Course Title: Direct cinematography for screen productions

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: VART5922C

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

 

Teacher: Damien Pierce

Email: damien.pierce@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

Cinematographers are responsible for providing screen productions with their unique visual look. They work closely with directors and camera and lighting crews to achieve the required creative outcomes. Direct cinematography for screen productions covers the skills and knowledge required to devise and manage camera shoots across a wide range of screen, media and entertainment productions.

Direct Cinematography for screen productions CUFCAM601A is delivered and assessed alongside Devise camera coverage CUFDRT604A and Conceive and develop lighting designs CUFLGT501A.


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.
1.2 Undertake comprehensive review of scripts or screenplays to understand fully the required artistic and visual outcomes.
1.3 Conduct appropriate research relevant to needs of productions and contribute creative and technical solutions and ideas as required.
1.4 Develop or refine existing camera plans according to production requirements.
1.5 Negotiate amendments to camera plans and circulate final camera specifications to relevant
production personnel.
1.6 Prepare lists of required equipment and accessories, including supplies of stock, and arrange for acquisition in collaboration with relevant production personnel.
1.7 Block shots for use during rehearsals and actual productions in collaboration with relevant
production personnel, taking into account impact on overall production requirements.
1.8 Assemble and brief relevant production personnel on production requirements, including equipment and accessories required for shoots.
1.9 Follow OHS requirements as they apply to the preparation and implementation of 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
participants.
2.2 Ensure cameras are matched correctly and check lighting is appropriate for intended shots and scenes.
2.3 View proposed shots and set-ups through viewfinder or on monitors and make creative and technical adjustments as required.
2.4 Participate in rehearsals, noting required changes and instruct camera and lighting crews accordingly.
2.5 Ensure shots and lighting requirements are marked up and established to reflect artistic and style needs of the shoot.
2.6 Maintain ongoing supervision and collaboration with relevant production personnel to maximize creative outcomes.
 

Element:

3 Shoot content.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Supervise technical and creative operations of camera shoots during productions consistent with actions devised during rehearsals.
3.2 Monitor output of camera operations to ensure cuts and dissolves between shots produce required technical and creative outcomes.
3.3 Operate camera where applicable while maintaining overview of creative and technical criteria.
3.4 Ensure camera movements are planned to avoid interference with other camera operators, technical personnel or performers.
3.5 Respond to cues received from relevant production personnel in a timely manner.
3.6 Communicate clearly to relevant production personnel unavoidable variations from predetermined plans.
3.7 Attend daily viewings of rushes to assess quality and relevance of recorded material and schedule reshoots where necessary.
 

Element:

4 Wrap up shoot.

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Supervise dismantling, packing and storing of equipment and accessories and complete necessary documentation.
4.2 Ensure locations are left in original or improved state.
4.3 Participate in post-production editing activities as required, including providing additional materials, such as pick-ups.
4.4 Participate in post-production debriefings and reflect on own performance and that of production crews, noting areas for future improvement.
 

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to work collaboratively with others to manage camera shoots for screnn productions.


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.
 

 

SEMESTER 1      
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)
•Screening and analysis of previous student work
•Introduction to HD video camera operations and handling: Panasonic 502 P2, Canon EOS 5D Mark 3 DSLR
•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		 Formative and Summative Tasks handed out CUFDRT604A:
1.2,1.3,1.4,2.1,2.2
CUFLGT501A:
3,5,6,8,
CUFCAM601A:
3,7,9,10,11,12,15,18,2324
 
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 Formative and Summative Assessment
•Includes class exercises and discussion		 Formative and Summative Tasks: Form production groups CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,2.1,2.2
2.3,2.5,3.3,
CUFLGT501A:
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,15,16
18,19
CUFCAM601A:
3,4,6,7,9,10,11,12,13
14,15,17,18,21,23,24
 
3 •Revision of week 2
•Video latitude and broadcast safe
•Bit depth and banding
•Controlling the HD image – HD Video and DSLR Video
•Exposure and lighting
•Controlling exposure
•Includes class exercises and discussion		   CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,2.1,2.2
2.3,2.5,3.3,
CUFLGT501A:
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,15,16
18,19
CUFCAM601A:
3,4,6,7,9,10,11,12,13
14,15,17,18,21,23,24
 
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 Formative Assessment 1
•Includes class exercises and discussion		 Reminder: Formative Task 1 – Due
Next Week		 CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.5,3.1,3.3
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
13,15,16,17,18,19,21
CUFCAM601A:
1,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
13,14,15,17,18,21,23
24
 
5 Formative Assessment 1
•Creating a look: planning, shooting and lighting an interview
•Revision of weeks 1 to 4		 Formative Task 1 Due  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.5,3.1,3.2,3.3
3.4,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24
CUFCAM601A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
20,21,22,23,24,25,26
6 •Review Formative Assessment 1 – student presentation of edited work
•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
 		 Formative Task 1 – Review of student work  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.5,3.1,3.3
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
13,14,15,16,17,18,19
20,21,22
CUFCAM601A:
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
13,14,15,17,18,20,21
23,24,26
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:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.5,3.1,3.3,4.1
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
13,14,15,16,17,18,19
20,21,22
CUFCAM601A:
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
13,14,15,17,18,19,20
21,23,24
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
•Includes class exercises and discussion		    CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.5,3.1,3.3,4.1
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
13,14,15,16,17,18,19
20,21,22
CUFCAM601A:
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
13,14,15,17,18,19,20
21,23,24
 9 •Revision of week 8
•Light and colour
•Using colour in storytelling
•Colour balance, temperature and filters
•Colour correction
•Preparation for Formative Assessment 2
•Includes class exercises and discussion		  Reminder: Formative Task 2 – Due
Next Week

