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Film & TV · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Advanced Camera Techniques

This technical course is designed for aspiring cinematographers who wish to master the visual language of cinema. Moving beyond standard exposure, students will explore the artistic and scientific properties of advanced camera systems. The curriculum covers complex camera movements, lens optics (Anamorphic vs. Spherical), color science, and the discipline of the camera department crew roles (focus pulling, rigging).

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master advanced camera movements using Dollies, Jibs, and Gimbals/Steadicams
  2. Understand the physics of optics: Anamorphic lenses, focal length, and depth of field
  3. Execute professional "AC" (Assistant Camera) duties, including wireless focus pulling
  4. Manipulate High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Log profiles for cinematic grading
  5. Design complex lighting setups to achieve specific cinematic moods (Noir, High-Key)
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Cinematographer's Role & Crew Hierarchy
  2. 02Sensor Technology: Size, Resolution, & Crop Factors
  3. 03Lens Optics: Spherical vs. Anamorphic
  4. 04Color Science: LUTs, LOG, and RAW Workflows
  5. 05Exposure Tools: False Color & Waveforms
  6. 06The Art of Focus Pulling (Follow Focus)
  7. 07Composition: Aspect Ratios & Framing
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Advanced Lighting: Motivated vs. Practical
  10. 10Camera Movement I: Dollies & Sliders
  11. 11Camera Movement II: Gimbals & Steadicams
  12. 12High-Speed Cinematography (Slow Motion)
  13. 13Time-lapse & Hyper-lapse Techniques
  14. 14Rigging & Grip Equipment Safety
  15. 15Multi-Cam Setup & Live Broadcasting
  16. 16Final Project: The Cinematic Sequence

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Cinematic Sequence

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Cinematography: Theory and Practice by Blain Brown
  2. The Five C's of Cinematography by Joseph V. Mascelli
  3. Painting With Light by John Alton
  4. The Camera Assistant's Manual by David E. Elkins
  5. Masters of Light: Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers by Dennis Schaefer
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