Department of Performing and Screen Arts

Bachelor in Performing and

Screen Arts
Course No. Course Name Semester Year
PASA7272 Camera 3b 2 2009
Lecturer (s) Course Co-ordinator
Dan Wagner, Alan Locke Dan Wagner
Marker(s) Moderator(s)
Dan Wagner, Alan Locke Larry Justice
Assignment No. & Title Course grade % Due Date Return Date
th
1 Year 3 Short Film 50% 12 October 9th November
Course aim:
To enable students to consolidate a body of advanced theories, concepts and techniques relating to
specialised creative practice utilising specialist camera technologies and to articulate a personal voice
for camera.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Employ sophisticated creative, technical and managerial skills whilst running a specialist department on a
short narrative film.
2. Employ discipline specific professional behaviour and practices.

Description:
In the role of Director of Photography, plan for and shoot a Short Film to a professional standard. Keep
copious, detailed notes throughout the entirety of the preparation process. These notes will start out as
general creative impressions and get more and more specific as the shoot date approaches. The result
of this process will be a detailed plan book to which you will refer as you shoot. After production has
wrapped, you will visit at least one edit session (on arrangement with the Editor) to study your work
with an eye toward its ultimate cutability. Then, you will write an essay reflecting on your performance
as a DP and on the quality of your work as measured against your pre-shoot concepts and
expectations.

Marking Criteria:
NOTE: Many of the criteria below are generally marked on evidence obtained by tutor and/or peer
observation of your project work, your interactions with others (including tutors and public), and the
footage, paperwork or files you have contributed to during the project.

1. Create and develop an appropriate Plan/Journal which will enhance the creative
aims of the script. (this is the formulation of your “DP’s Plan”, detailed under separate cover) (25%)
2. Implement the plan to achieve the desired look(s). (your carrying-out of the “DP’s Plan”,
including such things as your lighting, camera strategies, full use of locations, etc. – this criterion looks at how
well you achieve your aims creatively) (20%)

3. Apply theoretical knowledge of cinematography to a professional standard.

(exposure & contrast ratios; lens choices; framing and composition; camera movement – this criterion looks at
the level and consistency of the work’s technical quality) (20%)
4. Apply safe practice, troubleshoot and avoid technical difficulties. (appropriately
addressing the many logistical responsibilities involved in planning and shooting) (10%)
5. Reflect on your performance as a DP and on the quality of your footage as
measured against your pre-production concepts, plans and expectations. (Summarise
your concepts going into the shoot and the results coming out of it. Did the shoot go the way you planned for? Did
the footage look the way you expected it to look? If not, compare and contrast the differences. What did you learn
after seeing the editor work to cut it? [This, of course, means you have to sit in on at least one session.] Did you
provide them with the footage necessary to edit it properly?) [this is your essay – 1000 words] (25%)

SCHEDULE
Final Production Meeting: Initial DP PLAN due.
We’ll look it over and give it back to you so that you can refer to it on your shoot.
(dates TBC): DP attends EDIT SESSION(s)

12th October: Final DP PLAN/JOURNAL Due (see #’s1 & 5)

24914636.doc / DW2008