This course focuses on practices and techniques of non-fiction film and media. The course examines important techniques of non-fiction media production, such as research and writing for non-fiction; the observational camera; filming in public; the interview; voiceover; working with archival images and other documents; as well as editing techniques. The aim of the course is to help students find form and structure for their non-fiction materials.

This workshop class focuses on practices and techniques of non-fiction digital filmmaking. Course work consists of a series of short image and sound exercises and then a final film project of your own design. The class examines important techniques of non-fiction film, such as research and writing for non-fiction, the observational camera, filming in public, the interview, voiceover, working with archival film and other documents as well as editing techniques. At the same time, we explore the different modes of the Documentary genre including observational, ethnographic, biographic/historical, agit/prop and activist forms, and as well, more expanded approaches such as essay, poetic, autobiography, archival forms. Through our projects, we will address some of the thorny theoretical and ethical issues that arise in non-fiction production such as point of view, the position of the filmmaker in relation to her subject, the politics of representation, real or imagined lines between fact and fiction, and the limits of representation. The twice weekly class will be structured around seminar-style discussion/critique, hands-on technical workshops, film/video screenings, as well as presentations by occasional visiting artists and speakers. This is a workshop-based class, using your own projects as critical tools. Required work will consist of a series of creative exercises, and a final project developed and made with a class partner. Works produced by the class will be the major focus of discussion and analysis. There will be a $60.00 lab fee to use equipment and editing labs. Prerequisites: Film 25, or Film 125 or production experience. Consent of instructor required. Preference is given to Film & Media majors. Interested students should fill out an application form at https://forms.gle/c3mLZem9E5HYpNcC8. While it is not necessary to enroll in the waitlist of this course to apply for admittance, you are still welcome to for your own scheduling or financial aid purposes. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 6th. Students considered for enrollment may be contacted by the instructor for a short zoom interview. Students will be notified of enrollment by August 10th. https://forms.gle/c3mLZem9E5HYpNcC8

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.