57691 ARRI: Filming with ALEXA Camera Systems

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Communication: MAP and Sound and Music Design
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 16 credit points of completed study in spk(s): STM91564 Core stream (Media, Industry and Practice)
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject equips students with the expertise to operate the latest ARRI digital cinema camera systems, leading to ARRI Academy user certification, a credential recognised globally by the film industry. They develop practical skills in camera operation, ARRI colour science, camera acquisition textures, recording formats, look workflows, electronic control systems, and postproduction workflows. Combining theory with hands-on exercises using ARRI equipment and software, students learn to manage real-world production scenarios, ensuring their readiness for a career in high-end digital filmmaking and cinematography.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a.	Develop proficiency in ARRI digital cinema camera systems and workflows.
b.	Manage typical on-set ARRI camera situations and workflows to professional and industry standards.
c.	Apply ARRI camera system knowledge and techniques to produce a portfolio of in-class creative cinematographic works.
d.	Analyse and critically reflect on cinematographic work.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:

Analyse, develop or produce creative media projects within a framework of specialised practice-oriented knowledge and skills. (1.1)
Demonstrate high-level abilities and self-awareness as an oral, written and audio-visual communicator. (6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Students engage in practice-led learning activities throughout the session to develop proficiency in ARRI digital cinema camera systems. Prior to face-to-face seminars, which are offered in block mode, students prepare by reviewing assigned readings and learning materials on Canvas. During seminars, students learn and apply skills and knowledge of ARRI camera systems by completing practical exercises. Seminars provide an opportunity for students to examine and explore ARRI colour science, camera acquisition textures, recording formats, look workflows, electronic control systems, and postproduction workflows. Hands-on use of ARRI camera systems and postproduction software is integral to this subject. Students receive support and feedback from industry-trained instructors as they develop and apply camera skills in real-world production scenarios and demonstrate an understanding of cinematographic concepts.

Content (topics)

This subject explores all aspects of shooting with ARRI digital camera systems. Content includes:

ARRI digital cinema camera systems and sensor design.
REVEAL colour science and ARRI textures.
Understanding of linear light, logarithmic and video encoding.
Understanding recording formats and their applications including ARRIRAW and ProRes.
Exposing for different dynamic ranges.
Combining different ARRI camera systems on a project.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: ARRI camera systems Quizzes

Objective(s):

a and b

Weight:

15%

Length:

10 questions per quiz.

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Understanding of ARRI camera system functionalities, tools and interfaces	100	a, b	1.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Create a Custom ARRI Look

Objective(s):

a, b and d

Weight:

20%

Length:

Part 1) ARRI Look file
Part 2) 500 words

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Demonstrated technical proficiency in use of ARRI Color Tool	80	a, b	1.1
Level of sophistication and rigour in reflective statement	20	d	6.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Portfolio of In-Class Creative Cinematographic Work

Objective(s):

a, b, c and d

Weight:

65%

Length:

Part 1) 2 minutes
Part 2) 500 words

Criteria linkages:

Criteria	Weight (%)	SLOs	CILOs
Demonstrated technical proficiency in use of ARRI camera systems	50	a, b	1.1
Effective creative application of ARRI camera skills and knowledge	30	c	1.1
Level of sophistication and rigour in reflective statement	20	d	6.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Attendance at all teaching activities is essential in this subject. Teaching activities are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential workshopping, hands-on experience with camera systems, and interchange of ideas with other students and the instructor to build capacities towards meeting the subject learning objectives. A roll will be taken at each activity (whether on campus or online). Students who have more than one absence from class will be refused marking of their final assessment (see Rule 3.8).

Generative AI may be permitted in specific assessment tasks. If so, it will be noted in your assessment brief and its use will need to be referenced. In this case refer to the UTS Library Guide on the use of Generative AI for instruction about how to reference correctly.

Recommended texts

Required and recommended readings will be available via UTS Library and through the subject site.

Brown, B. (2022). Cinematography: Theory and Practice (4th ed.). Routledge.

Connelly, T. (2019). Capturing Digital Media: Perfection and Imperfection in Contemporary Film and Television (First edition.). Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Elkins, D. E. (2020). The Camera Assistant’s Manual (7th ed.). Routledge.

Keating, P. (Ed.). (2014). Cinematography. Rutgers University Press.

Mascelli, J. V. (1998). Five C’s of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques (1st ed.). Silman-James Press.

Mercado, G. (2022). The Filmmaker’s Eye: Learning (and Breaking) the Rules of Cinematic Composition (2nd ed.). Focal Press.

Mullen, M. D., & Hummel, R. (2023). American Cinematographer Manual (11th ed.). The ASC Press.

Perez, V. (2024). The Color Management Handbook for Visual Effects Artists: Digital Color Principles, Color Management Fundamentals & ACES Workflows (1st ed.). Routledge

Schaefer, D., & Salvato, L. (2013). Masters of Light: Conversations with Contemporary Cinematographers (1st ed.). University of California Press.

Stump, D. (2022). Digital Cinematography: Fundamentals, Tools, Techniques, and Workflows (2nd ed.). Oxford: Routledge.