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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

New York Film Academy | Evaluated Learning Experience

FIL120 Cinematography I

Length: 
67.5 hours (16 weeks).
Location: 
New York Film Academy, 17 Battery Place, New York, NY.
Dates: 

September 2007 - December 2019.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: operate an Arriflex-S 16mm non-sync film camera: load and unload daylight spools; affect focus and depth of field with the use of different lenses; describe the properties of a wide-angle, medium, and telephoto lens; calculate a proper exposure with a Sekonic light meter, and shoot slow motion and fast motion; identify how to shoot an Exposure Test, Light Meter Test, a Lens Test, a Focus Test, and a Frame rate test with the Arriflex-S Camera; recognize a three-point lighting set up, and discuss the differences between key, fill, and back light; assess different characteristics of hard and soft lighting and implement the uses of diffusion, gels, blackwrap, flexfill, and determining wattage and voltage and amp with each light unit; judge how to implement lighting ratios; gauge the latitude of film stocks; operate a Panasonic DVX100a camera; discuss DV technology and CCD technology; utilize shutter speed, frame modes, scene files, and DVX scene menus; differentiate and apply how to light for digital vs. film; discuss exposure for DV; discuss the crew roles as a Cinematographer and Assistant Cameraman with both camera packages; and recognize what the crew roles are as a Director, Director of Photography, Assistant Camera, and Gaffer and Grip.

Instruction: 

This course trains students how to use the 16mm Arriflex-S motion picture camera and its accessories. Students learn how to load the camera and take light readings and perform test shoots to learn about the latitude of the film stock, how to get a correct exposure, the effect of different lenses, focus pulling, and in-camera effects. In lighting class, students examine the fundamental lighting techniques through shooting test on film. As they progress through the workshop, students explore how to support the mood of the story with lighting choices and they experiment with expressive lighting styles. The Cinematography Labs are hands-on workshops in which students stage and shoot scene exercises under the supervision of the instructor. The technical aspects of filmmaking are seen as tools to realize the story. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as Cinematography in Filmmaking (7/08) (10/16 revalidation). NOTE: Each semester of the One-Year Filmmaking Program is an integrated, cross-disciplinary experience. Credit is recommended only after students complete all courses within a given semester.

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