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We're excited to introduce the latest addition to our suite of storytelling courses: Lighting with David Irwin

This course, led by industry expert David Irwin, invites learners to explore storytelling through lighting techniques. Students will have the opportunity to replicate images from photographs or movie stills using professional lighting methods, making learning an illuminating experience!

Course Highlights:

  • Dive into the Fundamentals of Lighting.
  • Master Using Light to Tell Compelling Stories.
  • Create Mood and Atmosphere Through Lighting.
  • Analyze Lighting in Visual Media and Replicate Styles.
  • Extend Your Learning with Engaging Optional Extensions.

More About the Curriculum

This learning experience will be useful for teachers who are teaching any of the following:

  • Grades 6-8; 9-12
    ELA; Theatre and Film

TIME COMMITMENT
3-4 hours, divided into five lessons. This could all be done at once or spread over multiple days, depending on your unique schedule.

  • Lesson 1 Fundamentals of Lighting - approx. 45 min
  • Lesson 2 Using Light to Tell Stories - approx. 45 min
  • Lesson 3 Setting the Mood - approx. 45 min
  • Lesson 4 Analyzing Lighting in Visual Media - approx. 45 min
  • Lesson 5 Replicating Lighting Styles - approx. 45 min
  • (Optional) Extensions
    • Extension 1 Lighting Critique Presentation - approx. 45 min
    • Extension 2 Lighting in Other Art Mediums - approx. 60 min
    • Extension 3 Lighting for a Live Performance - time varies

ASSESSMENT RESOURCES
Formative and/or summative rubrics are provided in the downloads section, but they may be edited to incorporate specific standards, instructions, or additional requirements as needed to teach your subject area. Teachers are encouraged to use this lesson as a tool for creative literacy to teach their classroom standards

Curriculum

Standards Addressed

Grades 6-8:

  • Informative Texts
  • Narrative Writing
  • Clear Writing
  • Routine Writing
  • Collaborative Discussions
  • Interpreting Media
  • Multimedia Presentations
  • Language Conventions


Grades 9-12:

  • Complex Texts
  • Narrative Techniques
  • Writing Development
  • Research Projects
  • Extended Writing
  • Collaborative Discussions
  • Clear Presentations
  • Digital Media Use
  • Film Connection, Execution, Critique
  • Theatre Lighting

Introduction

Course Overview
About Your Instructor

Lessons

Lesson 1 Fundamentals of Lighting - approx. 45 min

Lesson 2 Using Light to Tell Stories - approx. 45 min

Lesson 3 Setting the Mood - approx. 45 min

Lesson 4 Analyzing Lighting in Visual Media - approx. 45 min

Lesson 5 Replicating Lighting Styles - approx. 45 min

Classroom Presentation

Survey

Course survey and wrap-up

About Your Instructor 

David Irwin, who has always been intrigued by lighting in film and television, began his decades-spanning career in California. He gained his first exposure by simply walking on set and asking questions. Those questions turned into experience and burgeoning knowledge of an evolving craft. David worked on many projects out in LA, including many Nickelodeon shows. His job titles have included Chief Rigging Technician (Rigging Gaffer), Chief Lighting Technician (Gaffer), and Assistant Chief Lighting Technician (Best Boy). Now in Georgia, David is the Operations Manager for the world’s largest studio advisory and production services company, MBS Equipment Co. He has since worked on many of the Marvel movies filmed right here in Fayette County!