Digital Cinematography II - TFT00108M
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
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
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
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
| Groupwork | 30 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The Group Project summative will usually take place in Week 6 and the Individual Project will be split with a shoot taking place in Week 11 and a supporting written/edited submission being submitted in Week 13 (RA1) of Semester 2.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 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)