Video/Media Laboratory: Abstractions

This semester-long production course is designed for students who want to expand their artistic and creative horizons in the area of abstract video/media production from both practical and theoretical approaches. The course is essentially an experimental lab, where the development of abstract styles of filmmaking and online media are covered from the conception of an idea to the finished product. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with nonconventional techniques for image creation in collaboration with other student musicians, composers, dancers, and visual artists. Working closely with Professor John Yannelli’s experimental music class and with dance, we will explore technical, conceptual, and aesthetic approaches to constructing films with directed shots, cinéma vérité, and free-media montage. Emphasis will be placed on producing innovative and creative films, media installations, video for dance and theatre, and audioscapes. Students will participate in technical production modules and exercises in which an exploration of modes of abstraction will be introduced. Focus will be on an exploration of structure and formats in experimental film and on film’s relationship to sound elements, performance, and location. The class will also function as an editing workshop with critique and feedback, as well as the study of existing works. Visits to New York City museums and galleries form an important part of this course. Students wishing to continue onto the spring course, Film/Video Laboratory: Experimental Narratives, may do so.