent Laforet's Directing Motion

Vincent Laforet
4.75
6h 27m
9 modules (view curriculum)

$349 $199
$349 $225
Or buy just this course and own it forever.
Buy Now
  • Total Time:

    6h 27m

Description

One of the most important skills modern directors and DPs are required to master is moving the camera in a dynamic and engaging fashion. Commercial Director and Pulitzer-Prize winning Photographer Vincent Laforet teaches filmmakers of all levels the precise cinematic language of motion, and how to move not only the camera itself, but also the components in your scene in order to bring a richer viewing experience while enhancing the story. This course will give you a solid foundation in camera movement, blocking, lensing, and sequencing, and show you how to direct any crew precisely and effectively to execute your vision.


Subtitles available: English

Modules

55m

At the beginning of the course Vincent provides an introduction to Directing Motion, and gives a brief history of the evolution of cinematic motion. He instructs you to move from a passive consumer of film to an active student, outlining the tools you need to understand how to energise the frame and further immerse your audience, starting with the language of camera motion and how to describe basic and complex camera moves in both 2D and 3D space.


Subtitles available: English

32m

In this module Vincent takes us through multiple live demos, showing how camera motion can be executed to add depth to your film. From simple moves like a slide to reveal to complex coordinated movements like a zoom-dolly or "Zolly", Vincent shows how to execute these moves perfectly on both Hollywood level production equipment as well as a more accessible alternative.


Subtitles available: English

39m

We continue our study of camera motion as Vincent guides us through more complex moves, again using classic examples from Hollywood's greatest films. We look at using camera motion to satisfy coverage principles, touch on actor blocking and movement within the frame, and discuss motivated versus unmotivated movement and when it is acceptable and appropriate to use the latter.


Subtitles available: English

1h 03m

In the second live shoot of the course Vincent takes us through a pair of scenes from Spielberg's masterpiece, Shindler's List. We start by looking at the principles of coverage, and how to shoot a scene to make it more engaging before looking at a clear definition of roles on a film set. Vincent not only clearly demonstrates how to recreate the shots in the film, but also gives an intimate lesson on how to approach directing actors in both pre-production and on set.


Subtitles available: English

55m

In this module we continue to examine complex and combined camera movements, with the emphasis on sequencing to create an effective and engaging scene. Using examples from a range of classic films such as "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Goodfellas", Vincent gives his keys to providing a rich frame, as well as his coverage principles. We look at the concept of a moving master shot, and when to not move the camera, before finishing with a director's script breakdown.


Subtitles available: English

52m

For the final live shoot of the course Vincent guides us through a sample episodic-style multi-camera shoot firstly using a Steadicam stabilizer, then to shoulder-mounted before ending with a gimbal-mounted shot.


Subtitles available: English

41m

One Shot "Wonders" are the bravest of scenes in filmmaking. In this module Vincent takes us through some of Hollywood's greatest and most memorable one-shot sequences where multiple scenes are linked in a single take, using intricately choreographed cinematography and camera motion. He deconstructs them and explains exactly how camera and actors are used to make every frame dynamic and energised, to heighten the audience's enjoyment of the piece.


Subtitles available: English

15m

In this short module, the Directing Motion post-production specialist takes us through the editing of the three live shoots from the course, including quick shortcuts for creating a multi-camera sequence in Adobe Premiere Pro.


Subtitles available: English

31m

In the final module of the course Vincent takes us through his process for a high-end corporate commercial based on his work on the Nike Flyknit TVC. He explains his steps from conception through the proposal and bid, budgeting, storyboarding and all the way through execution, sharing his tips for success and hard-won lessons.


Subtitles available: English

About the Educator

Vincent Laforet

Director, Filmmaker, Photographer

1 Course

Vincent Laforet is among the most influential pioneers working in film and contemporary photography today. His work includes iconic and inventive commercials for brands including Apple and Nike, as well as photography for magazines such as National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Sports Illustrated.

