Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2024

Course Code: COMM7383C

Course Title: Direct cinematography for screen productions

School: 515T Creative Industries

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5412 - Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation)

Course Contact: Andrew Harrison

Course Contact Phone: +61399254350

Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Alex Joseski

Email: aleksander.joseski@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

Nil

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to devise and manage single and multi-camera shoots across a wide range of screen, media and entertainment productions.

The unit applies to those who are responsible for composing shots and lighting scenes to provide screen productions with their unique visual look. They work closely with directors and camera and lighting crews to achieve the required creative outcomes. The final call on the composition of shots and the look of productions rests with directors.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CUACAM611 Direct cinematography for screen productions
Element:	1. Prepare for shoot
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Establish production requirements for shoot by participating in pre-production meetings with required personnel 1.2 Determine required artistic and visual outcomes through script or screenplay analysis 1.3 Research production issues and propose creative and technically feasible solutions and ideas 1.4 Develop or refine existing camera and lighting plans to meet production requirements 1.5 Negotiate amendments to camera and lighting plans and circulate final camera specifications with required personnel 1.6 Prepare lists of equipment, accessories and supplies required for production 1.7 Brief required personnel on equipment, accessories and other production requirements for shoot
Element:	2. Manage set up for shoot
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Manage selection and set up of equipment according to organisational safety standards 2.2 Confirm cameras matched correctly and lighting appropriate to meet production requirements 2.3 View proposed shots and set-ups through viewfinder or on monitors and make creative and technical adjustments as required 2.4 Block shots for use during rehearsals and shoot in collaboration with required personnel 2.5 Participate in rehearsals, noting required changes and instruct camera and lighting crews as required 2.6 Reflect artistic and style needs of shoot by marking up and establishing shots and lighting requirements 2.7 Maintain supervision and collaboration during set up with required personnel
Element:	3. Direct shoot content
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Direct camera and lighting crews according to production requirements and respond to issues as required 3.2 Monitor and check shots meet production requirements 3.3 Operate camera as required while maintaining overview of creative and technical criteria 3.4 Check camera movements do not obstruct work of production personnel and talent 3.5 Communicate any variations to predetermined plans to required personnel 3.6 Assess quality and relevance of recorded material and schedule reshoots where necessary by attending daily viewings of rushes
Element:	4. Wrap up shoot
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Supervise wrap up of shoot 4.2 Check locations are left in original or improved state 4.3 Participate in post-production editing activities and provide additional materials as required 4.4 Participate in debriefings and reflect on own performance and that of production personnel, noting areas for future improvement

Learning Outcomes

Refer to Elements and Performance Criteria

Details of Learning Activities

In this program, structured learning occurs in the classroom and through completion of assessment. However, as an independent learner you will also be engaged in unstructured activities such as private study and practice of technical skills required in using cameras, lighting and sound equipment and editing tools . You are also expected to  familiarise yourself with different aspects of the screen and media industry. This includes spending time engaged in attending films and film festivals, watching streamed content, attending industry events and exhibitions and building relationships with industry bodies such as Screen Producers Australia and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.

In-class learning activities include, but are not limited to:

• demonstrations and practical application
• peer teaching and class presentations
• group discussions
• screenings
• online research
• independent project based work
• teacher directed group activities/projects
• Industry examples and case studies

Out-of class activities include, but are not limited to:

• reading set texts
• research
• screenings
• production work
• independent project based work 

Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Week	ClassContent	Assessment
1	Overview of the course, assessment and facilities. WHS: Risks, hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for the studios (teaching spaces). Revision of Weeks 1 to 16 from Semester 1. Crew roles and responsibilities. Depth of Field and Focus Pulling Focus and distance of subject, background and foreground, focal length, and exposure Includes class exercises and discussion
2	Revision of Week 1 Camera movement (shoulder-mounted and handheld camera technique) Depth of Field and Focus pulling Includes class exercises and discussion
3	Revision of Week 2 Location lighting – interiors High key, low key and silhouette lighting Mixed lighting (colour temperature) Includes class exercises and discussion
4	Revision of Week 3 Blocking (subject positioning, camera positioning) Camera coverage 2-character setup Multiple character setup Visual and Textual lighting continuity Includes class exercises and discussion
5	Revision of Week 4 Production meetings addressing camera documentation and previsualisation for short film and BTS (behind the scenes).	Assessment 1 due next week
6	BTS camera operation and practice (DJI Pocket gimbal camera) WHS – camera and sound recording, risks and hazards	Assessment 1 – Camera Preproduction Paperwork for Short Film and Behind the Scenes (BTS) due at end of Week 6.
7	Revision of Week 6 Maintaining focus, framing, continuity, and composition Blocking and coverage Lighting for illumination Camera filming script (Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure scene) – Blackmagic camera BTS camera operation and practice
8	Revision of Week 7 Maintaining focus, framing, continuity, and composition Blocking and coverage Lighting for mood and tone Camera filming script (The Matrix scene) BTS camera operation and practice Final preparation for Cycle 1 filming groups
9	Production Filming Week – Short Film & BTS (Cycle 1) Rolling assessment will take place – please read the Realise a Creative Project assessment schedule available for reference on Canvas. Final short film preparation for Cycle 2 filming groups	Assessment 2: Short Film Footage and Written Evaluation (please read the assessment schedule)   Assessment 3: Behind the Scenes (BTS) Footage and BTS Written Evaluation
10	Production Filming Week - Short Film & BTS (Cycle 2) Rolling assessment will take place – please read the Realise a Creative Project assessment schedule available for reference on Canvas. Final short film preparation for Cycle 3 filming groups Cycle 1 Filming Groups – submission of video deliverables and logging sheet during class time to Canvas	Assessment 2: Short Film Footage and Written Evaluation (please read the assessment schedule)   Assessment 3: Behind the Scenes (BTS) Footage and BTS Written Evaluation
11	Production Filming Week – Short Film & BTS (Cycle 3) Rolling assessment will take place – please read the Realise a Creative Project assessment schedule available for reference on Canvas. Cycle 2 Filming Groups – submission of video deliverables and logging sheet during class time to Canvas	Assessment 2: Short Film Footage and Written Evaluation (please read the assessment schedule)   Assessment 3: Behind the Scenes (BTS) Footage and BTS Written Evaluation
12	Production meetings for debrief and reflection for submission of written self-evaluations In-class discussion and assessment writing time Cycle 3 Filming Groups – submission of video deliverables and logging sheet during class time to Canvas	Assessment 2 and Assessment 3 Written Evaluations and Questions due at end of Week 12 class for all groups.
13	Cycle 1 production groups video dailies viewing, reflection, and feedback with production group and supervisor
14	Cycle2  production groups video dailies viewing, reflection, and feedback with production group and supervisor
15	Cycle 3 production groups video dailies viewing, reflection, and feedback with production group and supervisor
16	End of semester debrief Re-assessment and resubmission session (if required)

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None

References

You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information.

Other Resources

Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through Study Support:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.

Assessment Tasks

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.

Assessment Task 1 - Camera Preproduction Paperwork for Short Film and Behind the Scenes (BTS) - For this task you are to consult and collaborate with a director as their camera operator for their short film; and work with another director to film behind the scenes (BTS) on their set. Due Date: week 6

Assessment Task 2 - Short Film Footage and Written Evaluation - For this task you are to complete your role as Director of Photography/Camera Operator based on your preproduction paperwork from Assessment 1; and you will also self-evaluate your performance by completing a written evaluation document. Date Due: weeks 9 to 12. Finalise by week 15.

Assessment Task 3 - Behind the Scenes (BTS) Footage and Written Evaluation - For this task you are to complete your role as BTS Camera Operator based on your preproduction paperwork from Assessment 1; and you will also self-evaluate your performance by completing a written evaluation document. Date Due: weeks 9 to 12. Finalise by week 15.

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

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved

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

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.

 

Information about your studies:

You can access Student Essentials through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

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.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/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.

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

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview