Thursday, 16 February 2012

Brief- Experimental


ASSESSMENT: PRESENTED ON THURSDAY 16th/FRIDAY 17th FEBRUARY – Week 29

EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT

For this project you will be working in groups of x3.
You will to each need to take a designated role on this production -
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR, CAMERA/EDIT/SOUND RECORDIST/EDITOR

The brief for this project is to create a 5 MINUTE EXPERIMENTAL FILM

The starting point for your work will be ONE of the following:
       A Single Object,
       A Single Word, or,
       A Single Poem

What is Experimental Film and Video?
“[This type of] filmmaking is wilfully non-conformist. In opposition to dominant, or mainstream, cinema, some filmmakers set out to create films that challenge orthodox notions of what a movie can show, and how it can show it. These filmmakers work independently from the studio system and often they work alone. Their films are hard to classify, but usually they are called ‘EXPERIMENTAL’ or ‘AVANT-GARDE’.

Experimental films are made for many reasons. The filmmaker may wish to express personal experiences or viewpoints in ways which would seem eccentric in a mainstream context.”
 Bordwell, David and Thompson, Kristin (2008) Film Art: an Introduction 8th Edition. NY: McGraw Hill

There is much debate about what constitutes an experimental film. Since the beginning of cinema, there has been experimentation with the film form that deviates away from traditional notions of narrative and drama.
There is a rich body of experimental film using techniques and approaches present in drama and documentary. However there are also several other approaches that include:

       Non-linear structure – a film that does not take an expected approach to linear narrative
       Personal View – these works are often made solely by one person and their subjective view
       Pure Abstraction – film focusing on sound, shape, colour, tone, light rather than filmed reality
       Structural – making films via a system or set of rules and focusing on the formal properties of film, rather than representation

Some artists working in experimental film and video include:
Georges Méliès; Man Ray; Hans Richter; Fernand Léger; Luis Bunuel; Oskar Fischinger; Len Lye; Norman McLaren; Maya Deren; Kenneth Anger; Jean-Luc Godard; Chris Marker; Peter Kubelka; Michael Smow; Malcolm Le Grice; Derek Jarman; Nam Jume Paik; Clio Barnard; John Smith; Jane & Louise Wilson; Douglas Gordon


YOU NEED TO RESEARCH INTO THE RICH AREA OF EXPERIMENTAL FILM AND VIDEO BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO MAKE YOUR WORK. WE EXPECT YOU TO ANALYSE AT LEAST TWO EXPERIMENTAL FILMS AS PART OF THIS RESEARCH & GIVE EVIDENCE OF THIS AND THAT YOU HAVE ENGAGED WITH THE HANDOUT ON YOUR RESEARCH BLOG .

Links:







                                   
PROJECT RESEARCH AND PREPARATION

Think carefully about your chosen approach and research works using this style.

Some points to think about:
–What does the Object, Word or Poem look like?
–How will you use colour or tone in the work?
–How will movement or stillness in the work be approached?
–How will you use the camera in your work – is it static or fluid?
–How will you compose and frame shots for the work?
–Consider creative uses of sets, locations and available light
(you are not allowed to loan lighting kits at this stage, however this project is an opportunity to explore the potential of available light e.g. natural light and household lighting, torches and mobiles etc)
–What does the Object, Word or Poem make you think of and evoke?
–Think about a viewer’s subjective response to your approach – what do you want them to think, hear and feel?
–Will you include an emotive element to the film?
–Think about the rhythm, tempo and pace of the work – in relation to imagery and sound?
–How are you going to use sound with image?

Remember to plan your work – experimental film and video still needs careful planning, organisation and a thorough considered approach.

RESEARCH BLOG                                           (see page 6. of your module guide)
Throughout this semester, you should have been keeping an INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH BLOG

Your research blog should include:
  • analysis of two experimental films relating to your project
  • reflection and analysis of the handout provided
  • reflection on your practice
  • project and ideas development
  • project planning e.g mind maps, treatments, sound plans/maps, recording lists, audio timeline, storyboards, shot-lists, camera and sound logs, edit planning and timelines, call sheets, schedules etc.
  • analysis of films and sound works shown/played in class as well as in self directed time
  • external sources and influences e.g. imagery, printed screen grabs, exhibition material, references to materials on the reading list etc.
  • any other materials, found or self-generated such as sketches, storyboards, own photography, snippets of transcribed dialogue etc.

GET YOUR IDEA EARLY

Be sure to start your project as soon as possible and start developing your ideas in your research blog: mind-maps; storyboards; schedules; equipment lists; sound plans/maps; recording lists; audio timeline; think about possible cast if needed. Start watching, listening and reading relevant works that might inspire and inform the development of your idea.

Make sure you plan all stages of your project allowing enough time for technical and creative problems along with post production.








SELF–ASSEMENT MARK SHEET                                         (see page 6. of your module guide)

As outlined in your module guide - you will be required to hand in a SELF ASSESSMENT MARK SHEET reflecting on your marks for this project.

PRESENTATION + PRESENTATION FORMATS

Each group of students will give a 5 minute critical presentation of their work.
You will be expected to introduce and present your finished work to your tutors in front of your group. We will expect you to give an explanation of what you aspired to achieve within the work, and critically analyse if this was achieved successfully. You should be able to look at your work and assess its strengths and weaknesses, highlight the creative and cultural influences that have influenced or inspired the work and pinpoint lessons learnt and technical skills acquired through making the work. To assist in this you should be aware of the importance that your research blog has in this process and how it will contribute to easing your public explanation.

It is important that you each clearly describe your individual contribution and the role you undertook ont his project

Detailed information about how you can format your work for submission is available on blackboard.

SUBMISSION

The following must be handed in, in the presentation session on:
 THURS 13TH & FRI 14TH  FEBRUARY

       EXPERIMENTAL  project
– x1 playable DVD (made in DVD Studio Pro or similar), PLUS
– x1 DVD with High Quality Quicktime file of finished project

       Your RESEARCH BLOG

       Your completed SELF-ASSESSMENT MARK SHEET

ASSESSMENT

The marking criteria and assessment mark sheet for this project is available to download from the module Blackboard site. Following the presentation, your submission items will be taken away for assessment.

Your work will be assessed by your tutors. You will receive verbal feedback on the presentation day and written feedback 3-4 weeks after the work has been handed in you will have a follow up tutorial to discuss your marks. Your will also receive written feedback from your peers

Your work will be returned to you via Sheaf Reception along with your mark and written feedback from your tutors.

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