Class of autodidactic filmmakers

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The KAF (class of autodidactic filmmakers) is a film training course in Switzerland. It was founded in 2003 by video designer Michel Weber. It was his idea to offer an alternative training method to the classic film training. The autodidactic model of the GAF (group of autodidactic photographers) served as a template . Rolf Ochsenbein adopted the training method in 2005 for the GAK (group of autodidactic composers).

concept

The autodidactic model on which the KAF is based does not offer traditional courses. Every KAF is unique. Those who complete it do not get a state-recognized qualification. No exam is required for either admission or graduation. In Switzerland, the self-taught model has been established since the GAF was founded in 1983 by Marc Blaser. Many well-known professional photographers and filmmakers working in Switzerland started their careers with a KAF or GAF. It is an important concern of KAF to optimize the cost and income of the training and at the same time to guarantee the greatest possible flexibility. Since no institution is financed, there are no costs for administration, infrastructure or advertising. In return, this type of training places high demands on the organization and self-discipline of the participants.

requirements

With regard to the requirements, a distinction must be made between the skills of the participant and the equipment:

Skills

Formally, a participant does not need to have any special skills for a KAF. The most important criteria for a successful KAF are initiative, self-discipline and full commitment. If this is the case, a successful lesson is possible.

equipment

Your own video camera is required as personal equipment. A classic digital video camera (miniDV, HDV) or a DSLR with video function can be used. Classic media such as 8, 16 or 35 mm are very time-consuming and costly and therefore less suitable. A separate editing suite is also required (PC with appropriate video editing software)

Lecturers

Professionals from the various film disciplines are employed as lecturers (directors, production managers, cameramen, editors, scriptwriters, etc.). The class can request lecturers who have already worked for previous KAF classes or are looking for new lecturers. The class selects the lecturers, contacts them and discusses the time, place and content of the lesson with you. She also settles the fee directly with the lecturer. For the preparation of the lesson and the execution of the work after the lesson, each participant must expect at least one to two additional days per class day. Depending on the composition, individual participants can also design teaching days and thus pass on their knowledge to the group. In this case, no fee will be paid to the participant.

costs

Since the KAF is not an institution, it does not have to finance any infrastructure or administration. There are therefore only the costs incurred by the class itself. This ensures that interested parties with a small budget can complete a good training course. Each participant bears the costs for personal equipment and consumables. The lecturers' fees as well as shared rooms and teaching material are shared among the participants in solidarity. To this end, each participant pays an amount (usually CHF 2,000) into a joint account at the beginning of the training. The joint expenses are paid from this account. No refunds will be made if someone leaves the class early. If it is not possible for individual members to pay in the full amount at once, the group can approve payment in installments. In any case, it is advisable to draw up a contract within the group. This regulates the details of the class. The lecturers receive a maximum of CHF 100.00 per hour or CHF 600.00 per day of class for their lessons. In the interests of KAF, this amount should not be exceeded.

Procedure and conclusion

A KAF is formed spontaneously from a group of like-minded people. Usually the class is initiated by a participant. We advertise the class online on a web portal. The initiator organizes the first meeting. Here the topics for the training are determined together in the group, lecturers are selected, the rhythm of the lessons is defined and an initial amount is paid into an account. When forming the class, it must ensure that the participants are approximately at the same level of knowledge. This ensures that both beginners and advanced learners can benefit equally. The class then meets for regular lessons. This takes place monthly, fortnightly or weekly. In between, the participants produce short films, scripts or other film products independently or in groups (according to the tasks of the lecturers). Lessons are ideally organized by several participants so that the load is distributed as evenly as possible. As a conclusion, an independent film production - in groups or alone - is developed. The class organizes showing the film in public.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b Article in the learning foyer of the EB Zurich about the GAF, KAF and GAK. (No longer available online.) In: website of eb-zuerich.ch. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012 ; Retrieved December 26, 2013 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.eb-zuerich.ch
  2. ↑ Article in the learning foyer of the EB Zurich about the GAF, KAF and GAK. (No longer available online.) In: website of eb-zuerich.ch. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012 ; Retrieved December 26, 2013 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.eb-zuerich.ch
  3. ↑ Article in "Panorama" from June 2001. In: Document server from panorama.ch. Retrieved December 26, 2013 .
  4. ↑ Daniel Stern: The diploma is secondary. (PDF; 84 kB) In: WOZ Die Wochenzeitung. June 18, 2009, accessed December 26, 2013 .
  5. ↑ Documentation by Florenze Hardmeyer. In: website of gaf-portfolio.ch. Retrieved December 26, 2013 .
  6. ↑ Model contract. In: website of gaf-portfolio.ch. Retrieved December 26, 2013 .
  7. ^ Concept of the KAF. In: website of autodidakten.ch. Retrieved December 26, 2013 .
  8. ^ Publication of the final films of the 1st KAF class. In: website of baeckeranlage.ch. Retrieved December 26, 2013 .
  9. ↑ Program of the 9th Lichtspieltage in Winterthur with KAF films ( Memento from December 27, 2013 in the Internet Archive )