ACTING & FILM SCHOOL

INTERIOR LIGHTING
In this course, fundamental skills in lighting for tungsten stock and interior lighting scenarios are taught. Students use a range of tungsten film stock, exploring the possibilities of shooting interiors with a selection of different lighting set-ups.

EDITING
Editing is an art unto itself. Regardless of the editing system a filmmaker uses, it is the editor’s ability to work with the shots and tell a story that makes all the difference. Students learn to use the digital editing system, Final Cut Pro. Each student edits his or her own films, and can supplement classes with individual consultations at the editing station. Students are taught the concepts of film editing, both practical and aesthetic including color grading. Classes consist of lectures and tutorials that combine technical information and demonstration.

LOCATION LIGHTING
Students develop their lighting skills using 16mm and 35mm film. Equipped with a range of cameras, students test various daylight film stocks and exterior lighting scenarios to understand the benefits and limitations of shooting outdoors.

ASSISTANT CAMERA WORKSHOP
The Director of Photography is dependent upon a great camera crew to bring the Director’s vision to life. One of the entry positions into the camera crew is the Assistant Camera role. This course explores essential skills and procedures that every camera assistant must know to progress in his or her career.

HANDS-ON STEADICAM
A major advancement in cinema took place when the camera could move freely through a location. The Steadicam has become a permanent fixture on contemporary films sets. This course enables students to explore the practical application of the Steadicam and its functions.

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SEMESTER TWO CLASSES

VISUAL STORYTELLING
The screenplay is the architectural blueprint for a movie. The cinematographer should understand thematic concerns of the screenplay to bring the subtext and drama to life. In this subject, cinematographers study a range of screenplays and explore how professional cinematographers visually bring the content of the screenplays to the screen.

HANDS-ON DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
Students are trained to operate high-definition cameras including the Panasonic HD and RED cameras. Students learn the roles of the camera crew, the benefits and limitations of each camera, formats, lenses, shutter speeds, focal lengths, and more. Each class is taught using handson exploration of the cameras with students learning to become proficient with the high-definition format. Incorporating lessons from the previous semester, students explore framing and camera movement.

FEATURE FILM LIGHTING
The cinematographer’s art lies in the creation of an image that captures the mood and emotion of a scene. In this subject, students explore a range of lighting techniques for the high-definition format. Students use the tools to light feature films. Lighting techniques incorporate the creation of mood based on theme, emotion and tone in a screenplay. Areas such as image systems and metaphors are explored.

TELEVISION LIGHTING
Lighting for television can require different skills than feature films. This course explores the range of lighting techniques for television including; dramas, sitcoms, gameshows, and news programs. Students participate in hands-on classes and light a range of different genres and formats.

DIRECTING THE LENS
This course introduces cinematography students to the language and craft of directing. From screenplay analysis to shot composition, students learn how Directors and Cinematographers collaborate to achieve a complete vision. Students explore the aesthetic elements of miseen- scene, shot choice, composition, setting, point of view, action of the picture plane, movement of the camera, how to cover a dialogue scene with a series of shots, as well as more sophisticated approaches to coverage including the use of dollies. Students break down scenes from selected screenplays to practice a variety of approaches.

CINEMATOGRAPHY POST PRODUCTION
Once footage has been exposed, it must go through development and post-production. Students learn the process of film stock development, color grading, telecine and neg cutting. They use their own footage to experience each step along they way.

THESIS PROJECT
Working with Directors from the One-Year Filmmaking program, each Cinematography student fills the role of Director of Photography on a graduating Director’s thesis film. Here they draw upon and implement the skills, theory and experience garnered throughout the cinematography program.