Reviews

5
A must watch when you feel, you offhandedly want to drop out of regular school to pursue film... It is STILL WORK. Loved it.
Aruho Manzi
5
Loved it! Especially the case studies, very insightful. Fully practical lectures done with a talk less and show more mindset. Thank you!
Andras Paul
5
This is the best investment I have ever made. No regrets. Thanks a lot!
Ibitoye Ifeoluwa
5
Wonderful course! So many things! I really liked the analysis of the films and it would be really fantastic to be able to do more and more. Thank you very much for the shared knowledge and for the valuable advice!
Antonio Coniglio
5
Such a good course. I couldn't find much detailed info on the internet about blocking and motion in cinema. He had great live examples and I loved his breakdown of geometry in Roger Deakins's work and how Spielberg makes his shots.
Cooper DeMar
5
Really good and helpful to understand how important is to know how the motion of the camera plays an significant role in the way to tell the story more effective.
Jose Eduardo Barrios Sotillo
5
Definitely an amazing class. I learned how to construct a scene from this lesson. Highly recommended watching.
Yiwen Wang
5
So so good.
Nick Andrews
5
Amazing. Thank You.
Łukasz Kucharski
5
The warning slide at the beginning of this course was dead on accurate. It WILL ruin television and movies for you, but in a good way. Never had I been a course that will teach everything about shooting. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!
Terrell Epps
5
Fantastic course. Very well put together. It felt like I was in the room. Watch it!
Wayne Rice
5
So there is thorough, and then there is this. Amazingly thorough.
eric brown
5
Absolutely stunning. So much to learn..!! Wow
Jay Mohan
5
Exceptionally amazing.. I liked this course very much. Camera motion can do so much in conveying emotion. Pre-prod is the key.
Alex Rajan
5
Absolutely amazing!
Dominic Eder-Smigura
5
Highly recommended course. Probably one of the best on this topic.
Manoj Jayadevan
5
I had been looking for a camera movement course for some time and was happy to find one one Mzed. The course is great and Vincent Laforet is a fluent teacher. You have to be very focused though, because he's going really fast. But this makes a dense course with a lot of substance.
Alban Cousinié
5
Brilliant course!
ADEMIJU ANJOORIN
5
I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course and I believe I learned what I believe to be easily one of the most important aspects of filming which is motion. Shots with more motion and background action add so much depth to the scene and separates the average directors to the great ones and Vincent laforet is definitely in the class of the greats and provided great insight to the art of motion.
Jordan Voll
5
The best course on why, when, and how to move a camera, when filming a shot. Vincent Laforet is an amazing teacher - I can’t wait to put into practice all that I’ve learned!!
Sharath Pallemoni
5
A truly great course! Definitely content that I will be coming back to. I really appreciate the emphasis on the importance of pre-production. Theory and practical examples are very well intertwined and make for interesting lectures that keep on a steady pace. A huge thank you to the entire team who made it possible and also created an online version for students worldwide.
Tsvetelina Yordanova
5
Wow! What a great course!! Vincent Laforet is an incredible teacher!!! What I loved most about this class is how he explained the topic and them DEMOED it...that's the way to TEACH...thank you Sir!!!! Great Job!!!!!
Carlos Ortiz
5
A lot of quality info with examples nicely condensed in a short course. I learned more then expected of it. Absolutely fully worth the money.
Jan Oudman
5
Love this!
Peter Grano
5
Very insightful!!! Loads learnt .
Gordon Black
5
Perfect balance between theory and real life examples!
Arnold Hammer
5
Fantastic course packed with real world examples and a wealth of information that you can actually take in to your own projects. I binged watched the whole thing in one sitting...
Matt Davey
5
Incredible is all I can say being able to see how the pros do it is something that not many get a chance to see. Thank you Vincent for sharing your wisdom in film making.
Chris Florence
5
Best one on MZED
Eric Niequist
5
Very informative for beginners to become a pro level cinematographer.
Ravi Kaiwart
5
À voir absolument. (A "must see")
Maixent KIONGHAT
5
Wow!!! Get a notebook ready because you're going to need it.
jesse allen
5
Back in 2011 I went to a professional film school and ended up with a Diploma in Motion Directing and Cinematography. If you cant afford expensive film school but want the no-nonsense, no-"BS" learning package, Vincent Laforet's course is probably the closest you can get. A huge knowledge treasure you can get for a fraction of what you would pay in a regular School. I invested in a one year membership subscription with the goal to refresh and maybe to learn new stuff. I haven't been disapointed. This is the real deal!
