Media Artists Studio

The focus of Media Artists Studio is on the development of each student's own personal style and creative approach to work with moving images and sound. Students who are interested in experimental film and digital video production, documentary, community television, new media, sound design, writing, collaboration, contemporary media history and theory are invited to join this learning community of media artists. This program is designed for students who have already developed some expertise in media production, are familiar with aspects of media theory and wish to do advanced production work that may have developed out of previous academic projects and/or programs. The nature of "experimental" media requires a period of germination for new ideas, approaches, and impulses to emerge.

During the first quarter we will take this time for development and reflection. In the fall students will expand their skill level in imagemaking (16mm and DV) and sound design through workshops, exercises and a collaborative project. They will study contemporary media artists who have made special contributions to the development of experimental media practice and have attempted to push the technological as well conceptual boundaries of the moving image. These studies will result in curatorial projects or presentations. Students will also conduct research into new and old technologies and will develop short presentations for the group. In addition, each student or team of students (for collaborative projects) will do extensive pre-production planning and research for a major film or digital project to be completed by the end of the academic year.

During winter quarter, students will acquire all their images and production elements for their projects, which could involve production work off campus for an extended period. Students are encouraged to think creatively and broadly about their subject matter and will be able to propose media projects that may require travel to other areas of the United States or even abroad. During spring quarter each student will complete post-production work, finalize their artist's portfolio, explore ways to sustain their work as media artists and participate in a public screening of their work. We will utilize online resources such as blogs, artist websites, and streaming media to create a virtual learning community to support and integrate our work. We will study web design and develop skills in DVD authoring to create portfolio and proposal documentation pieces.