Courses / Undergraduate

Fall 2022

  • Documentary and Non-fiction Media Production

    188 001 | CCN: 26427

    Jeffrey A Skoller

    Location: Dwinelle 135

    Date and Time: TU 10:00am - 12:59pm

    4 Units

    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.
    Prerequisites: Film 85 or production experience. Consent of instructor required. The class is open to juniors and seniors. Preference is given to Film & Media majors. Interested students must fill out an application form at: https://forms.gle/hFdjYGsNWQhKZWGp6

    The deadline to fill out the form is Friday June 17. Students considered for enrollment may be contacted by the instructor for a short zoom interview. Applicants will be notified of enrollment by Friday July 15.