Experimental Media Production (394-0-20)

Instructors

Christina Nguyen

Meeting Info

Louis Hall 118: Mon 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Experimental film, sometimes referred to as avant-garde, underground, peripheral, artist's cinema, and many other names, focuses on an approach to moving-image media that is found outside the bounds of industry filmmaking. It often includes work made with small budgets, using alternative methods of production that has over time empowered marginal and underrepresented communities that were historically excluded from production and influenced the industry it is at times at odds with.

Whether working in narrative, documentary, or hybrid modes, having the space to experiment with structure, form and process can lead to unexpected and novel methods of audiovisual making. We'll be working through multiple formats and mediums throughout the quarter. The focus will be expanding and exploring the aesthetic and conceptual; the personal and creative. In-class screenings and exercises include processes applied throughout the history of experimental film and music such as: cameraless celluloid filmmaking on 16mm and 35mm, working with chance, structuralism, personal and diaristic investigations, and poetic forms.

Final projects may be done collaboratively in pairs or individually and may follow any format desired including but not limited to: linear, interactive, performance, installation, or multi-disciplinary.

Registration Requirements

Pre-req 190

Learning Objectives

Understanding and awareness of the historical and theoretical movements in experimental film
Explore production methods that exist beyond the dominant film industry
Expansion of technical and aesthetic practices in moving image media

Class Materials (Required)

A portable hard drive of at least 1TB capacity with USB-C connection (~$100).

Project Materials, depending on what you choose to make, costs are variable. Please meet with me to discuss alternative methods to achieve your project if it is becoming cost prohibitive.

All readings will be provided on Canvas. You will need access to a computer and Adobe software which is available in the computer labs or through RTVF for off campus access. Any additional software shown in class will either be available in the labs or open source / free.

There will be multiple recording and filming assignments. Equipment is available through Louis Cage. Please follow all Cage protocols, obtain a deposit card, and reserve your equipment via WebCheckout in advance of when you plan to use it.

Please adhere to the RTVF Production Handbook found here: https://communication.northwestern.edu/academics/radio-television-film/current-students/

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for RTVF Majors with the RTVF 190-0 prerequisite or be in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone with the prerequisite.