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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

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

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



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.