Course Title: Develop lighting designs

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: PERF5090C

Course Title: Develop lighting designs

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Contact: Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815

Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Andrew Harrison

Phone: 03 9925 4350

Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to interpret creative briefs and develop lighting designs for a range of screen content.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUALGT504 Develop lighting designs

Element:

1. Interpret creative brief

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Analyse performance outlines and/or scripts to determine production concepts

1.2 Participate in preliminary concept meetings with relevant personnel to discuss lighting options and requirements

1.3 Identify factors that may determine and affect lighting design

1.4 Access and prepare relevant documentation and brief own lighting team on requirements

Element:

2. Research lighting design concepts and technologies

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify and source references that may inform the design process

2.2 Analyse sources and references in context of design project

2.3 Evaluate impacts and potential of new and emerging technologies to inform the design

2.4 Collect, collate and adapt materials to develop initial design concepts

Element:

3. Generate and assess lighting design ideas

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Generate a range of ideas for designs that respond sympathetically to the brief and different design elements, and provide creative solutions to technical lighting issues

3.2 Discuss ideas and collaborate with relevant personnel to maximise their contribution to initial concepts

3.3 Analyse ideas for implications on cost and time, technical feasibility, and their suitability for brief

3.4 Provide strategic lighting information that enhances production outcomes

Element:

4. Develop and document lighting designs

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Consult with relevant personnel so additional or changed requirements and new ideas are considered and incorporated during the development of designs

4.2 Collaborate with relevant personnel to achieve consistent artistic interpretation

4.3 Evaluate initial concepts and select the most appropriate approach, in line with budget, research findings and ongoing reflection and discussion

4.4 Use initial concepts as the basis for developing lighting designs within the required timeframe that meet budget constraints, production schedules and relevant work health and safety (WHS) requirements, and other relevant factors

4.5 Complete documentation according to production requirements and enterprise procedures

Element:

5. Finalise lighting design

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Present draft lighting plans and specifications to relevant personnel in an appropriate format and within required timeframes

5.2 Participate in initial and ongoing evaluation of draft designs

5.3 Negotiate and agree to modifications to designs and undertake necessary amendments

5.4 Agree to final designs and produce documentation to support implementation

5.5 Present final design, plans and specifications to relevant personnel and confirm all production requirements have been met


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to interpret creative briefs and develop lighting designs for a range of screen content.


Details of Learning Activities

Your learning activities will take place in a studio, workshop or classroom using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.


