This is a beginner-friendly introduction to the technical workflows behind modern digital filmmaking. It’s designed for anyone who wants to learn how camera footage is handled safely on set and how material is prepared for post-production. No prior experience is required.
Over three days, you’ll learn the essential skills of a Data Wrangler and Junior DIT: how to offload camera cards with checksum verification, organize footage, manage metadata, create viewing files, and communicate effectively with the camera department and post houses. You’ll also get a practical introduction to color workflows, LUTs, and the basics of the ACES color pipeline.
Class sizes are small, and each participant works hands-on with real camera media using industry-standard tools. The pace is supportive and practical, with lots of opportunity to ask questions. The focus is on building confidence through repetition and clear workflow routines — the foundation of every good DIT.
You Will Learn
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The role of the Data Wrangler & Junior DIT and how they fit into production
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Essential communication and workflow responsibilities on set
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How to safely offload camera cards using checksum verification
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Recommended folder structures and naming conventions
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How to build a daily data workflow from card to delivery
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Understanding RAID levels and the 3-2-1 backup principle
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How to read and manage metadata (timecode, slate, lens data, LUTs)
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Creating viewing dailies (H.264/H.265) for directors and production
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Creating editorial proxies (MXF/MOV) with synced audio
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How LUTs work: technical vs. creative looks, and when to apply them
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An introduction to color spaces and basic ACES awareness
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Handling VFX reference material (HDRI, clean plates, reference stills)
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Quality control (QC): how to spot-check and troubleshoot common issues
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How to prepare a clean daily “handoff” to post production
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Professional practice: kit rates, gear responsibilities, invoicing basics
This class gives you the skills and confidence to manage digital camera media safely and professionally on set. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes, deliver clean and consistent data to post, and support the cinematographer’s workflow from the very first shoot day.
DT101 provides a solid foundation for anyone entering the camera or post department — and serves as the perfect stepping stone toward more advanced DIT and color-workflow training.