Introduction to Basic Lighting for Film, TV, and Documentary with Robert Cortes

Dates: March 7 & 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Winnipeg Film Group, 3rd Floor – 100 Arthur Street

Lighting is one of the most powerful storytelling tools in film and television — shaping mood, guiding the viewer’s eye, and defining how characters and spaces are perceived on screen.

This two-day, hands-on workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of lighting for film, TV, and documentary production. Led by Winnipeg-based gaffer and key grip Robert Cortes, this workshop is designed for emerging filmmakers, crew, and content creators who want to build a strong foundation in lighting theory, equipment, and practical application.

Through guided demonstrations and practical exercises, participants will learn how different lighting fixtures behave, how to control and shape light, and how to apply lighting techniques across narrative and documentary contexts.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will be introduced to a range of lighting fixtures used in film and television production, including tungsten, HMI, and various types of LED lights, and how the quality and characteristics of each affect the look and feel of a scene. The workshop will also explore working with natural light, covering key considerations when using available light on location and how to shape it effectively for both narrative and documentary contexts.

Participants will learn how to control and measure light using industry tools, as well as techniques for softening, shaping, and directing light to achieve specific visual effects. Additional lighting and grip gear will be introduced, including tools used to modify, colour, and control light on set.

The workshop will also examine lighting styles across different genres, introducing foundational concepts such as three-point lighting, day-for-night and night-for-day techniques, and how lighting choices support storytelling. Finally, participants will apply these concepts through hands-on exercises, using a monitor to evaluate lighting setups and practicing real-world lighting scenarios to reinforce their understanding.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

• Emerging filmmakers and cinematographers

• Directors, producers, and content creators

• Crew members interested in lighting, camera, or grip departments

• Documentary filmmakers seeking better visual control

• Anyone looking to strengthen their technical foundation in lighting

No prior lighting experience is required.

This workshop is part of the Winnipeg Film Group’s new 2026 reduced-rate workshop program, made possible through generous support from The Winnipeg Foundation. Thanks to their contribution, we’re able to offer more affordable, hands-on filmmaking opportunities for our community throughout the year.

About the Instructor

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Robert Cortes began his film career in Vancouver in the late 1990s. He later returned to Winnipeg, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking from the University of Winnipeg.

Robert spent many years working with William F. White, Canada’s largest film equipment rental company, in both Vancouver and Winnipeg. Through this experience and his work on set, he has held a wide range of roles across the film industry and currently works as both a gaffer and key grip.

Now based in Winnipeg, Robert continues to grow and support the independent filmmaking community through education and leading by example.

REFUND POLICY

The Winnipeg Film Group reserves the right to cancel any course where the minimum registration has not been met. Anyone registered for a course that has been cancelled is eligible for a full refund, Cancelled course fees may also be used towards any other Winnipeg Film Group training programs.

Assistance and accommodations are available to participants with different disabilities. Please call or email us for more information: john@winnipegfilmgroup.com