A one-day workshop taking you through the basics of cinematography.

Course Objective

To ground those new to the art and science of cinematography in the basics of photography and lighting. It is also useful for those aiming to refresh their existing knowledge.

Course Cost

¥12,500

Course Description

On this one-day workshop, you will be introduced to camera operation, camera angles, and lighting, all of which constitute the basic principles of cinematography. You will also have the opportunity to set up and shoot short scenes to practise all that you have learned.

Morning session:

• Introduction. What is cinematography and what is the camera department responsible for? What is the director-cinematographer relationship and who decides what?
• Brief introduction to basic cinematography principles:
  1. Camera angles
  2. The 180-degree ‘rule’
  3. The subjective camera
  4. Blocking and composition
• Introduction to lighting for film
  1. Qualities of light
  2. Using light to set mood
  3. Three-point lighting

Afternoon session:

• Participants will use lights to practise prescribed setups (low key, high key, three-point lighting), taking turns operating the camera, the light and ‘sitting in’ on camera.
• Participants will set up, perform, and film a short dialogue scene.

Class Schedule

October 19 (Sat), 11:00-18:00

About the Instructor

Evangelo Costadimas is an award-winning cinematographer, independent filmmaker, and art curator. Originally trained as a telecoms engineer, he switched careers in 2009 to take up filmmaking. Growing up in Ethiopia with Greek and Italian parents, he immigrated to Canada and has since lived or worked in more than thirty countries across four continents. He was an adjunct professor at SCAD Hong Kong where he taught film and photography courses and regularly lectured on fine art photography and video art at the Hong Kong Art School. As of June 2019, he is based in Tokyo.