Seminar: Studies in Film and Video Prod (479-0-20)
Topic
Wrtg & Directing Mental Health
Instructors
Debra K Tolchinsky
Meeting Info
Annie May Swift Hall 109: Tues 3:00PM - 5:50PM
Abbott Hall Wirtz Chicago 203: Thurs 7:00PM - 8:50PM
Overview of class
In this second quarter of the Pritzker Pucker Studio Lab three-course sequence, students will continue building upon their first-quarter class, investigating depictions of mental health through readings, class discussions, sharing of clips, sharing of student work, and by guest speakers/filmmakers/performers. By the end of the quarter, students are expected to have made good progress on their films. The class will culminate with filmmakers presenting their work in progress.
Learning Objectives
By analyzing various films and collaborating to create a short, students will gain a more in-depth, nuanced understanding of mental health portrayals on film.
Teaching Method
• Prepare and do a presentation in which you share your inspiration for your PPSL project. Who or what influences your artistic approach? Do you have a muse? The material you present could be work you'd love to emulate, bounce off, or negate. You may share a short film, clips, artwork, writing, audio, or a combination that approximates 20 minutes, including a discussion.
• Prepare and present a pitch deck with a synopsis, artistic vision, budget, schedule, bios of main participants, and locations.
• Continue to write in your reflections journal on the Thursday presentations.
Narrative or hybrid projects participants will:
• Do a first table read
• Revise the script
• workshop a scene with actors
Documentary project participants will:
• Present Dailies
• Present a Rough cut
For other projects (VR, audiobook), participants will:
• To be determined in consultation with the professor
Evaluation Method
Grades will be determined according to 50% professionalism and 50% clarity of vision/ability to communicate that vision.
For our class, professionalism will entail the following:
• On-time completion of work
• Fulfilling the assignment per the parameters described in the syllabus
• Listening and thoughtfully responding to feedback when applicable
• Considerately providing critique to your classmates when applicable
For our class, clarity of vision/ability to communicate that vision will entail:
• Conceptualizing and comprehensively articulating your ideas via writing, talking, or media, depending on the assignment.
Class Materials (Required)
There is no required textbook for this course. Readings will be provided by the instructor as
PDFs or links via Canvas. Regular Cage equipment check-out rules apply. Students will need
their own portable hard drives for editing and access to basic editing software. Students are
welcome to use a drive they've previously used for other classes.
Recommended drive: USB 3, 1TB size or larger, typical price range $50 - $100.
• Materials are variable and highly dependent upon individual projects. All students should have access to a computer appropriate for their project's needs.
• Reading/viewing assignments will be available on Canvas or in class.
• Students must have access to a personal computer (price variable) or use the computer labs at school.
• You will need a portable hard drive to store your footage and for editing--recommended: approximately 4 TB. You will also need an additional backup method--I highly recommend a second portable hard drive.
• To access RTVF equipment, you must have a $50 Cage deposit on file.
• To use the Louis Studio (Louis 105 or 106), you must follow production handbook guidelines, including a $100.00 deposit.
• You will also need Adobe Suite (Premiere, etc.), which you should already have access to.
• Media projects should be turned in via a private password-protected downloadable link such as Vimeo. (Vimeo starter membership is currently $9 per month billed annually) https://vimeo.com/upgrade?context=homepage.