Digital Cinematography II - TFT00058M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module expands on Digital Cinematography I by exploring advanced cinematographic techniques, including considerations for accommodating visual effects and other specialist work, as well as providing a more detailed understanding of cinematographic aesthetics.

Related modules


Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module aims to:

  • Provide an understanding of advanced principles and practices of cinematography including considerations for incorporation of practical and visual effects
  • Provide a richer understanding of how cinematography functions as a tool in cinematic storytelling including specific aesthetic considerations
  • Provide a deeper understanding of the technical, practical and aesthetic principles of nuanced lighting for digital cinematography

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate an ability to apply advanced principles of composition, camera movement, and the staging and blocking.
  • Demonstrate an advanced ability to make creative and appropriate lens choices to achieve aesthetic objectives.
  • Demonstrate an advanced ability to light interior dramatic scenes in different styles in a sophisticated and nuanced manner.
  • Demonstrate an ability to light, compose and block shots addressing the requirements of special or visual effects

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Practical 30
Practical 70

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Practicals involve exercises during which students will receive detailed feedback as they work in-situ

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Practical 30
Practical 70

Module feedback

Students will receive detailed written feedback on all assessments and reassessments within 20 working days of submission.

Indicative reading

Essential reading:

Stump, D (2014) Digital Cinematography, Burlington: Focal Press

Elkins, D. (2009) The Camera Assistant s Manual, Amsterdam and London: Focal Press

American Cinematographer [Monthly magazine - available online from the University Library]

Suggested reading:

Alton, J (1995) Painting With Light, Berkeley, University of California Press

ASC Manual, 10th Edition (2 volumes), (2013) Los Angeles: ASC Press

Bailey, J (2008-) John's Bailiwick [Blog] Los Angeles: ASC

Brown, B (2012) Cinematography: Theory and Practice, Oxford: Focal Press

Brown, B (2008) Motion Picture and Video Lighting, Oxford: Focal Press

Ettedgui, P (1998) Cinematography Screencraft, Hove: RotoVision

Fauer, J (2005) Cinematographer Style, Vols I & II, Los Angeles: ASC Press

Goi, M (c2013) American cinematographer manual, Berkeley: University of California Press

Holben, J (2016) Behind the lens: dispatches from the cinematic trenches, New York: Focal Press

Malkiewicz, K, (1992) Film Lighting: Talks with Hollywood's Cinematographers and Gaffers, New York, Simon & Schuster

Mascelli, J (1965) The Five C's of Cinematography, Los Angeles: Silman-James Press

McCarthy, T (1993) Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography, [DVD] Los Angeles: ASC

Wheeler, P (2007) High Definition Cinematography, Oxford: Focal Press