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Cinematography
Course Overview
Course Objective
To equip students with a foundation in cinematography skills, knowledge, and creativity to produce high-quality visual content for various media platforms.
What You'll Learn
Understand cinematography fundamentals — camera types, formats, and basic lighting principles
Confidently operate camera equipment — setup, exposure control, depth of field, and lens selection
Apply lighting principles to create mood, texture, depth, and visual atmosphere across different environments
Compose and frame shots with narrative intent — storyboarding, floorplans, and shot lists
Apply camera movement techniques — dolly, pan, tilt, and specialist equipment including Steadicams and drones
Analyse cinematography across film styles and develop visual storytelling skills for narrative and emotional depth
Understand basic colour grading, post-production processes, and safety best practices on set
Build a professional portfolio showcasing your cinematography skills and experience
How You're Assessed
Assessment
Ongoing Assessment
50%Written assignments & quizzes
20%Practical exercises & participation
30%Final Assessment
50%Final group project — cross-department production
50%Contact Hours: 3–4 hours of lectures and discussions per week, plus 2–3 hours of practical exercises and project work — totalling 5–7 contact hours per week.
Attendance: Given the intensive nature of this course, unapproved absences may negatively impact your academic performance and final grade. Please notify your instructor in advance if you need to miss a class.
20 Weeks · 1 Semester
Course Curriculum
Six months moving from cinematography theory and camera operation through lighting, visual storytelling, and a full cross-department production.
Theory
- ›Understanding what being a cinematographer entails
- ›Fundamentals of cinematography
- ›The art of cinematography and its history
- ›Camera types and formats
- ›Basic lighting principles
- ›Types of genres
- ›Audience being targeted by your stories
- ›Elements of good storytelling: the mood and context of the screenplay
- ›How to tell a story with the camera
1. Basic Camera Operating Skills
- ›Fundamentals of camera operation: handling, setup, and safety
2. Camera Angles & Movement
- ›Understanding different camera angles and their impact on the scene
- ›Camera movement techniques: dolly, pan, tilt, and more
3. Framing & Composition
- ›The aesthetics of framing: creating visually appealing shots
- ›Composition techniques: rule of thirds, leading lines, and more
1. Exposure Control
- ›Understanding exposure: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed
- ›Achieving optimal exposure in various lighting conditions
2. Image Formation
- ›Depth of field: controlling focus and blur
- ›Lensing: understanding different lens types and their effects
3. Framing & Composition
- ›Using camera settings to achieve desired framing and composition
1. Shots & Shot Sizes
- ›Understanding different shot sizes and their applications
- ›Using shots to convey meaning and emotion
2. Camera Storytelling
- ›How to tell a story with the camera: visual narrative techniques
- ›How camera lenses and composition create emotion and influence the audience's feelings
3. Pre-Visualising the Story
- ›Storyboarding the script: translating words to visuals
- ›Floorplans: planning camera placement and movement
- ›Planning and creating a shot list: organising the shoot and maximising efficiency
1. Lighting Instruments & Safety
- ›Understanding different types of lighting instruments
- ›Lighting safety and best practices: electrical safety, handling, and rigging
2. Lighting Principles & Techniques
- ›Understanding light quality, direction, and intensity
- ›Creating mood and atmosphere: three-point lighting, high-key and low-key lighting
- ›Lighting for texture, depth, and dimension
3. Advanced Lighting Applications
- ›Lighting for different environments: interior, exterior, and mixed lighting sources
- ›Collaborating with the camera team: achieving a visual style and lighting for specific genres
Group Practical
- ›Students work in groups to practise cinematography techniques
- ›Exercise: 5-minute script with a narrative structure provided to students
Cross-Department Collaboration
Meet the team assigned to the project. Break down the script and discuss all creative issues — art direction, lighting, visual style, pace, and shot list — in preparation for the shoot.
Pre-Production — 5 Min Project
Pre-production on the 5-minute project with the assigned cross-department team — finalising the shot list, lighting plan, and technical preparation for production.
On-Set Production
Production of the 5-minute project in association with all departments. Cinematography students lead the camera and lighting departments, working alongside peers from Directing, Acting, Art Direction, Editing, Sound, and Producing.
Post-Production Processes
Understanding post-production processes — reviewing footage, basic colour grading, and how the cinematographer's work carries through to the final edit.
Debrief & Reflection
View all final projects and discuss the successes and challenges of the video shoot across teams.
- ›What went well — smooth coordination, effective communication, creative ideas
- ›What didn't go as planned — technical issues, scheduling conflicts, creative differences
- ›Team feedback across Directing & Camera, Sound, and Production teams
- ›Lessons learned — identify areas for improvement and share best practices
Ready to Start?
Enrol in Certificate in Cinematography
Take the first step toward telling stories through the lens. Contact our admissions team to learn more about intake dates and enrolment requirements.