Outline

Overview

This production-intensive unit provides students with the skills and knowledge required to conceptualise and execute a range of cinematographic techniques in the effective realisation of a screen-based work. Through an integrated study program combining film screenings, practical-led studio classes and cinematography tutorials, students are given a historical, conceptual and technological framework within which to explore sophisticated moving-camera techniques, including gimbals, dollies and jibs, and advanced lighting, coverage and shooting skills across diverse formats. Students apply the creative and technical knowledge acquired to the development of their own screen-based practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anna Broinowski, anna.broinowski@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s)	Toby Petch, toby.petch@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Justin Brickle, justin.brickle@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Project Presentation PART B Q+A Q+A with tutor following project presentation	10%	Week 04 Due date: 17 Mar 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 17 Mar 2026	5 minutes (500w equiv.)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Project Presentation PART A powerpoint 5 minute Project Presentation with supporting images (5 pages)	15%	Week 04 Due date: 17 Mar 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 17 Mar 2026	5 minutes (750w equiv.)	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Project Proposal 5-8 page written Project Proposal including lighting/camera plan	25%	Week 09 Due date: 28 Apr 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 04 May 2026	5-8 pages (1000w equiv.)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Video project Video project with supporting documentation (3-5 pages)	50%	Week 13 Due date: 26 May 2026 at 10:00 Closing date: 10 Jun 2026	1.5-3 mins, 3-5 pages (2250w equiv.)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	plan, conceptualise and/or produce a moving image project to an excellent standard
Distinction	75 - 84	plan, conceptualise and/or produce a moving image project to a high standard
Credit	65 - 74	plan, conceptualise and/or produce a moving image project to a competent standard with improvement needed in some areas
Pass	50 - 64	plan, conceptualise and/or produce a moving image project to a low or adequate standard with substantial improvement needed in some areas
Fail	0 - 49	does not sufficiently demonstrate an ability to plan, conceptualise and/or produce a moving image project or meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	TUTORIAL (Part 1): 1. Introduction to Moving Camera; 2. Explanation of assessment criteria TUTORIAL (Part 2): POV; motivated and unmotivated functions of camera movement	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	TUTORIAL (Part 1): Camera movement through space; Assessment 1 brief. TUTORIAL (Part 2): Blocking; principles of composition	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	TUTORIAL (Part 1): Camera Motion & Emotion TUTORIAL (Part 2): Camera Movement & Time	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	TUTORIAL - ASSESSMENT 1 (in-class presentation) due: Group presentation and feedback	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	EQUIPMENT INTENSIVE: Fundamentals of camera movement; Dollies, Jibs and Cranes	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	EQUIPMENT INTENSIVE: Gimbals and Stabilisers; working wireless	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	TUTORIAL (Part 1): The Visible Camera; Assessment 2 brief. TUTORIAL (Part 2): the hand-held camera	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	TUTORIAL: Designing a lighting plan (off-site visit to AGNSW).	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	TUTORIAL: Preproduction Essentials and Assessment 3 briefing. Assessment 2 (written proposal due)	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	EQUIPMENT INTENSIVE: Painting with light exercise; On-set Experience working as a crew Part 1	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	EQUIPMENT INTENSIVE: Boogie Nights Exercise; On-set Experience working as a crew Part 2	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	Work-in-progress screening and feedback for Assessment 3	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Assessment 3 (project) due - screening and feedback	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: All lecture and seminar materials are made available on canvas, however lectures and seminars in this class involve group exercises, equipment exercises and student presentations and are not recorded.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
Please note automated Simple Extensions do not apply for this unit.

Additional requirements from Sydney College of the Arts

Students must attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Unit Coordinator.
All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted.
You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass. Non-attendance at assessment on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment.
AI tools may only be used as specified by the lecturer and on canvas

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Prescribed readings, scripts and film links available weekly on Canvas throughout the course.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. conceptualise, plan and shoot a 3 minute screen-work involving a moving camera
LO2. critically analyse and problem solve through the production process
LO3. use a range of current production techniques to produce creative moving image works
LO4. critically understand a range of different approaches to the moving camera and engage with related theoretical and cultural debates
LO5. use appropriate technologies and media to effectively gather information
LO6. critically evaluate information.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Lecture, exercise and workshop content has been adjusted following student and new tutor feedback from Sem 1 2025.

Additional information

Automated Simple Extensions do not apply for this course. For any assessment delivery issues please speak direct with your lecturer in the first intance.

AI uses are permitted in this course to brainstorm concepts; storyboard ideas, shooting and lighting plans; and create, where relevent, pre-visualization teasers. All AI uses must be discussed first with the tutor; and must be declared in each Assessment where they are used. AI must not be used to write scripts, proposals, critiques or required written Assessment documents.

Site visit guidelines

Students will visit the AGNSW in week 8 to stidy lighting.

Work, health and safety

For the practical film workshops and assessments for this unit, shooting risk assessment consultations must be conducted with the course tutor, and equipment and production studio inductions are required for more complex equipment and/or shooting locations. These need to be arranged with MFSA senior technical officer Toby Petch.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CAEL5044: The Moving Camera

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links