Revised 01/2012

ART 161 - Film Production II (3 CR.)

Course Description

Explores the practical and theoretical elements of cinematography with an emphasis on lighting and camera technique. Students will investigate the history of the craft through film cameras to digital video with topics of camera operation including composition, camera settings, lenses, filters, shot design, and movement. Students will create lighting designs, solving practical lighting problems. This course is cross-listed with PHT 151. Credit will not be awarded for both. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Demonstrates the role of the cinematographer in the storytelling process in film and video production with an emphasis on practical application in lighting and camera artistry.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: ART 160.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of production aesthetics and safety through the operation of a video camera
  • Construct a story concept through the stages of production
  • Illustrate use of various cameras, aligning with professional expectations
  • Assess a variety of lenses to discover the impact of focal lengths and lens type
  • Make use of camera supports and understand motivated movement
  • Compose a story through lighting with selection of lights, flags, gels, bounce, diffusion
  • Identify the preparation and leadership involved in the various cinematography crews: gaffer, grip, dolly grip, and camera operator
  • Build video projects in teams and as individuals
  • Interpret the work of others

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Responsibilities of camera and lighting crews
  • Collaboration among film crew members
  • Camera operation (digital cinema)
  • Camera composition
  • Lighting (indoor and outdoor)
  • Lighting theory and color temperature
  • Negative fill, diffusion, and impacting light
  • Understanding film stock and emulsions
  • On-set protocol
  • Grip and electric
  • Camera support (tripods, slider, dollies, )
  • Keeping camera logs and proper documentation
  • Camera sensors
  • The science of cinematography (including color space and LUTs)
  • Working with filters
  • Types of lenses (and selection)
  • Pulling focus
  • Exposure practices
  • Color theory
  • Image control