Camera Techniques Seminar 1

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Subject guarantor:

Marek JÍCHA

Name of lecturer(s):

Marek JÍCHA, Michael GAHUT

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

Students attend practical and theory classes. Students learn practice with a film or digital camera. They, also, receive a theory basis on work with the camer as a tool of film language.

Mode of study:

Workshops and theory classes

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

Previous experience with camera technique and technology

Recommended optional programme components:

none

Course contents:

Theoretical and practical acquaintance with 35mm, 16mm and electronic camera technology. Students visit either Cinematography Department at FAMU or professional rental services and familiarize themselves (under the tutor leading) with camreas and its optical-mechanical-electronic equipment. Part of the course is also professional practice.

Part of course has theoretical lectures about theory of camera tools and film language principles.

1. Movement as Main Principle. Introduction. Historical review and experience projection. Movement like basic means of expression of film. Movement in the shot. Movement with Camera. Movement of subjects in front of camera. Movement of subjective look. Movement of lights. Movement of linear perspective. Movement of colors. Movement of Rythm. Movement as actor and storyteller. Movement as Composer.

2. Framing Theory. Function of human memory. Memory as collection of experiences. Frame as window. Picture inside the screen frame, picture outside from screen frame. Creative work of imaginations versus spectators interest about visible picture. Funkcion of darkness in cinema. System of question marks and role of content of picture versus acting of actors. Andrej Tarkovskij as Master of framing.

3. Narrator - POV. Analysis of Czech Film Marketa Lazarova. POV of Character, Narration by Narrator, Narration by Camera, Narration by Author and Narration by Spectator. Strategic plan how to set up narration of our movie.

4. Composition and Gold number. Basic law of the Universe. Basic rules of composition. Horizontal Movement with camera. Using plans. Close and Open Compositions. Composition styles in painting. Composition as a Directors tool. Composition as toll of Director of Photography. Review of Historical Styles in Visual Art. Why we need to think about the Center of the Picture and Center of the Universe? Gold Number and Golden ratio. Fibonacci numbers. Masons way to build balanced houses. Masons numbers. Perfectionism versus Beauty.

5. Shot Sizes and resolution. CU and LS shot sizes. Language syntax. Informations versus Emotions. Camera Eye?s Viewing Angles. Parameters of shooting locations. Theory of backgrounds. Use of other shot sizes. Why 35mm was established as worlds film standard. Why DC4K?

6. Depth of Field, Perspective, Lens=EYE, Basics of optical laws. Depth of Field as illusion. 2D look, 3D look. Hyper focal distance for producer budget. Telephoto lenses versus wide lenses. Introduction to basics works with film lenses.

Recommended or required reading:

Steven D. Katz: Shot by Shot

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

Students will have possibility to visit Prague rental services of camera techniques

Assessment methods and criteria:

-

Course web page:

Note:

-

Schedule for winter semester 2014/2015:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2014/2015:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Cinematography (qualification subject)