Course Title: Direct cinematography for screen productions
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2021
Course Code: VART6434C
Course Title: Direct cinematography for screen productions
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact: Andrew Harrison
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4350
Course Contact Email: andrew.harrison@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher: Aleksander Joseski
Phone: 03 9925 3081
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
None
Course Description
Direct cinematography for screen productions covers skills and knowledge required to devise and manage camera shoots across a wide range of screen content. 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.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUACAM601 Direct cinematography for screen productions |
Element: |
1. Prepare for shoot |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Participate in pre-production meetings with relevant production personnel to establish overall production requirements for shoot 1.2 Analyse scripts or screenplays to determine required artistic and visual outcomes 1.3 Research issues relevant to production needs and propose creative and technically feasible solutions and ideas 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, accessories and supplies, and arrange for acquisition in line with available budgets and timelines 1.7 Block shots for use during rehearsals and shoot in collaboration with production personnel, taking into account impact on overall production requirements 1.8 Brief production personnel on equipment, accessories and other production requirements for shoot 1.9 Follow work health and safety (WHS) requirements as they apply to the preparation and implementation of shoot |
Element: |
2. Manage set up for shoot |
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 Confirm cameras are matched correctly and 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 Mark up and establish shots and lighting requirements to reflect artistic and style needs of shoot 2.6 Maintain ongoing supervision and collaboration with relevant production personnel to maximise creative outcomes |
Element: |
3. Direct shoot content |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Direct camera and lighting crews to achieve required cinematographic outcomes 3.2 Monitor output of camera operations to ensure cuts and dissolves between shots produce required technical and creative outcomes 3.3 Operate camera as required while maintaining overview of creative and technical criteria 3.4 Check camera movements do not obstruct the work of production personnel and talent 3.5 Communicate any variations to predetermined plans to production personnel 3.6 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 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 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 screen content productions.
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 the Screen Producers Association and the Australian Society of Cinematographers.
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.
In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
• lectures and presentations
• group discussion
• participation in teacher directed group activities/projects
• workshops
Out of class activities include, but are not limited to:
• online research
• independent project based work
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 resources.
Week |
Class Content |
Assessment |
Elements |
1 |
Orientation to the course Resources, assessments and course expectations WHS: 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 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
|
|
CUADRT604: 1, 2 CUALGT504: 1, 2 CUACAM601: 1 |
2 |
Revision of week 1 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
|
|
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3 CUACAM601: 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 Colour balance, temperature and filters Colour correction Includes class exercises and discussion
|
|
CUADRT604: 3 CUALGT504: 1, 3 CUACAM601: 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 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
|
Assessment 1 due next week |
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3 CUALGT504: 3, 4 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
5 |
Assessment Task 1 Creating a look: planning, shooting and lighting an interview Revision of weeks 1 to 4
|
Assessment Task 1 Creating a look
|
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4
|
6 |
Review Assessment Task 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
|
Assessment Task 1 Creating a look - Review of student work
|
CUADRT604: 1 CUALGT504: 1, 3 CUACAM601: 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 WHS: Risks and Hazards, safety requirements for correct equipment handling and technique, safety requirements for exteriors and location filming Includes class exercises and discussion
|
|
CUADRT604: 1, 2 CUALGT504: 1, 3, 4 CUACAM601: 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 Includes class exercises and discussion
|
|
CUADRT604: 3, 4 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
9 |
Revision of week 8 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 |
|
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3 CUALGT504: 1, 3, 4 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4
|
10 |
Revision of week 9 (continuation of week 9 class exercise) Gamma setting and exterior shooting Colour theory and LUT’s Preparation for Assessment Task 2 Includes class exercises and discussion
|
Assessment 2 due next week |
CUADRT604: 1, 2 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
11 |
Assessment Task 2 Developing a mood: planning, shooting and lighting a drama sequence Revision of weeks 1 to 10
|
Assessment Task 2 Developing a mood
|
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4
|
12 |
Review Assessment Task 2 – student presentation of edited work (continuity edit) Revision of weeks 1 to 11 Prepare for Assessment Task 3 Includes class exercises and discussion
|
Assessment Task 2 Developing a mood - Review of student work
Assessment Task 3 – Part A Due Next Week
|
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4
|
13 |
Assessment Task 3 – 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 – 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
|
Assessment Task 3 – Part A Due
Assessment Task 3 – Part B Due Next Week |
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 CUACAM601: 1
|
14 |
Assessment Task 3 – 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 – 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 – Part B Due
Assessment Task 3 – Part C: Day 1 Footage Due |
CUADRT604: 1, 2, 3, 4 CUALGT504: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 CUACAM601: 1, 2, 3, 4 |
15 |
Assessment Task 3 – 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 2 footage Review and edit day 1 and 2 footage
|
Assessment Task 3 – Part C: Day 2 Footage Due
Assessment Task 3 – Part D Due Next Week |
CUADRT604: 3, 4 CUALGT504: 4, 5 CUACAM601: 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
|
Assessment Task 3 (graded) – Part D Due |
CUADRT604: 4 CUALGT504: 5 CUACAM601: 2, 3, 4 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Brown, Blair 2012, Cinematography Theory and Practice 2nd Ed, Elsevier, Oxford |
|
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 |
|
Viera, Dave and Maria 2005, Lighting for film and digital cinematography, Belmont, California, Wadsworth , London, Thomson Learning |
|
Burum, Stephen H 2007, American cinematographer manual Vol. 1 and 2, ASC Press Hollywood, California |
References
Production documents 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. |
|
Camera manual for Canon C100 |
|
Screen Production Guide |
|
Hollywood Camera Work DVD box set (Vol. 1-6) |
Other Resources
Other resources for this course are available on Canvas.
Remember that the University Library has many resources that will help you and has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
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
For each assessment task you will receive a detailed brief specifying requirements
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments.
Assessment Task 1: Creating a look: planning, shooting and lighting an interview. 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
Assessment Task 2: Developing a mood: planning, shooting and lighting a drama sequence. 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 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
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 demonstrated 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 My Studies 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
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview