Cinematography for Drama

Learn how to block, light and shoot like a professional Director of Photography

What you’ll learn
How to block scenes for the maximum depth and production value
How to choose camera angles and design camera movement
Where to put your key light for the most cinematic look
How to use LED, tungsten lighting and practical lamps
How to use a light meter and false colours to correctly expose your image
How to shoot in common locations like houses and restaurants

Requirements
Students should have a grasp of basic cinematography concepts like white balance, depth of field, f-stops/T-stops and the 180 degree rule.

Description
This course explains the role of a Director of Photography (aka DP, DOP, Cinematographer) on set, from collaborating with the director in blocking the cast and choosing the camera angles, to lighting the scene with depth and mood.

Across the four modules of the course, watch experienced DP Neil Oseman set up and shoot scenes in common contemporary locations: domestic banter in a sunny kitchen, a monologue in a dark bedroom, an awkward first date in a restaurant, and a walk-and-talk in an outdoor bar. Watch him try out different blocking and camera angles to get the most depth and interest in the frame, create movement using a slider and a gimbal, and work out the coverage needed to complete the scene. Then learn the secrets of cinematic lighting as he sets up LED, tungsten and practical lights to create a look. Witness the camera rehearsals through to the final take, then sit back and watch the final edited scene. Every step of the way, Neil explains what he’s doing and why, as well as the alternatives you could consider for your own films.

This is a follow-up to Neil’s best-selling Udemy course “Cinematic Lighting”, but it’s accessible to anyone with a grasp of the basic concepts of cinematography.

Who this course is for
Cinematography students
Camera operators looking to move up to Director of Photography
Corporate/industrial filmmakers looking to move into drama
Indie filmmakers looking to increase their production values
Directors looking to learn more about cinematography