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Digital Cinematography II - TFT00108M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Matt Brannan
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

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 and broader understanding of cinematographic aesthetics.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

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, you are expected to be able to:

  • Demonstrate an ability to apply advanced principles of composition, camera movement, and of 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

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Groupwork
Group Project		 N/A 30
University - project
Individual Project		 N/A 70

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The Group Project summative will usually take place in Semester 2 Week 5. Students will not need to submit work, as it will assessed through observation at the time.

The Individual Project will be split with a shoot taking place in Week 11 (marked through observation) and a supporting edited project being submitted in Week 13 (RA1) of Semester 2.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Creative Essay and Technical Plan		 N/A 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Essential reading:

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

Elkins, D. (2009) The Camera Assistants 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 following films are indicative of those that will be screened in this module:

Fruitvale Station (Rachel Morrison)

Fargo (Roger Deakins)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Ellen Kuras)

Saving Private Ryan (Janusz Kaminski)

The Neon Demon (Natasha Braier)

Delicatessen (Darius Khondji)

Children of Men (Emmanuel Lubezki)

The Wrestler (Maryse Alberti)

The Girl on the Train (Charlotte Bruus Christensen)

Mon Ange (Juliette Van Dormael)

Frozen River (Reed Morano)

Paris, Texas (Robbie Muller)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Haskell Wexler)

Reds (Vittorio Storaro)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring 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 by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.