Module Details

Module Code: MMED6021
Title: Cinematography
Long Title: Cinematography
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This subject aims to introduce the learner to the basic principles and practice of Film/video production from concept development, to planning, selection and resolution. By developing the learner’s critical
appreciation of film/video they develop an awareness of film/video language, terminology and process.
This knowledge is then applied through the production of a short video piece using the basic principles of film/ video production.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the process of film/video pre-production and production using appropriate terminology and reference;
LO2 Critically evaluate examples of film/video work in terms of their use of cinematographic language;
LO3 Plan and document a short video production from concept generation to production stage;
LO4 Produce a short visual sequence which clearly shows the application of basic principles of film production inc. framing, sequencing, lighting;
LO5 Edit a short video sequence from assorted content.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The Camera
The basic principles of Photography and the camera. Formats for recording. Lenses, their types and use. Focus and depth of field. Optical techniques
The visual production process:
pre-production, production and post production. Roles and responsibilities: producer, director, screenwriter, camera operator, lighting operator, etc.;
The pre-production process – planning & preparation.
Concept development, production design, scripting, storyboarding. Stills and the motion picture;
The production process:
The shot: framing: Stills and motion picture, Shot duration,
Lighting:
drawing with light, light and atmosphere/mood;
Narrative:
principles of formal narrative construction; Narrative conventions and formats – plot, expectation, causality, motivation, parallelism, plot development/progression; - Linear and non-linear narratives. Realism and the construction of illusion. Genre.
Practical
Application of theory to practice through directed assignments and projects; - Storyboarding; - Camera operation;- Lighting; - Fundamental principles of editing.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Creation of Storyboards based on predefined story concept.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
A short comparative description of genre and style. This work will use the Video which is being developed for final submission as its basis.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Submit a short video piece to a specified brief
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Instruction, description, discussion of cinema and cinematic techniques Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research and development of storyboard and shooting of actual video Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Blain Brown. (2011), Cinematography: Theory and Practice, Paperback. Focal Press, [ISBN: 9780240805009].
  • Jennifer Van Sijll. (2005), Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know, Michael Wiese Productions, [ISBN: 193290705X].
  • Michael Humphries. (2016), Visual Storytelling with Color and Light, Focal press, p.280, [ISBN: 9780415720649].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bruce Block. The Visual Story, Focal press, [ISBN: 9780240807799].
  • Ken Dancyger. (2006), The Technique of Film and Video Editing, [ISBN: 9780240807652].
  • Tom Wolskey. (2012), Final Cut Pro X for iMovie and Final Cut Express Users, Focal Press, p.320, [ISBN: 9780240823669].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMMED_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Digital Media 3 Elective
CR_HPHNM_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Photography with New Media 3 Elective