Course Title: Direct cinematography for screen productions
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2015
Course Code: VART5925C
Course Title: Direct cinematography for screen productions
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6087 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact : Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 4815
Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Andrew Harrison
Phone: 9925 4350
Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
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 performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop camera coverage of scenes for a screen productions.
This course is co-delivered and assessed alongside Conceive and develop lighting designs CUFLGT501A and Direct cinematography for screen productions CUFCAM601A.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFCAM601A Direct cinematography for screen productions |
Element: |
1 Prepare for shoots. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Participate in pre-production conferences with relevant production personnel to establish overall production requirements for shoots. |
Element: |
2 Set up for shoots |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Manage selection and set-up of equipment and accessories to meet planned shots, ensuring safety of relevant production personnel and other |
Element: |
3 Shoot content. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Supervise technical and creative operations of camera shoots during productions consistent with actions devised during rehearsals. |
Element: |
4 Wrap up shoot. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Supervise dismantling, packing and storing of equipment and accessories and complete necessary documentation. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will be able to use key elements of scripts or shot plans as the basis for devising camera coverage for a screen productions.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will consist of
-demonstrations
-workshops
-practical exercises
-productions
-discussions
-screenings
-reading set texts
-group planning & development of camera & lighting assessments.
You will be responsible for your learning and will be expected to engage in independent research, reading, study, practice and screenings.
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.
SEMESTER 1 | |||
Week | 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) • Screening and analysis of previous student work • Introduction to HD video camera operations and handling: Panasonic 502 P2, Canon EOS C100 • Recording formats, sensors, resolution, codecs and data wrangling • 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 |
CUFDRT604A: 1,2 CUFLGT501A: 1,2 CUFCAM601A: 1 |
|
2 | • Revision of week 1 • Grip equipment and camera supports • Lighting for HD Video • Camera set up, calibration, operation and troubleshooting • Camera and Lighting plans • Camera 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 |
CUFDRT604A: 1,2,3 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3 CUFCAM601A: 1,2 |
|
3 | • Revision of week 2 • Video latitude and broadcast safe • Bit depth and banding • Controlling the HD image – HD Video Exposure and lighting • Controlling exposure • Includes class exercises and discussion |
CUFDRT604A: 3 CUFLGT501A: 1,3 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
|
4 | • Revision of week 3 • Exposure meters and ‘correct’ exposure • Exposure: overall and balance within the frame • Exposure: greyscale and the zone system • Camera Lens: Depth of field, focus pulling and field of view • Preparation for Assessment Task 1 • Includes class exercises and discussion |
CUFDRT604A: 1,2 CUFLGT501A: 3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
|
5 | Assessment Task 1 (non-graded) • Creating a look: planning, shooting and lighting an interview • Revision of weeks 1 to 4 |
Assessment Task 1 (non-graded) | CUFDRT604A: 1,2,3,4 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
6 | • Review Assessment Task 1 – student presentation of edited work • Revision of weeks 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 |
Assessment Task 1 (non-graded): Review of student work | CUFDRT604A: 1 CUFLGT501A: 1,3 CUFCAM601A: 1,4 |
7 | • Revision of week 6 • 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 |
CUFDRT604A: 1,2 CUFLGT501A: 1,3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
|
8 | •Revision of week 7 (continuation of week 7 class exercise) •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 •Shoot Tracking Assessment Task for Design Animation and Digital Visual Effects – CUFANM503A •Includes class exercises and discussion |
CUFDRT604A: 3,4 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
|
9 | • Revision of week 8 • Light and colour • Using colour in storytelling • Colour balance, temperature and filters • Colour correction • Includes class exercises and discussion |
CUFDRT604A: 1,2,3 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
|
10 | •Revision of week 9 •Green and Blue Screen lighting and filming •VFX shooting and lighting for compositing •Shoot Green/Blue Screen Assessment Task for Design Animation and Digital Visual Effects – CUFANM503A •Preparation for Assessment Task 2 •Includes class exercises and discussion |
CUFDRT604A: 1,2 CUFLGT501A: 1,3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
|
11 | Assessment Task 2 (non-graded) •Developing a mood: planning, shooting and lighting a drama sequence •Revision of weeks 1 to 10 |
Assessment Task 2 (non-graded) | CUFDRT604A: 1,2,3,4 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
12 | •Review Assessment Task 2 (non-graded) – student presentation of edited work - continuity edit •Revision of weeks 1 to 11 •Optics and focus – reflection, refraction, exposure •Depth of field – hyperfocal distance, nodal points, zoom lens, f/stop, circle of confusion •Lens care •Prepare for Assessment Task 3 • Includes class exercises and discussion |
Assessment Task 2 (non-graded): Review of student work | CUFDRT604A: 1,2,3 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3,4 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
13 | Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part A •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. Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part B •Group pre-production preparation •Part B – work on group pre-production folio for narrative script •Prepare for shooting next week – Part C: Day 1 |
Assessment Task 3 (graded): Part A | CUFDRT604A: 1,2,3,4 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3,4,5 CUFCAM601A: 1 |
14 | Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part B •Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film •Part B – Submit group pre-production folio for narrative script. 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 •Review and edit day 1 footage •Prepare for day 2 shooting (next week) |
Assessment Task 3 (graded): Part B | CUFDRT604A: 1,2,3,4 CUFLGT501A: 1,2,3,4,5 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
15 | Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part C: Day 2 •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 1 and 2 footage •Review and edit day 1 and 2 footage |
Assessment Task 3 (graded): Part C | CUFDRT604A: 3,4 CUFLGT501A: 4,5 CUFCAM601A: 1,2,3,4 |
16 | Assessment Task 3 (Graded) – Part D •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 •Part D – complete individual evaluations and appraisals •Submit Part D (due by the end of scheduled class). |
Assessment Task 3 (graded): Part D | CUFDRT604A: 4 CUFLGT501A: 4,5 CUFCAM601A: 4 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Burum, Stephen H., 2007, American cinematographer manual Vol. 1 and 2, ASC Press Hollywood, Calif |
|
Brown, Blair 2012, Cinematography Theory and Practice 2nd Ed, Elsevier, Oxford |
References
• Camera manual for Panasonic P2 |
Other Resources
You will require a personal hard drive as well as camera assistant / gaffer items and expendables, eg: various pens, torch, wooden pegs etc. A full ‘assistants’ kit will be described in class.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester and will involve practical exercises, knowledge assessment tasks and practical group projects.
This course will be delivered and assessed in conjunction with Direct Cinematography for Screen Productions - CUFCAM601A and
Conceive and develop lighting designs - CUFLGT501A.
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.
AssessmentTasks (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 in class 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 pratical narrative filming and lighting task in class on campus. You will give a short presentation of your completed work. Due Date: Week 11, presentation - Week 12
AssessmentTask (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: Indivdual 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. These are available through the course contact in Program administration
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: www.rmit.edu.au/students
Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (web link)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained.
Assessment and Feedback (web link)
You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, and written feedback from teachers on your work . Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress (web link)
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Special consideration for Late Submission (web link)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you will need to apply for special consideration.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism (web link)
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview