Cinematography

“Cinema is the need to communicate with people you cannot see.”

Jean-Luc Godard

A cinematographer is an artist of light and shadow, creating visual worlds through the camera lens. They frame shots like a painter on a canvas, filling them with emotion, mood, and meaning. Their craft captures moments in motion, where every stroke—from the curve of light to the play of shadows—enhances the depth of the narrative. Under their guidance, the viewer’s gaze glides across the screen, revealing new, captivating facets in ordinary moments.

Specialty code: 6B02102

Duration of study: 4 years

Form of study: full-time

Entrance exam subjects: History of Kazakhstan, reading literacy + creative exams

A professional cinematographer is a master of visual storytelling, with deep knowledge of light, composition, and camera work. They understand the subtleties of film language, conveying emotion, atmosphere, and style through the frame, while staying true to the director’s vision. They are technically skilled, adept at modern digital technologies, and can adapt to various shooting conditions, finding solutions even in the most challenging situations.

Educational Program Content:

1. Nature of Light and Lighting Setup

1. • Study of light properties and its impact on image perception.
   • Basic lighting techniques: natural and artificial light, use of reflectors and filters.
   • Creating atmosphere with light: scene mood, dramatic and soft shadows.

2. Camera Work

1. • Basics of camera operation, types of cameras and lenses.
   • Understanding exposure, focus, and depth of field.
   • Camera movement, types of shots, and their effect on scene perception.

3. Composition and Framing

1. • Fundamentals of composition: rule of thirds, balance, symmetry, and perspective.
   • Psychology of frame perception and the impact of composition choice on meaning.
   • Working with color and its role in cinematography.

4. Digital Technologies in Film

1. • Fundamentals of digital technology and image post-processing.
   • Basics of color correction and visual effects creation.
   • Overview of modern technologies and software for editing.

5. On-Set Filming Work

1. • Basics of organizing and managing the filming process.
   • Interaction with the director and the film crew.
   • Practical aspects of filming: planning, storyboarding, working in various conditions.

6. History and Theory of Cinematography

1. • Introduction to the history of cinematography and its great masters.
   • Study of cinematographic styles and their impact on global cinema.
   • Analysis of classic and contemporary films from the perspective of cinematography.

These sections will help students master both the technical and creative aspects of the cinematographer’s profession, developing skills in visual thinking and expressive storytelling.

Graduates with a degree in Cinematography can engage in the following professional activities:

• Creative;
• Organizational-creative;
• Service and operational;
• Educational (pedagogical).

The functions of professional activity encompass the creative, organizational-management, and pedagogical spheres.

Typical tasks for film and television cinematographers:

Creating visual imagery on various media that meets high standards of spirituality and culture.

Graduates can hold positions such as film and TV director of photography, cinematography teacher, lighting specialist, camera equipment maintenance technician, and specialist in new technologies in film and TV, among others, depending on their education.

During the course of study, you will gain experience in practical auxiliary roles within various departments, film crews, recording studios, participate in preparation, selection, casting, and screen tests of actors for filming, and work directly with the film crew, as well as participate in recording sessions in television studios and broadcasting centers.

Partners include:

• World Association of Film Schools, International Student Film Festival “Bastau”
• JSC “Kazakhfilm” named after Sh. Aimanov
• RTRK JSC “Kazakhstan”
• JSC “Commercial Television Channel”
• Central State Archive of Film, Photo Documents, and Sound Recordings of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Foundation of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Leader of the Nation
• Public Foundation “Oraz Abishev Foundation”
• “Mark II Production”
• International Film Festival “Eurasia”
• Theatre “ARTiSHOK”
• LLP KALIOT CINEMA
• Kinoarenda
• Rent-A-Film

Thanks to established international partnerships, our students have the opportunity to undertake research internships abroad, attend summer schools at partner universities, and participate in professional internships. Renowned masters from top film schools around the world conduct training sessions for our students annually.

• Korea University of Media and Arts, South Korea, Sejong, Asia
• State University of Theater and Cinema named after S. Rustaveli, Georgia, Tbilisi
• International Academy of Film and Television, China, Hong Kong, Asia
• New York Film Academy, New York, USA
• All-Russian State University of Cinematography named after S.A. Gerasimova, Russia, Moscow
• Higher school of directors and scriptwriters, Russia, St. Petersburg
• Krasnoyarsk State Institute of Arts, Russia, Krasnoyarsk
• LLC Musical communication agency “Media Land”, Moscow
• Public organization “Union of cinematographers of Kyrgyzstan”, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Asia.

The OP corresponds to level 7 of the National Qualifications Framework

The goal of the educational program in the specialty 7M02102 “Camera Art” is to train highly qualified specialists with an emphasis on the development of scientific and pedagogical competencies in the field of camera art. The program is aimed at specialists who are able not only to create highly artistic visual images and effectively work with modern digital technologies, but also to study the research and pedagogical sphere, contributing to the development of theories and methodology of camera art.

Particular attention is paid to the training of specialists, methodological scientific research in the field of cinema and media technologies, the development of new teaching methods, the analysis and application of best practices, as well as the introduction of innovative approaches to the educational process.

Academic degree:Master of Arts

Specialty code: 7M02102 –Scientific and pedagogical

Entrance exams:

• Foreign language
• Creative exam 2nd stage

Form of study: full-time

Duration of study:

• Scientific and pedagogical direction (duration of study – 2 years)

The content of the educational program in the specialty 7M02102 “Camera Art” is aimed at preparing master’s students for professional activities that combine creative, research and pedagogical aspects. The program involves an in-depth study of the history and theory of camera art, including an analysis of aesthetic, visual and modern trends in world cinema. The program provides preparation for independent research work, from the methodology of scientific research in the field of cinema and media to the development and implementation of full-fledged research projects. Master’s students gain experience in demonstrating and publishing research results in a professional environment. An important part of the training is the acquisition of pedagogical skills for teaching camera art, including the development of scientific programs, the use of innovative teaching methods and the creation of interactive teaching materials.

The educational program is also focused on the creation of project activities aimed at socially significant audiovisual projects, as well as participation in international and national cultural initiatives. In this decade, master’s students learn to develop and implement audiovisual products, contributing to the cultural and aesthetic development of society. A significant component of the program is the preservation of intangible cultural heritage through the creation and adaptation of traditional and developing forms of cinema in the digital environment, which allows for the development of aspects and the preservation of cultural traditions in the modern world.

The educational program in the specialty 7M02102 “Camera Art” is characterized by its interdisciplinary and innovative approach, aimed at preparing master’s students for creative, research and teaching activities. The program pays attention to the following key aspects:

Integrated approach to learning: The program combines theoretical study of the history and aesthetics of cinematography with a broad area of ​​image work, including lighting, composition, camera movement and the use of digital technology. This gives graduates all the additional skills to work at a high professional level in the film industry and educational environment.

Developing research competencies: Master’s students are trained in research methodology, gaining the opportunity to develop and implement independent research projects in the field of cinema. The program is aimed at specialists who are able to analyze and discuss modern trends and practices, as well as publish the results of their research in academic and professional publications.

Pedagogical focus: The program provides for the preparation of master’s students for teaching in the field of cinematography, training them in modern educational programs, using innovative teaching methods and creating interactive scientific materials. This will allow graduates in the future not only to share their results, but also to ensure the development of educational technologies.

Focus on socially significant projects: The program focuses on the creation of audiovisual content aimed at artistic and aesthetic education of all categories of the population. Master’s students acquire skills in the development and implementation of social, international and national projects that contribute to the cultural development of society.

Preservation and Memory: An important element of the programme is working with intangible cultural heritage and developing culture in new forms of its transmission. Master students participate in projects aimed at preserving cultural traditions through audiovisual media, adapting traditional art forms to the requirements of the digital age.

These features make the program unique, focused on training specialists who are capable of not only mastering the skills of an operator, but also contributing to the development of film education, science and the preservation of cultural heritage.

• Visualization language
• Standardization and ergonomics of digital imaging
• Theory of aesthetics
• Modern forms of editing
• Camera operator in modern television and film production
• Operator work with space

Thanks to established international connections, our master’s students have the opportunity to undergo scientific internships abroad, attend summer schools at partner universities and undergo professional internships.

Every year, renowned masters from the world’s leading film schools conduct training sessions for students.

• Korea University of Media and Arts, South Korea, Sejong, Asia
• State University of Theatre and Cinema named after Sh. Rustaveli, Georgia, Tbilisi
• International Academy of Film and Television, China, Hong Kong, Asia
• New York Film Academy, New York City, USA
• All-Russian State University of Cinematography named after S.A. Gerasimov, Russia, Moscow
• Higher School of Film Directors and Screenwriters, Russia, Saint Petersburg
• Krasnoyarsk State Institute of Arts, Russia, Krasnoyarsk
• LLC Musical Communications Agency “Media Land”, Moscow
• Public organization “Union of Cinematographers of Kyrgyzstan”, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Asia.