日本語の案内は現在ございません

*No experience necessary, phone cameras welcome!*

Visual storytelling has been a fundamental part of human expression since ancient cave paintings to the silver screen and continues to be of increasing significance with today’s technology. However, traditional education rarely touches on visual language despite our modern communication being image driven.

In this course, we address this gap by expanding your visual vocabulary while delving into what is behind image-making for movies, TV and content.

Each week, we will examine different critical aspects of visual storytelling through the lens of history and practical exercises, where students will grasp the importance of everything from lighting to camera essentials necessary for modern day visual storytelling.

Students will solidify their understanding and apply theory to practice by completing a visual storytelling project, a valuable addition to portfolios.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, content creator, or simply eager to express yourself visually, this course provides the tools to effectively and creatively communicate and capture your ideas!

Week 1: Visual language and the camera

• Visual Language in technical and academic terms
• Basics of the camera and what affects the visual language

Week 2: The objective eye and editing

• Editing is like writing a novel. The magic of the sequence
• Russian soviet montage theory
• The “rules of cinema”

Week 3: History of images and lighting

• Composition, deep focus and information in the frame.
• What effect B&W images convey
• Understanding the fundamentals of composition and lighting

Week 4: Thinking in colour

• Colour is light, light is colour.
• Effects of B&W vs colour in film
• Colour Theory in Film
• Applicable colour theory in films
• Understanding colour temperature

Week 5: Project screenings, critique and wrap up

• Discussion
• Final project
• More advanced techniques

About the Instructor

David Narbecki, Miami born, Tokyo-based freelance cinematographer and content creator, began to study visual language with an interest in 2D art and design. This brought him to Japan to study traditional Manga techniques but in the process developed a fascination with photography and motion pictures.

Under the mentorship of Guggenheim fellow Tony Chirinos, Magnum photographer Costa Manos and cinematographer Shin Hayasaka (JSC), David embarked on a lifelong exploration of visual language. He has worked on numorouse film and TV sets in the camera department including as Director of Photography on 3 feature films.

Beyond his own creative pursuits, David is an enthusiastic educator, sharing his expertise in visual language, photography, and cinema through his YouTube channel, as well as workshops and lectures.