By Francis Mukasa, cameraman WBS TV, Uganda

When I was chosen to join other East Africans for the DW-AKADEMIE  training in Kampala from 21st June to 8th July 2011,  I was excited. This being my first time to interface with professional trainers on television production, my expectations were high. When I walked into the training room at Hotel International in Kampala, I met people from different countries, who were all eager to learn. People, who confessed that they did not know much and were read y to fill their brains with what the trainers would offer us.

Shooting skills

My first lesson was how to use a professional camera and monitor sound while on location. It was interesting for me, because while I was working as a cameraman in my current work station, WBS TV, I still had difficulties in some camera operation and self confidence.

My colleagues Coletta Wanjohi and Vincent Wamundu (from left) join me on a test shoot

Our television trainers, Thomas Rehermann and Florian Mettke, were a great inspiration to me. Florian took time outside his normal schedule to answer the puzzles I had about camerawork, and also to give guidance on how to simplify my work.

I learnt how to shoot sequence of actions to create continuity, and  that it was advisable to take extra pictures that would ease editing. I also learnt how to control location sound and statement sound. I was excited when the trainers commended me on my pictures after the first shoot It gave me the the morale to give even more.

More video editing skills

I attended the training with basic video editing skills and little did I know that I would be a better editor by the end of the three weeks training. I was introduced to Avid editing programme, which I surprisingly mastered in few hours. I am now able to balance location sound, narration sound and international sound, on stories for broadcast.

Although I had skills on editing with final cut programme, Florian Mettke, my trainer, helped me greatly to develop more skills  like balancing audio, working on colour balancing/picture quality and so many shortcuts for editing.

Seniority!

The three weeks were worth it and as I walk back to my employer ,WBS TV Kampala, I am a more confident Francis. I walk back not as the junior cameraman and video editor they knew three weeks ago, but actually as a SENIOR!