MP5027 - Cinematography

You will learn by engaging with a combination of workshop and practical exercise sessions, supported by project feedback and critique sessions; in addition to reading the suggested texts, which will support and enhance your practice-based learning. You will also learn by applying the material discussed in a practical way to your own filmed exercises and projects. Workshop sessions include lecture material to contextualise the relevant approaches. Analysis and discussion of relevant film clips are also used to explore the module’s key content. These sessions will enable the tutor to discuss the key dynamics of Cinematography in relation to the project briefs and module context in an in-depth manner. The sessions are structured to reflect the core issues and themes of the module. Your tutor will frame the content of each session and outline the aim and outcomes. Tutors begin the project sessions with the clear parameters of the content together with the definitions and considerations that will enable you to negotiate the practical work while developing a critical understanding of the key principles to deliver effective productions. Tutorial sessions help to guide and advise each specific project throughout production as well as offering formative feedback on the materials and process. Guided project work creates an experiential environment on which tutors can offer insight. Lecture materials, seminar guidelines and module information will all be available on the eLearning Portal.

Your tutor will demonstrate and explain the relevant techniques and cinematographic principles, while also providing detailed and specific formative feedback and encouragement on your own practical application of these principles as the module progresses. Further one to one tutorials can be arranged outside of teaching time also. Your tutor will be available to provide verbal feedback on your tests and planning process as the module progresses. You will also receive detailed written feedback on your final summative submissions, which will identify in detail the strengths and areas that could be improved in future work. You will also be offered the opportunity to receive further verbal feedback following this formal assessment, so that you can follow up any concerns you have regarding your critical development and future learning. The module will also incorporate assessment preparation discussion, with advice on how to approach not only the practical elements but also how to write up the critical analysis of your final project which will form the basis of the supporting materials in your final submission. Furthermore, the module tutor will offer set office hours for academic support. Lecture materials, seminar guidelines and module information will all be available on the eLearning Portal.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles that govern modes of cinematography

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practices of the camera department

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Evidence a critical engagement with your practice in context

4. Demonstrate proficiency in creating images that are of a high technical and aesthetic standard

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Evidence that you value collaborating with others, by (for example) working constructively, sensitively and ethically in conjunction with people from various socio-cultural backgrounds and with divergent skill-sets

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.



Summative feedback will be given on submission of the portfolio at the end of the semester, which addresses all of the MLOs.

The final portfolio should contain exploratory practical exercises, filmed research and test material culminating in a short, filmed scene supported by a written evaluation of 2000 words. This evaluation should outline your research, your practical tests and methodology. The completed scene and supporting portfolio should demonstrate an understanding of colour palette, movement, lighting and composition to communicate a feeling, idea or emotion.

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Similar to all of the key craft skills required to make effective films, Cinematography is an intriguing fusion of technical knowledge and aesthetic sensibility. In combination, these aspects can be applied creatively to deliver a deeper, more meaningful experience for the audience. Delivering a portfolio of camera department exercises, including shot composition, lighting and camera movement, students on this module will become familiar with the processes, thinking and approaches that underpin the Director of Photography role. You will learn about the importance of lighting, camera placement, colour palette, composition, and lens selection. These cinematographic elements are tools and their careful use should inform audience perception of plot and character, as well as capturing beautiful looking pictures. Building through a series of creative exercises, the module will develop your understanding of not only the relevant filmmaking workflows, but also how to employ these skills creatively and effectively as a visual storyteller.