2000 Level Film, Video, and New Media Course Descriptions

FVNM 2000
Media Practices: The Moving Image
This seminar is designed to introduce the student to the language of the moving image, its history and the ways in which artists have used moving images in this century. The course will explore the idea of radical content and experimental form by establishing the normative models and procedures of cinema and video, and then showing the ways artists have challenged these conventions. The course will define and differentiate the two dominant forms of moving image: film and video, and begin a consideration of new and expanding forms for the moving image. The course is a prerequisite to both Film I and Video I, and intends to introduce the student to the moving image through a series of group exercises.

FVNM 2002
Basic Video: Production I
This course introduces video as a medium for artistic expression and social inquiry. Students gain an understanding of the video image-making process and develop proficiency with video equipment, including portable and studio production and editing systems. Strategies for the use of video as an art-making tool are explored. Works by video artists are viewed and discussed.

FVNM 2005
Film I: Introduction to Production I
This introductory course focuses on motion picture production and on how production is related to the history, aesthetics, and theory of the medium. Super-8 and 16mm production is explored, with an introduction to lenses, stocks, lighting, light meters, and editing. Techniques are demonstrated with reference to films screened in class. Requirements include in-class production assignments, film exercises done outside of class, and a final individual film.

FVNM 2010
Film II: Intermediate Production II
This intermediate level production course stresses 16mm production. The Bolex and associated equipment are explored within a context defined by the history, aesthetics, and theory of film. Advanced use of the light meter is covered, as well as lighting, sound recording, sound transfer, sound editing, special aspects of lenses, special application stocks, lab use, and conforming original footage. These topics are demonstrated in connection with examples from films screened in class. Requirements include in-class production assignments, film exercises done outside of class, and a final individual film. Prerequisite: FVNM 2005.

FVNM 2410
Drawing for Animation
This course studies motion and gesture. Students draw from a moving model, from three-dimensional objects, and from other materials. The emphasis is on capturing gestures and basic movements in sequence. Drawings are periodically filmed on the animation stand so students can see time relationships in addition to sequential relationships. The course may be taken for drawing credit.

FVNM 2420
Animation I
This course focuses on the techniques of drawing for the animated film and is an introduction to other techniques such as cut-outs, rotoscope, painted glass, and stop-action animation. Considerations include line quality, mass, how to plot out movements, and most importantly, how to maintain the integrity of each cell as a good drawing. Each student completes a short animated film which is filmed section by section. Each week includes a drawing critique as well as independent and commercial animation screenings.

FVNM 2425
Animation II
This course is designed for students who have already taken an animation course and wish to continue working with animation as one of their main mediums. This course covers extensive camera work, cell animation, script writing, and sound, and most importantly, turns up the critical knob quite a bit. Work begins day one on individual projects, and students are expected to make substantial progress each week and participate in class discussions. Prerequisite: FVNM 2420 or FVNM 3420.

FVNM 2805
Digital Media Production I
This course emphasizes a dynamic, inter-disciplinary approach to the creation of video and interactive media work. Students produce projects which incorporate manipulated still images, animation, desktop video, audio, and interactive media. Class screenings and discussions will investigate the issues surrounding digital media as an emergent form and its relationship to established art practice and society in general. Prerequisite: FVNM 3002.