This practice based course focuses on a specific topic in media production. Students will explore the propensities and challenges of a particular production approach, model, technology, or aesthetic practice through the creation of a series of media projects. Classes will include screenings, readings, and discussion that situate these practices conceptually, ethically, and culturally but the emphasis is on hands-on project creation as a means of understanding the production topic at hand.
Documentary Animation
A hands-on course in the fundamentals of animated media production examined through the lens of the history, techniques, and methods of documentary animation. What realities might be uniquely explored or represented using varying modes of animation, either as part of a larger documentary project or as the entire project itself? Students will explore creative strategies for designing form and content across experimental, abstract, and character based approaches. A series of collaborative, hands-on media projects will be supplemented by discussions of theoretical readings, screenings, and technical workshops. Recommended (though not required): MAC 110 and MAC 210.
Process-Based Mediamaking
A hands-on media production course in which the final result of each project is, to some extent, outside of the creator’s control. The vast majority of traditional film and television is intentionally scripted or planned in advance and the production/filmmaking process is focused on capturing images and sound that perfectly execute that script or plan. Process-Based Mediamaking is an alternative to this system. It is rooted in the idea of developing a process, methodology, or set of rules ahead of time and then letting that open-ended, exploratory, and in some cases even random, approach generate media art. This course will consider historical and current examples of Process-Based mediamaking but the main emphasis of the course is the creation of this kind of media. No prior mediamaking experience is required.
Exploring 360º Video and Immersive Installations
Do 360 video cameras, VR headsets, and immersive screen installations represent a paradigmatic change in production, artistic conception, and audience experience? This course will introduce students to the foundational methods, technology, aesthetic approaches, and cultural and ethical considerations of live-action immersive media creation for both VR headsets and video installations. Students will work in a collaborative environment to conceive and execute a series of projects using 360 video cameras and traditional digital video cameras. Projects will include narrative, documentary, and experimental approaches. Students will be encouraged to investigate how live-action 360 video and immersive installations differ from, and are aligned with, traditional screen-based media. No previous filmmaking experience is required.