Randy Tomlinson
5
Great class!
Greg M
5
For a beginner such as myself, this class has been instrumental in completely shifting my whole paradigm when I view films. Some of the most amazing, well put together, and articulated information that a newbie like me could understand and appreciate. Thank you Vincent! Thank you MZed!
Russell Long
5
Awesome
Manal Talal
5
An absolute gem!
Tolani Mosweu
5
Well presented, visually stimulating and thought provoking - a great course from a talented artist.
John Bolland
5
A Genuine MASTERCLASS!!!
Venkat M
5
Absolutely awesome. Amazing finishing case study. Thankyou..!!
Nathan Musson
5
This was an incredibly beneficial course. It's so valuable to see how a true professional director approaches and breaks down a shot, and the meticulous attention to detail that needs to go into every step of the process. Well worth multiple watches!
Peter Eastwood
5
Excellent!
Wilbur Nelson
5
Perfect course! Really amazing guidance. Good combination of theory and practical. Nice professional tricks and tips. Thanks a lot for great course.
Raj Jadhav
5
The best course ever
Shan Yusaff
5
What a perfect course : It is almost if we are in the room with Vincent! Every theoretical moments improved the live training sessions and reciprocally. A masterpiece with professional tricks.
Julien Gouz
5
Better understanding on moving the camera. Great fundamental basics, no more flying blind :)
rendy surindrapati
5
Take notes. The amount of knowledge here is huge.
Rodrigo Resende
5
This course is TOP NOTCH and a must for directors and cinematographers. Especially for those with small crews or doing a project solo, it goes over the roles and thinking and how to map a project & subsequent shots out regardless if you have a production team or if you alone ARE the production team. Follow Vincent's formulaic and time-proven coverage principles and you will be well on your way to a successful shoot.
Dana Allen
4.5
Great insight into pre-production and the director's thought process.
Giles Mallard
4.5
Fantastic look into movement, motivation and technical aspects. Great class!
Benjamin Crenshaw
4.5
As a long time still photographer transitioning into video I found this an excellent course. The format of theory-to practical-to theory is a very effective way to communicate the art of movement in film making. Really enjoyable.
Marshall Cant
4
Great to see behind the scenes work. I would have liked it to go even more in depth about blocking and camera movement, but it's a good intro into the field.
Mohammed Al-Shubaiki
4
Great course to look at directing at a different perspective. His hands on courses are very helpful and uses different films to illustrate motion techniques. The editing portion of the course was cut off and felt out of place though.
Brian Oh
4
Interesting and educating, I learned quite a lot, thank you.
Christoph Janetzko
4
Great course!! Very good analysis.
Alejandro Welsh
4
A very nice course with approved professional impact. Super interesting! For me as a German viewer and listener (who is not so good in native American speach) ist was sometimes to fast but this is a problem on my side.
Juergen Jeibmann
3.5
It's OK.
James Davis
2
Surprinsingly disappointing: - The theory is way too basic. - The scenes from the "Schinder's list" are too simple for this course to spend time on them. The first one does not even have any movement. - Some videos are just taken from youtube, and no new info or insights are added. - The shooting of the action scene looks messy and amateurish, and so it looks the edited piece. Nothing learned apart from what not to do. - There is a chapter dedicated to the editing of the pieces which seems to belong to another course (not "moving the camera") - Mr Laforet's attitude to the students makes me feel unconfortable sometimes, it looks patronizing, making them repeat the list of cam movements as if they were children, also asking questions as if there is only one right answer, his answer. The "make sense?" thing also seems like: I know it makes sense, I know it all, just asking rethorically. The last chapter was interesting.
toño lopez
0
Awesome course!
Fidel Ventocilla
Ready to Get Started with MZed Pro?

Make a commitment to becoming a better filmmaker, today. Seven-day money-back guarantee (view full terms here).

Monthly Membership
Annual Membership
Monthly price
$49/month
$29/month $16.58/month
(billed annually)
Unlimited access to all courses
Learn from Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winning educators
Offline download and viewing with the MZed iOS app
Industry recognized certificates upon course completion
Over $9000 in course value
7-day money back guarantee