Course Title: Conceive and develop lighting designs

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: PERF5063C

Course Title: Conceive and develop lighting designs

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: 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 performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop lighting designs for screen productions.

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



 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFLGT501A Conceive and develop lighting designs

Element:

1 Interpret creative briefs.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Analyse performance outlines/scripts to determine overall production concepts.
1.2 Participate in preliminary concept meetings with relevant personnel to discuss lighting requirements.
1.3 Identify factors that may determine and affect the lighting design.
1.4 Prepare relevant documentation and brief team on lighting requirements as required.
 

Element:

2 Conduct and evaluate research.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify and source references that may inform the design process.
2.2 Critically analyse sources and references in the context of design projects.
2.3 Consider the 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 ideas.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Generate a range of ideas for designs that respond sympathetically to briefs and provide creative solutions to technical issues.
3.2 Discuss ideas and collaborate with relevant personnel to maximise their contribution of ideas to initial concepts.
3.3 Continuously reflect on and appraise ideas for implications on cost and time, technical feasibility, and suitability to meet briefs.
3.4 Provide strategic information to effect improvements in the management of production outcomes.
 

Element:

4 Develop and document designs.

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Hold ongoing discussions with relevant personnel so that additional or changed requirements and new ideas are considered and incorporated during the development of designs.
4.2 Ensure that agreement is reached with relevant personnel in relation to consistent artistic interpretation.
4.3 Evaluate initial concepts and select the most appropriate approach, giving due consideration to budget, research findings and ongoing reflection/discussion.
4.4 Use initial concepts as the basis for developing lighting designs, taking into account a range of criteria and factors.
4.5 Accurately complete documentation according to production requirements and enterprise procedures.
4.6 Ensure that lighting designs and plans can be achieved within budget constraints and production schedules.
4.7 Ensure relevant OHS requirements are incorporated into the lighting design process.
 

Element:

5 Communicate design ideas and make amendments.

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Present draft lighting plans and specifications to relevant personnel in an appropriate format.
5.2 Participate in the 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 accurate and comprehensive documentation to support implementation.
5.5 Present final designs, plans and specifications to relevant personnel and confirm that all production requirements have been met.
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course, you will be able to work collaboratively with others to create effective lighting designs.


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 Formative and Summative Assessment
• 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 and DSLR 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

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 Mark 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

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


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 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

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: 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