| CODE | MCS2170 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Cinematography | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Media and Communications | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | By means of a series of theoretical lectures and workshops, students will be introduced to the art and craft of cinematography. The role of the cinematographer is one that has continuously evolved, especially with advancements in digital technology. However, at its core, the cinematographer's purpose remains unchanged since the earliest days of film making: to shape and enhance storytelling through powerful visual imagery. This study-unit is designed to provide both an introduction to the technical foundations of cinematography and a creative understanding of the art and craft. Using digital tools, students will develop the skills necessary to create compelling, visually rich narratives across various genres and production scales. Study-Unit Aims: - Contextualise the historical evolution of cinematography as an art form within current filmmaking practices, while highlighting the style's essential contribution to the collaborative nature of film making; - Identify and analyse a variety of cinematographic setups, with particular attention to how visual choices construct tone, mood, and genre; - Help students achieve a practical competence in shooting scenes, with an emphasis on understanding distinct cinematographic workflows and engaging with current digital camera technologies. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Characterise and establish the principles of film grammar, composition, lighting, and camera movement, as well as how cinematography has evolved throughout film history; - Identify and recognise lighting techniques for different moods, genres, and styles using industry-standard lighting equipment; - Envisage how to position themselves within the industry; what initial roles can be obtained and how their careers could progress both locally and on a European level; - Distinguish between the different roles in the camera and lighting departments and how these are mentored and managed by the cinematographer. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate the ability to light a day and a night scene; - Review scenes and be able to translate these into lighting and framing compositions for the screen; - Coordinate with other members of an audio-visual production and on set team; - Be able to work with a director in bringing the story to life, while also possessing knowledge o the different contingencies which can affect the practice of cinematography. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Palmer, T. (2024). Cinematography and Lighting for Television: A Contemporary Approach. Taylor & Francis. - Schaefer, D., & Salvato, L. (2013). Masters of Light: Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers. Univ of California Press. [online access via Hydi] - Brown, B. (2025). Visual Storytelling for Filmmakers. Taylor & Francis. Supplementary Readings: - Hoser, T. (2018). Introduction to Cinematography: Learning through practice. Routledge. - Brown, B. (2016). Cinematography: Theory and Practice: Image-making for Cinematographers and Directors. Routledge. [online access via Hydi] |
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| RULES/CONDITIONS | Before TAKING THIS UNIT YOU MUST TAKE MCS1010 OR TAKE MCS2080 OR TAKE MCS3200 | |||||||||
| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Co-requisite Study-unit: MCS2140 | |||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Workshop | |||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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