2-Part Class: Cinematographers: How to Prepare & What to Expect On Set

Learn from Carmen Cabana, an acclaimed cinematographer celebrated for her work on 52 TV episodes and 25 feature films, including Netflix’s NARCOS and Blumhouse’s NOCTURNE!

You’ll receive storyboard samples, example call sheets, an assignment to create your own shot list and more!

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

A film or TV production thrives on teamwork, and is a collective effort. As a cinematographer, you are at the heart of bringing the creative vision to life. By knowing how to prepare and understanding what’s expected of you—both before and during filming—you have the power to foster a collaborative, inspiring work environment. This is your chance to shine, earn respect on set, and build a reputation that opens doors to exciting new opportunities. In this exclusive Stage 32 2-part class you’ll gain the tools and confidence to excel and make a lasting impact on every project you work on.

Missteps on set can cost you time, money, and even future opportunities. Not fully understanding your responsibilities, failing to communicate effectively, or being unprepared can hinder not only your success but the success of the entire production. Without mastering set etiquette, pre-production planning, and the collaborative workflow, you risk missing out on building meaningful industry connections and achieving your goals. With Carmen Cabana’s expert guidance, you’ll gain live insights and strategies needed to navigate these challenges and thrive in your role.

Your host, Carmen Cabana, is an acclaimed cinematographer celebrated by Variety, American Cinematographer, and ICG Magazine. Raised in Colombia and Venezuela, Carmen brings a rich cultural perspective to her storytelling. Her impressive credits include Narcos S2 (Netflix), Ms. Marvel (Disney+), The Big Cigar (Apple+), Vida (Starz), and many more. With a portfolio spanning 52 TV episodes, 25 independent films, and high-profile commercials for brands like Doritos and Discover, Carmen is here to share her wealth of knowledge and help you achieve your goals.

By the end of this class, you’ll walk away with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel as a cinematographer. From mastering pre-production essentials to effectively navigating on-set dynamics, you’ll gain a comprehensive toolkit to elevate your craft, build strong industry relationships, and leave a memorable impact on every project you work on. 

This interactive Stage 32 class is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!

PLUS! You will receive the following handouts:

• Storyboard Samples
• Example Call Sheets
• An assignment to create your own shot list to be shared in class

Praise For Carmen's Previous Stage 32 Education:

"Wonderful see the pre-production process from a cinematographer's POV! Also really appreciated that Carmen dropped the names of helpful apps."

"Carmen shared so many valuable insights-truly an informative session"

"Carmen not only presented the process beautifully, but I left feeling so inspired for whats next for me! Thank you Carmen & Stage 32"