New Courses January 2026 at Great Point Studios / Lionsgate

All classes will be taking place at the studio location in Yonkers, New York. Seating will be limited.

Program Overview

The program offers professional training in the use of current motion picture equipment and facilities, combing hands-on-instruction with seminars led by experienced industry professionals who specialize in relevant topics. Designed to complement existing film and media programs at colleges and universities, the course of study provides an opportunity for students to earn *college credit through the University of Mount Saint Vincent or their current higher ed institution. Additionally, participants will gain access to advanced technology and resources that are often unavailable in traditional academic settings or out in the field.

*Credit available at an additional cost of $1,000 per credit hour – University of Mount Saint Vincent

Registration and Course Fees

Students can register independently or through an academic partner program.

Class Size will be limited per section to 20 students per course

Participation fee will be $1,600.00 per course / semester.

Additional Student Tech fee $250.00 per course

Classes will meet weekly - 3 hour sessions.  Classrooms will be located at the Great Point Studios main lot in Yonkers, Westchester.

Registration Fees are for individuals not registering through a partner program.

Domestic Students - $65

International Students - $100*

*All fees listed in USD. International students will be responsible for any exchange rate fees, discrepancies, and adjustments.

Internship and teaching assignments, where applicable, will take place throughout The Great Point Studios campus and the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television school at their Ludlow campus.

The Courses

SPRING 2026

Classes begin Friday, January 30th, 2026

COURSE TITLE: Production Set Safety – Fridays 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM REGISTRATION CLOSED - COURSE FULL

COURSE TITLE: Tools of the Trade – Fridays 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

FALL 2026

COURSE TITLE: Sound Stage Rigging – Fridays – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

COURSE TITLE: On Location – Lighting – Fridays - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

JANUARY 2026 - SPRING SESSION

COURSE TITLE: Tools of the Trade

From Tungsten to LEDs – Working with lighting units to create compelling visuals

Course Objectives: From Fresnels to open face, LEDs to practicals.  Manipulating and enhancing light sources to create visual looks and how they work

Course Learning Outcomes: The mechanics of traditional and digital fixtures to selecting unitthat can best provide a desired image.  Controlling light using Flags, nets, cookies, gels as they relate to the position of Gaffer and Lighting department.

Technical Exam: Setting up a unit and adjusting for a desired image quality and exposure.

Written Exam: Identifying lighting sources and breaking down power requirements by units.

Project: Participants will be provided a still image and will replicate the look and style of the image with the units.

Sequence of Activity

Week 1 – Mechanics of Tungsten and Day lighting units and color correction

Week 2/3 – Working with LED and electronic lighting units

Week 4 – From Yoke to focus knob – Understanding the parts of a lighting unit.

Week 5 – Hot lights / Heavy lights and proper operation and safety – Rigging

Week 6 – From practicals to 10Ks, selecting the right units for the project and control

Week 7 – Using lights on the ground / Using lights on an overhead rig

Week 8 - Controlling Intensity & Quality

Week 9 – Day for Night / Special effects lighting

Week 10 – Lighting through the Production Design / Working with Props and practicals

Week 11 - DMX & Digital Control

Week 12 – Manipulating the color, quality, and intensity of light.

Week 13 - Lighting for Mood & Genre

Week 14 – Putting together the equipment wish list and budgeting for the rentals

Week 15 – Troubleshooting / What can go wrong?

Employment Prep Opportunity fields = Gaffer, Grip, Best Boy Grip, Generator Operator, Electricial

SEPTEMBER 2026 - FALL SESSION

COURSE TITLE: Sound Stage Rigging

From Spring clamps to C-stands working with tools that control and support lights

Course Objectives: Working with and selecting proper rigging tools to support lighting units and grip equipment.

Course Learning Outcomes: Proper use of lighting support, rigging of grip equipment, and securing for set safety. Working on set at a Grip.

Technical Exam: Set up a C-Stand with various options to control a light source.

Written Exam: Describe rigging accessories and how they can be used on a set

Project: Presented with a visual style prompt, students will work to replicate the look using lighting and rigging equipment.  Focus on proper set ups, safety, and light control.

Sequence of Activity

Week 1 - Introduction to Grip & Rigging

Week 2 - Set Safety & Best Practices

Week 3 – Stands and clamps – Using Cardellinis, Mafers to Studded C-Clamps

Week 4 – Flags, Nets, and Silks – Controlling sources

Week 5 – Open Frames and cookies – Building looks with light

Week 6 – C-stands, Combos, and Butterfly set ups - Rigging

Week 7 – Controlling the natural light in a location

Week 8 – The 12 Hour Magic Hour set-up (Maintaining consistent light)

Week 9 – Bounce and Overheads – Lighting large spaces

Week 10 - Rigging for Large Sources

Week 11 - Grip Gear for Camera & Lighting Movement

Week 12 – Safety and set ups around talent and crew

Week 13 - Building & Breaking Down a Lighting Setup

Week 14 – The Role of the Gaffer, Key Grip, and Grips

Week 15 – Challenges of a moving camera – Lighting for the moving camera.

SEPTEMBER 2026 - FALL SESSION

COURSE TITLE: On Location - Lighting

Lighting interior and exterior scenes

Course Objectives: Different production requirements of shooting on location vs. a soundstage.

Course Learning Outcomes: Process of scouting locations, reviewing the power limitations, and options available to prepare for a shoot. Assesses potential shooting locations, focusing on natural and available light conditions, potential rigging points, and how the location's features might affect the lighting plan. Students to work with mixed light set ups.

Technical Exam: Draw an overhead plan marking all power receptacles, windows, and overlay a lighting plan to be considered by the Cinematographer.

Written Exam: Considerations that need to be addressed before selecting a location for a project.

Project: Select a location to shoot a scene, draw an overhead of the space, and layer a lighting plan.

Sequence of Activity

Week 1 - Mood & Storytelling with Light

Week 2 – Cinematographer, Gaffer, Key Grip, Grip on location

Week 3 – The advantages and limitations of working on location

Week 4 – Outlining and Breaking down a lighting plan

Week 5 – Working in small spaces with low ceilings

Week 6 – Edison outlets, breaker boxes, and generators – Running cables

Week 7 -Location Scouting & Light Assessment

Week 8 – Lighting through windows and doors

Week 9 - Practical & Motivated Lighting / Mixed Light Setups

Week 10 – Incorporating practicals in locations

Week 11 – Pipe Clamps, clips, and pigeons – Hiding the sources

Week 12 - Advanced Lighting Techniques

Week 13 – Working with the Production Designer to incorporate lighting accents

Week 14 – Team management / Crewing on professional sets

Week 15 - Prepping for a Project – Select a location, scout it, and create a full lighting plan (diagrams, gear list, power plan).

  moving camera.Employment Prep Opportunity fields = Gaffer, Grip, Best Boy Grip, Generator Operator, Electricial