Topics in Film/Video/Audio Production (379-0-22)
Topic
Weird Horror Workshop
Instructors
Spencer W Parsons
Meeting Info
AM Swift Krause Studio 103: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM
Louis Hall 106: Thurs 2:00PM - 3:50PM
Overview of class
Individuals and groups will make short horror projects in this production course on low-budget horror film technique. We will focus in particular on the storytelling, visual, and performance aesthetics of "the weird" and cosmic horror. We will consider work from German Expressionist silents through feature films like Julia Ducorneau's RAW, John Carpenter's THE THING, or Kiyoshi Kurosawa's CURE, and contemporary web-based horror like THE BACK ROOMS, embracing both commercial and avant garde traditions of mediamaking. Ideal for students who have taken courses in Directing (RTVF390), Cinematography (RTVF 380/381), Acting (RTVF 368 or THEA 376), or Screenwriting interested in working as a group to create short horror projects. Final project can be tailored as well to individual media makers.
Learning Objectives
Students will make individual and group project films that will develop their filmmaking abilities in chosen roles as writers, directors, actors, and cinematographers. All students will engage in analysis of films screened for class with a goal of identifying practical aesthetic techniques to apply to their own work. Students will work at conceptualization, planning and execution of audiovisual storytelling in the specific area of the horror genre as a means of better understanding practices of storytelling and emotional engagement across genres.
Teaching Method
Seminar
Evaluation Method
Attendance, class participation, films/videos, group work, presentations, project, final
Class Materials (Required)
Required readings and viewings posted to canvas/library reserves for free. Students may also purchase light, expendable supplies required for making class projects, which should cost no more than $50 per student over the whole quarter.
Class Notes
Films will be shown in class and provided on Canvas; Students will present work and engage in in-class critique, with all their media projects posted on Canvas.
Class Attributes
No Freshmen
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Students must have completed RTVF 190-0 in order to register for this course (concurrent registration is not allowed) or be a student in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs