One-Year Cinematography: Modules

Digital Fiction Production

 

This module offers you a practical foundation in filmmaking, which is designed to provide you with a working knowledge of film grammar and established industry practices. You will cover the basic disciplines necessary for production, pre-production, team-building, digital cinematography, lighting, sound, Final Cut Pro and non-linear editing techniques

Digital Fiction Production

 

This module offers you a practical foundation in filmmaking, which is designed to provide you with a working knowledge of film grammar and established industry practices. You will cover the basic disciplines necessary for production, pre-production, team-building, digital cinematography, lighting, sound, Final Cut Pro and non-linear editing techniques

Moving Narratives

 

The Moving Narratives module introduces you to the role of storytelling across film, television and other forms of mass communication. You will develop storytelling skills and gain a comprehensive introduction to the study of film and television. This module covers a wide range of media disciplines, including the study of film language, genre, narrative and non-narrative forms. You will also study visual styles, the ‘celebrity’ system and the various modes of production, screening, authorship and spectatorship.

 

The Principles of Photorealism


In this module you will be introduced to both 3D software for visual effects and 2D software for digital compositing. By combining the fundamentals of 3D lighting and rendering in Maya with Nuke compositing software, you will learn industry standard techniques for creating photorealistic animations.

 

In addition to learning how to model 3D objects using Maya, you will also learn the fundamentals of how to simulate real world motion.

Short Film Production

 

During this module you will have the opportunity to direct, produce and edit a short film that you have written and assist in the production of further films by fellow students. Short Film Production is designed to help you put into practice the skills and understanding you have gained and to help you develop in the areas of communication, teamwork, tenacity and professional practice. 

 

 

Digital Set Extension

 

This module covers the fundamental processes involved in visual effects production using live action footage. Students will shoot their own HD footage and learn to track the motion of the camera using a variety of industry standard software such as Boujou and Nuke.

 

Once tracked you will edit the original footage, digitally removing unwanted elements in a process called ‘rig removal’. Then working as a team, you will learn the production processes involved in creating 3D elements that will be rendered and composited together with the original footage, resulting in a digitally extended set.

Basic Cinematography

 

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and creative use of camera and lighting techniques. You will be taught the key techniques, creative approaches and organisational skills involved in camera operation and lighting and experiment with a complex test shot in order to get a feel for how choices in cinematography can affect your work in direction and production.

Camera Department Boot Camp

 

This module provides you with the necessary training and experience to function in the camera, lighting and grip departments within the film and television industries. You will be trained in the professional practice of key roles such as; AC, Clapper Loader, Grip, Operator, Gaffer and Focus Puller. The course will also cover the new and evolving roll of digital film cameras with training on DIT (Digital Intermediate Technicians) techniques and the advanced technical skills required to support common digital cinema and video camera systems.
 

 

The shoot: Integrated Cinematography Skills


The aim of this module is for you to create a high level finished short film in a one-day shoot and you will work as a team with each member rotating through various crew positions. You will also develop an understanding of how to shoot for modern post-production grading software and systems.


To complete your project you will present ideas and creative plans for what you want to achieve, and then carry out tests shoots and a production portfolio, which will be submitted for approval before your shoot starts.


Upon completing the module you will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of how creative skills integrate into the production process. In addition to the on-set skills you acquire you’ll also understand how images are modified using contemporary Picture Grading and CGI processes.
 

Documentary : Theory and Practice

 

During this module you will gain a unique and powerful understanding of the documentary. You will make your own short documentary film with the guidance of an experienced documentary filmmaker and explore the movements and theories of the documentary tradition.

Professional Industry Practice

 

This module is designed to give you an insight into the professional working practices of the industry. By understanding the basic organisational structures and the political and economic influences that affect production you will be better prepared to function in the industry when you embark on full-time work.

Short Film, Big Screen

 

Short Film, Big Screen draws on the skills and concepts that you have learnt throughout the programme, enabling you to produce a film in a genre of your choosing. You are encouraged to experiment and explore the distribution possibilities of the various media platforms and exhibition sites available to you. You will also get guidance from your tutors at key stages of the project – from treatment and/or script through to production and post-production.

 

 

Small Screen Production

 

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of producing content for the small screen – from the Internet to mobile phones and television. This course takes you through the process from script to screen, covering technical, production and creative skills.