Eching. The big opening ceremony at Sachtler’s open house event 2005: the Sachtler Academy moves into its own studio on the company’s premises in Eching, near Munich. Since then, numerous international workshops and training sessions have taken place at the Sachtler Academy, a forum where professionals and newcomers can exchange know-how and experience. The workshops range from basic to advanced courses, with camera stabilizing systems, professional lighting and, for example, workshops on the subject of HD. Moreover, the Academy has taken the game to the players: at the end of 2006, the first workshop took place in the USA and courses are planned in Ascona and Dubai for 2007.

“Technical innovation is always linked with a gain in know-how that needs to be passed on,” says Heinz Kossler, CEO of Sachtler Camera Dynamics GmbH, explaining how the Sachtler Academy came into being. However, this original service concept has developed into an institution that has become an important address for customers and users when know-how transfer and practical experience are in demand.

Encouraging the newcomers

A wide range of workshops and training sessions are featured at the generously-sized studio rooms. In co-operation with partners from the worlds of camera, film and television technology, the Sachtler Academy also runs workshops involving more than one manufacturer, so that new paths may be taken together. ”The Sachtler Academy has developed into a platform for all those who want to play a part in shaping the future of the film business, whether manufacturers, camera operators, studio professionals or students. We are particularly interested in encouraging young talent in the film and TV world, working closely with colleges and academies for media, film and television,” says Marion Ahrensfeld, who is responsible for the Sachtler Academy. Above all, insights are given into the technology and systems used for video, film and studio work.

The Sachtler Academy is open to everyone who wants to gain know-how, share his or her knowledge and exchange experience with colleagues in the business.  ”We want to do more than just pass on our know-how: we want to learn, too. The feed-back we get on what our customers and partners need is channelled directly back into our technical innovations,” stresses Heinz Kossler. For details of the current range of workshops, multi-media impressions or contacts, see www.sachtler-academy.com.