FTV3968 CinematographyBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs DIGITAL GAME DESIGNGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
DIGITAL GAME DESIGN
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
FTV3968 Cinematography Spring 3 0 3 5
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Prof. Dr. NİLAY ULUSOY
Course Lecturer(s): Instructor AYKUT ALP ERSOY
Recommended Optional Program Components: 1. Camera and Lighting Workshops - Participate in specialized workshops focused on advanced camera techniques and lighting setups. - Gain hands-on experience with professional equipment and real-world scenarios in a controlled environment. 2. Industry Guest Lectures - Attend guest lectures from experienced cinematographers, lighting technicians, and industry professionals to gain insight into current practices and trends in film production. 3. Field Trips to Production Studios - Visit professional film and television production studios to observe the equipment and techniques used in professional camera and lighting setups. - Participate in guided tours to see how large-scale productions are managed. 4. Collaborative Student Projects - Work with peers on collaborative film projects to apply camera and lighting techniques in a team-based setting. - Participate in cross-departmental collaboration with students from other creative disciplines like directing, producing, and editing. 5. Camera and Lighting Equipment Training - Attend training sessions on using industry-standard cameras and lighting equipment, including DSLR cameras, film cameras, lighting rigs, and modifiers. 6. Film Screenings and Analysis - Engage in film screenings that highlight effective use of camera work and lighting, followed by discussions and analyses of the visual storytelling techniques. 7. Creative Lighting Challenges - Take part in creative lighting challenges where students are tasked with lighting a scene to achieve specific emotional tones or visual styles. 8. Internships or Work Experience - Gain practical experience by interning or working on actual film sets, shadowing professionals in the camera and lighting departments. - Observe industry workflows and gain exposure to real-world production environments. 9. Film Festival Participation - Submit student projects to film festivals to showcase their camera and lighting skills. - Attend festivals to learn about emerging trends and network with professionals in the field. 10. Sound and Visual Effects Collaboration - Collaborate with sound design and visual effects students to integrate lighting and camera work with audio and post-production elements, enhancing the overall storytelling process.
Course Objectives: This course aims to equip students with comprehensive skills in camera operation and lighting techniques, emphasizing their application in a collaborative, team-oriented set environment. Students will gain hands-on experience in creating visually compelling scenes, understanding the interplay between camera movement, framing, and lighting to enhance storytelling and mood. Through practical exercises and teamwork, they will develop both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving abilities essential for professional film and video production.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Operate Camera Equipment
- Demonstrate proficiency in operating various types of cameras, including understanding camera settings, lenses, and their impact on visual storytelling.

2. Implement Lighting Techniques
- Apply different lighting setups to create mood, enhance the narrative, and support the visual aesthetic of a scene.

3. Collaborate in a Team Environment
- Work effectively as part of a production team, understanding and fulfilling specific roles related to camera operation and lighting within a set environment.

4. Analyze Visual Composition
- Analyze the relationship between camera angles, framing, and lighting in conveying the intended message and emotion in a scene.

5. Solve Technical Challenges
- Identify and address technical challenges related to camera and lighting setups, adapting creatively to dynamic production conditions.

6. Critically Evaluate Cinematic Techniques
- Critically evaluate and discuss cinematic techniques used in various film and television productions, understanding their practical applications.

7. Enhance Visual Storytelling
- Use camera and lighting techniques to enhance storytelling, effectively conveying themes, moods, and character emotions through visual elements.

Course Content

This course covers a wide range of topics designed to teach students the techniques of operating cameras and lighting on set through hands-on practice and teamwork. It begins with an introduction to camera operation, including an overview of camera types, lenses, and settings, as well as essential movements and framing techniques. Students will then explore the fundamentals of lighting, learning about key, fill, and backlight, as well as techniques like three-point lighting and the role of color temperature in setting the mood. Practical sessions will cover camera and lighting setup on set, where students will mount and adjust cameras, position lights, and use lighting modifiers like diffusers and gels. Emphasis is placed on teamwork and collaboration, with students learning the roles within the camera and lighting departments, effective communication, and how to solve technical challenges on set. The course also delves into advanced camera techniques, such as steadicam, and handheld techniques, and the integration of camera movement with lighting to enhance storytelling. Students will learn how to adapt lighting for different environments, including indoor and outdoor scenes, working with natural light, and adjusting for day-to-night transitions. Practical exercises will involve students creating and shooting short scenes in teams, applying specific lighting and camera requirements. The course concludes with critique and review sessions where students analyze and evaluate footage, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and discussing the impact of camera and lighting choices on storytelling.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to cinematography
2) Camera crew and camera types
3) Lighting equipment
4) Lense, filters and special grip equipments
5) Shooting a short scene in the studio
6) Basic camera movements and optic
7) Chroma key lighting
8) Lighting objects
9) Special camera set ups
10) Lighting on interior locations
11) Shooting a short interior scene
12) Lighting on exterior locations
13) Shooting a short exterior scene
14) Motion picture camera workshop

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: 1. Ascher, S., & Pincus, E. (2013). *The filmmaker's handbook: A comprehensive guide for the digital age*. Plume.
2. Brown, B. (2016). *Cinematography: Theory and practice* (3rd ed.). Focal Press.
3. Box, H. C. (2013). *Set lighting technician's handbook* (3rd ed.). Focal Press.
4. Jackman, J. (2006). *The lighting handbook for film and television*. Focal Press.
5. Long, B. (2009). *The digital filmmaking handbook*. Focal Press.
References: 1. Ascher, S., & Pincus, E. (2013). *The filmmaker's handbook: A comprehensive guide for the digital age*. Plume.
2. Brown, B. (2016). *Cinematography: Theory and practice* (3rd ed.). Focal Press.
3. Box, H. C. (2013). *Set lighting technician's handbook* (3rd ed.). Focal Press.
4. Jackman, J. (2006). *The lighting handbook for film and television*. Focal Press.
5. Long, B. (2009). *The digital filmmaking handbook*. Focal Press.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Presentation 2 % 30
Project 2 % 30
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 30
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 70
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Study Hours Out of Class 12 3 36
Presentations / Seminar 2 3 6
Project 2 20 40
Final 1 4 4
Total Workload 128

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Comprehend the conceptual importance of the game in the field of communication, ability to implement the player centered application to provide design.
2) Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.
3) Analyze the key elements that make up specific game genres, forms of interactions, mode of narratives and understand how they are employed effectively to create a successful game.
4) Understand game design theories and methods as well as implement them during game development; to make enjoyable, attractive, instructional and immersive according to the target audience.
5) Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines.
6) Understand the process of creation and use of 2D and 3D assets and animation for video games.
7) Understand and master the theories and methodologies of understanding and measuring player experience and utilize them during game development process.
8) Comprehend and master how ideas, concepts and topics are conveyed via games followed by the utilization of these aspects during the development process.
9) Manage the game design and development process employing complete documentation; following the full game production pipeline via documentation.
10) Understand and employ the structure and work modes of game development teams; comprehend the responsibilities of team members and collaborations between them while utilizing this knowledge in practice.
11) Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice.
12) Pitching a video game to developers, publishers, and players; mastering the art of effectively communicating and marketing the features and commercial potential of new ideas, concepts or games.