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Special Topics in Media Production – The Essay Film
187 001 | CCN: 33078
Location: Dwinelle 135
Date and Time: M 12:00pm - 2:59pm
4 Units
“Unlike the documentary film, which presents facts and information, the essay film produces complex thought – thought that, at times, is not grounded in reality but can be contradictory, irrational and fantastic.” – Nora Alter, from ‘The Essay Film After Fact and Fiction’
In this course we will explore the nature of the essay film and its unique characteristics and methodologies. Through screenings, discussions, readings and hands-on work we will explore some of the varied approaches that essay films utilize: reflexivity, subjectivity, fragmentation, performativity, among others. Each student will be an active participant in this investigation and will have opportunities to explore through the essay film form, questions and issues that are of personal interest to them. Class time will be used for a variety of purposes, including watching and examining films, technical workshops, in class assignments-including recording and editing images, and constructive feedback sessions. In addition to scheduled class time, students will be assigned a series of production assignments to be completed outside of class.
Prerequisites: Students are encouraged to have prior production experience. Consent of instructor required.
Interested students should fill out an application form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gjMgEiVnXj79NGl_8Agm8LeFnv7h3AUj4WuhxVGrRsc/ by Friday July 21. Students considered for enrollment may be contacted by the instructor for a short zoom interview. Applicants will be notified of enrollment by Friday August 4.