Cinematography & Camera Operation (Intermediate)

Duration: 3 Months

Level: Intermediate

Structure: 5 Units | Theory + Practical Training

Unit 1: Advanced Camera Operation & Exposure

Theory Module

• Digital cinema camera fundamentals
• Camera sensor types and formats
• Manual exposure and exposure control
• ISO, aperture and shutter speed
• Frame rates and shutter angle
• White balance and colour temperature
• Exposure metering and monitoring tools
• Camera profiles and recording formats

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Identify major camera controls and functions
2. Configure camera settings for different shooting conditions
3. Practice manual exposure
4. Set appropriate frame rates and shutter speeds
5. Perform white-balance calibration
6. Practice exposure using histogram and monitoring tools
7. Record test footage in different lighting conditions
8. Review footage and correct exposure issues

Unit 2: Lenses, Composition & Cinematic Framing

Theory Module

• Prime and zoom lenses
• Focal length and field of view
• Lens characteristics and perspective
• Depth of field and focus control
• Rule of thirds and visual composition
• Shot sizes and camera angles
• Foreground, background and visual depth
• Continuity and screen direction

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Identify and select suitable lenses
2. Compare wide, normal and telephoto perspectives
3. Practice manual focus and focus pulling
4. Create shallow and deep depth-of-field shots
5. Frame wide, medium and close-up shots
6. Practice high, low and eye-level angles
7. Create balanced cinematic compositions
8. Shoot a short sequence maintaining screen direction

Unit 3: Cinematic Lighting & Visual Storytelling

Theory Module

• Fundamentals of cinematographic lighting
• Key, fill and backlight
• Hard and soft light
• Natural and artificial lighting
• Three-point lighting
• Motivated lighting
• Colour temperature and lighting mood
• Visual storytelling through light and composition

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Identify available light sources
2. Set up basic three-point lighting
3. Practice hard and soft lighting
4. Create portrait and interview lighting
5. Develop a cinematic night/interior lighting setup
6. Use reflectors and light modifiers
7. Create different moods using lighting
8. Shoot a short visual scene using planned lighting

Unit 4: Camera Movement, Shot Planning & On-Set Operation

Theory Module

• Static and dynamic camera techniques
• Pan, tilt, tracking and handheld shots
• Gimbal and stabilizer operation
• Dolly and crane movement concepts
• Shot lists and storyboards
• Blocking and camera placement
• Coverage and continuity
• Basic on-set camera department workflow

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Set up a camera safely on a tripod
2. Practice static compositions
3. Perform smooth pan and tilt movements
4. Practice handheld cinematography
5. Operate a gimbal or stabilizer
6. Plan camera movement for a scene
7. Prepare a shot list and storyboard
8. Shoot multiple angles and maintain continuity
9. Review footage for movement and framing quality

Unit 5: Professional Cinematography Production Project

Theory Module

• Cinematography planning and workflow
• Visual style development
• Camera and lens selection
• Lighting and location planning
• Production safety and equipment handling
• Basic colour correction and footage management
• Professional cinematography portfolio
• On-set communication and teamwork

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Select a short film or visual project concept
2. Develop the visual style and mood board
3. Prepare storyboard and shot list
4. Select cameras, lenses and accessories
5. Plan lighting and camera movements
6. Conduct location and equipment checks
7. Shoot the complete cinematic sequence
8. Organize and review footage
9. Perform basic colour correction
10. Present the completed cinematography project

📅 Month-Wise Course Structure

Month 1

• Unit 1: Advanced Camera Operation & Exposure
• Unit 2: Lenses, Composition & Cinematic Framing

Month 2

• Unit 3: Cinematic Lighting & Visual Storytelling
• Unit 4: Camera Movement, Shot Planning & On-Set Operation

Month 3

• Unit 5: Professional Cinematography Production Project

🎬 Final Project

Cinematic Camera Operation & Production Project

• Concept and visual treatment
• Mood board
• Storyboard and shot list
• Camera and lens planning
• Cinematic lighting setup
• Camera movement sequence
• Short cinematic scene
• Basic colour correction
• Final cinematography portfolio

📝 Assessment

• Camera operation practical test
• Exposure and focus assessment
• Lens selection exercise
• Composition and framing assignment
• Cinematic lighting practical
• Camera movement test
• Shot list and storyboard assignment
• Final cinematography project
• Portfolio presentation and viva