CIN511: Cinematography Workshop: Dramatic Analysis
FALL TERM
.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL REQUIRED
In this course, Cinematography Fellows’ Cycle projects are the subject of extensive analyses with an emphasis on the aesthetic choices made by the Cinematography Fellow. Each weekly session is devoted to two projects. Faculty and Cinematography Fellows provide the Cycle project Cinematographer with written summaries and insight into the storytelling achievement of the projects screened. Attendance is required.
CIN 521 and 522: The Art and Craft of Cinematography – Studio
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
4.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL REQUIRED
The primary goal of this course is to emulate real-world production set experience, requiring Fellows to prepare for each in-class exercise as they would for an actual shoot. Fellows are expected to take initiative, demonstrate preparation, and practice the leadership integral to the role of the Cinematographer. The course develops each Fellow’s ability to delegate and coordinate the camera crew—Gaffer, Key Grip, Dolly Grip, and Camera Operator—with emphasis on understanding crew responsibilities, effective delegation, and fostering a collaborative, proactive set environment.
The course also explores how to shape motivated and emotionally driven lighting for both 35mm print dailies and digital scans. Each Fellow will Co-DP one in-class shoot and crew on 13 others, all under the direct supervision of the instructor.
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 class-instruction 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.