Summative Task 1 – Part A Due
Week 12

  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.5,3.1,3.3,4.1
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
13,14,15,16,17,18,19
20,21,22
CUFCAM601A:
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
13,14,15,17,18,19,20
21,23,24

 
10 Formative Assessment 2
•Developing a mood: planning, shooting and lighting a drama sequence
•Revision of weeks 1 to 9		 Formative Task 2 Due  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5,3.1,3.2
3.3,3.4,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24
CUFCAM601A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24,25
26
11 •Review Formative Assessment 2 – student presentation of edited work (continuity edit)
•Revision of weeks 1 to 10
•Optics and focus – reflection, refraction, exposure
•Depth of field – hyperfocal distance, nodal points, zoom lens, f/stop, circle of confusion
•Lens care
•Prepare for Summative Assessment 1
•Includes class exercises and discussion		 Formative Task 2 – Review of student work

Reminder: Summative Task 1 – Part A Due
Next Week

  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.5,3.1,3.3,4.1
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
13,14,15,16,17,18,19
20,21,22
CUFCAM601A:
1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
13,14,15,17,18,19,20
21,23,24

 
12 •Revision of week 11
•Green and Blue Screen lighting and filming
•VFX shooting and lighting for compositing
•Includes class exercises and discussion

Summative Assessment 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 at beginning of class).

 Summative Task 1 – Part A Due  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5,3.1,3.2
3.3,3.4,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24
CUFCAM601A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24,25
26

 

 
13 Summative Assessment 1
•Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
•Group pre-production preparation – Part B
•Part B – work on and submit group pre-production folio for narrative script (due by the end of scheduled class).
•Prepare for shooting next week – Part C		 Summative Task 1 – Part B Due  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5,3.1,3.2
3.3,3.4,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24
CUFCAM601A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24,25
26
14 Summative Assessment 1
•Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
•Finalise equipment and prepare for filming – Part C
•Part C – Begin group shooting of Summative Assessment: Day 1
•Submit shooting day 1 footage
•Review and edit day 1 footage
•Prepare for day 2 shooting (next week)		 Summative Task 1 – Part C Start: Day 1 Footage Due  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5,3.1,3.2
3.3,3.4,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24
CUFCAM601A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24,25
26
15 Summative Assessment 1
•Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
•Review day 1 filming and prepare for day 2 – Part C
•Part C – Complete group shooting of Summative Assessment: Day 2
•Submit shooting day 2 footage
•Review and edit day 1 and 2 footage		 Summative Task 1 – Part C End: Day 2 Footage Due  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5,3.1,3.2
3.3,3.4,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24
CUFCAM601A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24,25
26
16 Summative Assessment 1
•Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film
•Review all footage and complete continuity edit – Part D
•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).		 Summative Task 1 – Part D Due  CUFDRT604A:
1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,2.1
2.2,2.3,2.4,2.5,3.1,3.2
3.3,3.4,4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4
CUFLGT501A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24
CUFCAM601A:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11
12,13,14,15,16,17,18
19,20,21,22,23,24,25
26


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

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

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

Viera, Dave and Maria, 2005, Lighting for film and digital cinematography, Belmont, Calif. : Wadsworth ; London : Thomson Learning

Uva, Michael, 2009, The grip book, Amsterdam ; London : Focal

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


References

• Camera manual for Panasonic P2
• Camera manual for Canon EOS5 Mk 3 
• Hollywood Camera Work DVD box set (Vol. 1-6)
• www.hollywoodcamerawork.us
• Screen Production Guide
• Production docs on Screen Blackboard
All manuals are held at the schools equipment store.
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information.


Other Resources

Portable hard drive

Camera assistant gaffer items and expendables, eg,

various pens

torch

wodden pegs, etc.

A full assistant’s 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 Devise camera coverage - CUFDRT604A and
Conceive and develop lighting designs - CUFLGT501A.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this unit are graded.

To demonstrate competency in this course you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.
You must submit all pieces of assessment in order for your competency to be assessed in this course.

You will receive feedback on all assessments and a grade for the Summative assessment.

Formative Assessment

1. Creating a look: planning, shooting and lighting an interview

Due: Week 5 of Semester 1

2. Developing a mood: planning, shooting and lighting a drama sequence

Due: Week 10 of Semester 1

Summative Assessment

1. Interpreting a story: planning, shooting and lighting a short drama film

Part A Due - Week 12

Part B Due - Week 13

Part C Due  - Weeks 14 and 15

Part D Due - Week 16

Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:

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

For further details on these assessment tasks and the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
 


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
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.

Feedback - You will receive spoken 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 feedback at RMIT http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
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 wil need to apply for special consideration. Special consideration, appeals and discipline http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y

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 go to Academic Integrity
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Work Placement:
It is a requirement of this program that all students participate in authentic work related tasks. These may be either simulated or in a real work environment. On occasion, we are approached by industry and given opportunities for students to apply for short term placements. When these placement opportunities arise, students are required to negotiate the specific details with the relevant program coordinator or teacher. All industry placements require students, RMIT staff and host organisations to sign a written agreement prior to the commencement of the placement.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview