Reply To: Algebra for Filmmakers

[Dave]

Some algebra would be useful for many of the more technical positions involved in filmmaking, including the camera dept., VFX, and post, among others. Most people used to have at least one algebra class in middle or high school. A refresher style course might be helpful for some. I’d imagine integrating needed math (in an Appendix, for example) in various filmmaking books covering more technical topics might be a way to make it less off-putting for some people. Fortunately, for those people who are motivated to learn on their own, there are lots of resources on various websites, either free or reasonably-priced, in addition to boatloads of videos on YouTube and elsewhere.

I would also add that many people in more technical positions would probably benefit from a “quantitative visual literacy” course that includes interpreting plots/graphs of functions (though that could be included in the algebra course). A shocking number of people who are editors, DITs, and colorists have difficulty working with rather basic algebra…