CIN 521 and 522: The Art and Craft of Cinematography – Tech Lab
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
2 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
This course will explore and experiment with the physical nature of technology through lectures,
hands-on workshops and screenings. Examples of covered topics include over/under exposure
parameters of motion picture film and image sensors in various formats; comparative lighting
exercises; accepted protocols for lens tests; photochemical and digital intermediate workflows from
capture to deliverables; dailies’ screenings and analysis.

CIN 525 and 526: Fellow Research Project I & II
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
Fellows will create two master’s program level group Research Projects with corresponding classinstruction
over the course of the first year. While guided by the instructor, it is the Fellows’ own
interests, active research and revelations that will drive the course.

CIN 529 and 530: The Science Cinematography – Lecture
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
3 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
The Science of Cinematography (lecture) is an exploration of how we understand and use the
technical tools in cinematography to create our artistic intent. It is concentrated on building
foundational understanding of digital processes, celluloid, light and optics. In this course, Fellows
will attain the necessary skills and vocabulary to discuss, investigate, plan and manipulate an
image in prep, on set and in post, at any level of modern production and post-production
environment.

CIN 531 and 532: The History of Cinematography
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
.5 CREDIT HOUR, REQUIRED FOR FALL TERM
.5 CREDIT HOUR, ELECTIVE FOR SPRING TERM
The history of cinematography is presented in this bi-monthly session, which rotates with the
Language of Cinematography sessions. This class aims to provide a wide-ranging examination of
the themes, trends, techniques, and technological developments that have informed the evolution
of visual storytelling. Classes pair a screening with either a lecture or a dialogue with an invited
guest. Films of cinematographic significance are presented to illustrate the journey of the
cinematographer’s artistry from the early days to the digital age. Writing assignments and
photographic assignments are used to underscore course insights.

CIN 561 and 562: The Language of Cinematography
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
1.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
In narrative cinema there are two sensory experiences: sound, primarily through dialogue; and
image, through which that dialogue is put into context. Images can convey meaning in silence, or
work with or against the dialogue. Cinematographers and their collaborators conjure the complex
language of cinema using all the tools at their disposal. To be effective Cinematographers, they
must master the skills and language of cinematography, so their images melt into the whole film.
This class will explore in depth the aesthetic, technical and logistical choices available to
cinematographers to serve both the narrative and the director’s vision.CIN 561/562 meets every other week, sharing the same meeting time as, and rotating with,
History of Cinematography.

This class welcomes Fellows from other discipline as auditors; auditors may not elect this class for
credit.

CIN 5711, 5722, 5723: Cycle Cinematography Preparation & Logistics I – III
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
1.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
This course focuses on the practical choices and decisions– aesthetic, technical and logistical–
made in the preparation and execution of the Cinematographer’s Cycle production. Fellows
consult individually with the instructor. One week before each Cycle production, Cinematography
Fellows present their visual plans to the class, including their understanding of the script and how
their camera and lighting choices support the story. Discussion will cover production challenges,
proposed solutions, problem solving, safety, leadership, and team collaboration. The instructor
visits production sets to observe the production process and to assess the safe use of equipment.
The instructor is also available to review the completed project.

Year One, End-of-Year Review
At the end of the first year, the Cinematography Discipline conducts an End of The Year Review, the
Cinematography where Fellows present a scene (or scenes) from Cycle projects two or three,
Cycle project workbooks and a self-analysis statement. The portfolio review is conducted by
several Faculty through a private, formal interview with each Cinematography Fellow. The purpose
of the review is to help Fellows identify areas of success and areas requiring improvement. The goal
of the review is self-knowledge and personal growth for each Fellow.

CIN 627: Advanced Technology
FALL TERM
1 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
CIN 627 builds upon the tools and technology presented in CIN 530 and the larger first-year
Cinematography curriculum. CIN 627 focuses on applications such as Effects, Advanced and nonstandard
optics, as well as the cinematographer’s relationship to post, including advanced
workflow design, emerging color spaces, and LUTs.

CIN 631 and 632: Advanced Production Techniques with Master Cinematographers
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
7 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
In this course, Guest master practitioners will guide Fellows through exercises of interior and
exterior lighting, composition, lens selection, color theory, exposure practices, image control,
blocking of action and post-production workflows, in the context of cinematography as an
evolving craft. This is a unique opportunity to engage one-on-one with master cinematographers,
craftsmen and technicians in a workshop environment. Discussion of their work will provide insight
into how these artists think, the techniques and tools they use, and how they approach specific
shooting situations in pursuit of telling a story.

The Career Development Master Seminars prepare 2nd Year Cinematography Fellows for life
beyond AFI. The seminars will be exploring topics such as career strategy, agents, interviews, the
union, and self-promotion.

Past guest lecturers include Rachel Morrison ASC, Ed Lachman ASC, Ellen Kuras ASC, Erik
Messerschmidt ASC, Polly Morgan ASC BSC, Ari Wegner ACS ASC, Catherine Goldschmidt ASC
BSC, Steve Yedlin ASC, David Stump ASC, Natalie Kingston ASC, Shana Hagan ASC, Sandra
Valde-Hansen ASC, Dan Sasaki and Walter Volpatto.

CIN 635 and 636: Visual Essay Production Exercises
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
2.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
Each Cinematography Fellow produces a Visual Essay shot on 35mm that demonstrates their
storytelling abilities, understanding of visual perspective, and competency in the medium of film.
The Visual Essay is guided throughout the entire process from pre-production to post-production by
the Discipline Head of Cinematography and the Visual Essay Faculty. In a classroom setting,
dailies and edits are reviewed by faculty and peers, culminating in a 3-minute film that will be
shown in a showcase at the end of the year.

CIN 670: Internship Practicum
ANY TERM
1–3 CREDIT HOUR(S)
ELECTIVE
The objective of this course is to provide working experience in the film/TV industry as it pertains
specifically to the Fellow’s degree/certificate requirements. Specific duties and requirements will
be outlined and supervised by the faculty mentor. This internship qualifies an international Fellow
for Curriculum Practical Training; approval must be obtained by the international advisor, as well
as the faculty mentor prior to enrolling in the course.

CIN 690 & 6911: Thesis Portfolio — Meetings
FALL, SPRING and, if applicable, SUMMER TERM
.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL (Final credits earned may be in CIN 691 if Thesis has not been
delivered)
REQUIRED
Cinematography Fellows will plan, produce and shoot their thesis project that will demonstrate
creative and technical competencies. In this seminar, shared jointly with Production Design Fellows,
each Fellow will formally present their thesis plans and will review their dailies and edits. At the
presentation of dailies, each Fellow will review the production experience. In addition, completed
portfolio reels will be evaluated by the Discipline Head during a final exit interview and review.
The Discipline Head approves the thesis work as appropriate for graduation.

1 Fellows will be enrolled into CIN 691 in summer term if thesis has not been delivered by end of second term.