Film Clapper Loader

Course: Film Clapper Loader

Dates of delivery: Tues 28th & Weds 29th Jan 2025

Duration:  2 Days

Cost: Free

Venue: Clermont House, Rathnew, Wicklow.

Course Tutor: Alan Butler

Course Profile:

This course is applied for as stand-alone but is also part of our Practical Up-skills Intensives Series that will run throughout the year and feature several different courses that will offer practical hands-on training in essential tools and techniques. Individual courses are now woven into cohesive programs and series, creating strategic, extended learning pathways that offer greater depth and context. This interconnected approach ensures that learners benefit from a holistic training experience that provides comprehensive, skill-building opportunities.

Using real film on a film set is an important way to keep the heart of cinema alive. Film captures a unique look and feel that digital formats often can’t match. Embracing real film in modern productions ensures a unique, enduring connection to the roots of visual storytelling in a digital age.

This course will be hands on practical and classroom based, focussing mainly on 35mm but also covering 16mm.

The course will be delivered over 2 days and cover the following:

• A thorough guide to the film process from new film roll to processing by the lab.
• A full understanding of the film material itself and what the information on the can label means.
• A comprehensive guide to all professional film cameras and how they work.
• The duties of a Clapper Loader and how to handle film stock correctly.
• How to prep a film shoot and what tests are required.
• How to steady test a film camera.
• Proper reporting, labelling and management of film stock.
• The course will include practical experience of loading magazines and lacing cameras.

Participant Profile:

This course is aimed specifically at 2nd ACs and experienced camera trainees who wish to acquire the skills necessary to work as Film Clapper Loaders on Productions.

Application Procedure:

Please apply online before the deadline at this LINK by 12pm, Fri 10th Jan.

For technical difficulties with the online system please email jade.travers@nationaltalentacademies.ie or brian.murphy@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Selection on courses/programmes will be based on quality of application and industry experience relevant to the course and participant profile. We do not accept CVs so please make sure you outline all relevant experience in the application form. 

Film & TV Crew Academies courses are open to all regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

Tutor Profile:

Alan Butler is a seasoned professional in the film industry, specialising in the camera department. His notable contributions include work on films such as "Reign of Fire" (2002), "The Omen" (2006), and "Abigail" (2024).  

His extensive experience has made him a respected figure in the industry. Alan has been involved in over 100 projects, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the craft.