Teaching Schedule

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week Class Content Assessment Elements
1 Overview of the course, assessment and facilities OH&S: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for the TV studio (teaching space)   CUADRT604: 1,2 CUALGT504:1,2 CUACAM601: 1
OH&S: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for the TV studio (teaching space)
Screening and analysis of previous student work
Introduction to HD video camera operations and handling: Canon EOS C100
Recording formats, sensors, resolution, codecs and data wrangling – ATOMOS Drives, 8 and 10 bit recording
Introduction to camera supports and location audio recording equipment
Introduction to professional lighting for digital video: safety, equipment handling, types of lights, lighting terminology
Includes class exercises and discussion
2 Revision of week 1 Assessment Tasks (non-graded and graded): Form production groups CUADRT604: 1,2,3 CUALGT504:1,2,3 CUACAM601: 1,2
Grip equipment and camera supports
Lighting for HD Video
Camera set up, calibration, operation and troubleshooting
Light and colour
Using colour in storytelling
Camera and Lighting plans
Camera and logging reports
Camera coverage and shot selection
Crew roles and responsibilities, shoot protocols and slating procedure 
Form production groups for Assessment Tasks
Includes class exercises and discussion
3 Revision of week 2   CUADRT604: 3 CUALGT504:1,3 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Video latitude and broadcast safe
Bit depth and banding
Controlling the HD image – HD Video Exposure and lighting
Controlling exposure
Colour balance, temperature and filters
Colour correction
Includes class exercises and discussion
4 Revision of week 3 Reminder: Assessment Task 1 – Due Next Week CUADRT604: 1,2,3 CUALGT504:3,4 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Exposure meters and ‘correct’ exposure
Exposure: overall and balance within the frame
Exposure: greyscale and the zone system
Optics and focus – reflection, refraction, exposure
Camera Lens: depth of field, f/stop, focus pulling, circle of confusion and field of view
Preparation for Assessment Task 1
Includes class exercises and discussion
5 Assessment Task 1 (non-graded) Assessment Task 1 (non-graded) CUADRT604: 1,2,3,4 CUALGT504: 1,2,3,4 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Creating a look: planning, shooting and lighting an interview
Revision of weeks 1 to 4
6 Review Assessment Task 1 (non-graded) – student presentation of edited work Assessment Task 1 (non-graded) – Review of student work CUADRT604: 1 CUALGT504: 1,3 CUACAM601: 1,4
Revision of week 1 to 5
Conceptual tools of Cinematography
Genre, subtext, metaphor and shooting methods
The lens, frame, visual storytelling and continuity
Lighting for storytelling and metaphor
Case Study – cinematographers and directors
Production operations – planning coverage, script breakdown and the shot list
Includes class exercises and discussion
7 Revision of week 6   CUADRT604: 1,2 CUALGT504: 1,3,4 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Camera movement – types of moves, moving shots
Camera mounting – handheld and shoulder mount
Introduction to the dolly
Camera and lighting plan for camera movement shots
Narrative motivation and camera movement technique
Lighting for camera movement
Exterior shooting – camera operation, lighting and conversion gels
OH&S: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for exteriors and location filming
Includes class exercises and discussion
8 Revision of week 7 (continuation of week 7 class exercise)   CUADRT604: 3,4 CUALGT504: 1,2,3,4 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Dolly – terminology, handling and technique
Camera and lighting plan for dolly movement shots
Other camera mounts
Exterior shooting – available light and sunlight
Revision – location sound recording
OH&S: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for exteriors and location filming
Includes class exercises and discussion
9 Revision of week 8   CUADRT604: 1,2,3 CUALGT504: 1,3,4 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Using colour in storytelling
Camera Gamma settings
Introduction to LUT’s (Look Up Tables)
Applying LUT’s to footage in Premiere
Includes class exercises and discussion
10 Revision of week 9 (continuation of week 9 class exercise) Reminder: Assessment Task 2 – Due Week 11 CUADRT604: 1,2 CUALGT504: 1,2,3 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Gamma setting and exterior shooting
Colour theory and LUT’s
Preparation for Assessment Task 2
Includes class exercises and discussion
11 Assessment Task 2 (non-graded) Assessment Task 2 (non-graded) CUADRT604: 1,2,3,4 CUALGT504: 1,2,3,4 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Developing a mood: planning, shooting and lighting a drama sequence
Revision of weeks 1 to 10
12 Review Assessment Task 2 (non-graded) – student presentation of edited work (continuity edit) Assessment Task 2 (non-graded) – Review of student work CUADRT604: 1,2,3 CUALGT504: 1,2,3,4 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Revision of weeks 1 to 11
Prepare for Assessment Task 3
Includes class exercises and discussion
13 Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part A Assessment Task 3 (graded) – Part A Due CUADRT604: 1,2,3,4 CUALGT504: 1,2,3,4,5 CUACAM601: 1
Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
Part A - Submit individual marked up script, camera and lighting plans, storyboards and shot list for narrative script (Due beginning of class)
Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part B
Group pre-production preparation
Part B – work on group pre-production folio for narrative script (Due beginning of class next week).
Prepare for shooting next week – Part C: Day 1
14 Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part B Assessment Task 3 (graded) – Part B Due CUADRT604: 1,2,3,4 CUALGT504: 1,2,3,4,5 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
Part B – Submit group pre-production folio for narrative script (Due beginning of class)
Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part C: Day 1
Finalise equipment and prepare for filming
Part C – Begin group shooting of Assessment Task 3: Day 1
Submit shooting day 1 footage (Due end of class)
Review and edit day 1 footage
Prepare for day 2 shooting (next week)
15 Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part C: Day 2 Assessment Task 3 (graded) – Part C Due CUADRT604: 3,4 CUALGT504: 4,5 CUACAM601: 1,2,3,4
Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
Review day 1 filming and prepare for day 2 
Part C – Complete group shooting of Assessment Task 3: Day 2
Submit shooting day 2 footage (Due end of class)
Review and edit day 1 and 2 footage
16 Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part D Assessment Task 3 (graded) – Part D Due CUADRT604: 4 CUALGT504: 5 CUACAM601: 2,3,4
Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
Review all footage and complete continuity edit
Part D – complete group based edit and export (Due start of class)
Part D – complete individual evaluations and appraisals (Due end of class)


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Viera, Dave and Maria 2005, Lighting for film and digital cinematography, Belmont, California, Wadsworth , London, Thomson Learning

Brown, Blair 2012, Cinematography Theory and Practice 2nd Ed, Elsevier, Oxford

Burum, Stephen H 2007, American cinematographer manual Vol. 1 and 2, ASC Press Hollywood, California

Uva, Michael 2009, The grip book, Amsterdam, London, Focal Press

Lorenze, Catherine 2004, Dream gear : cool and innovative tools for film, video, and TV professionals, Studio City, CA, Michael Wiese Productions


References

Production documents on Screen Blackboard

Screen Production Guide

All manuals are held at the schools equipment store.

Camera manual for Canon C100

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.

Hollywood Camera Work DVD box set (Vol. 1-6)


Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Blackboard.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester and will involve practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and practical team based location productions.


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback on all assessment and where indicated, you will receive a grade. Graded assessment tasks are equally weighted and will determine your final result for this course.

Assessment Tasks (ungraded):
1. Assessment Task 1: Creating a look: planning, shooting and lighting an interview (ungraded). This is a group based practical filming and lighting task completed on campus. You will give a short presentation of your completed work. Due Date: Week 5, presentation - Week 6
2. Assessment Task 2: Developing a mood: planning, shooting and lighting a drama sequence (ungraded). This is a group based practical narrative filming and lighting task. You will give a short presentation of your completed work. Due Date: Week 11, presentation - Week 12

Assessment Task (graded):
3. Assessment Task 3: Interpreting a story - planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film. This is the production of an approved short film. Assessment for this project is divided into four (4) parts:
Part A: Individual pre-production documents folio. Due - Week 13
Part B: Production Group pre-production folio. Due - Week 14
Part C: Group based filming of short film. Camera footage from filming to be submitted at conclusion of shooting. Due - Week 15
Part D: Group based continuity edit of short film and individual evaluations. Due - Week 16

Assessment Tasks 1, 2 and 3 are to be finalised by no later than end of Semester 1 Week 16

Grading criteria for graded assessment can be found on the course Blackboard site.

You will be assessed using the following grades:

CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. The assessment matrix for this course can be found on Blackboard or from your teacher.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work.  Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

 

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