LSCR
3055

[Cinematography]: Witness Realism

Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: Culture & Media

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Witness Realism
Fall 2025
Taught By: Mike Crane
Section: A

CRN: 18199

Credits: 3

This course explores how imaging techniques borrowed from the fields of journalism, documentary and live broadcast can be adapted for use in a scripted narrative framework. Students will learn camera and blocking methods for creating dynamic, low-budget narrative films that are shaped by real-world environmental conditions. We will see how the use of commonly available technology, environmental lighting and readymade film sets can add dimension to a scripted scene if one remains open to chance encounters and unexpected outcomes. Students will be encouraged to push the physical limits of the camera to create their stated intent, from page to screen. Technical exercises include blocking techniques for filming in public spaces, working with non-actors in a scripted scene and how to consider over/under exposure parameters when shooting with ambient lightIng. Guest filmmakers and artists will provide working examples via in-class screenings. It is strongly recommended that students complete both Editing and Cinematography (taken spring 2025 or prior) or Screen Foundations (taken fall 2025 or later) or have demonstrably commensurate experience prior to registering for this course.

Prerequisites: No Prerequisites
Co-Requisites: No Co-requisites

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Culture & Media (CAM)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Laboratory (B)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 12

Repeat Limit: N/A

Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2025 (Monday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 9:12am EDT 3/26/2025

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday
Times: 12:10pm - 2:50pm
Building: 6 East 16th Street
Room: 1009
Date Range: 8/27/2025 - 12/15/2025