City Lit expanded experimental film

What is the course about?

This course will develop understanding of contemporary experimental filmmaking, via theoretical and contextual study and practical sessions including animation, chroma key compositing, projection mapping, sound recording, analogue (Super 8mm) and digital image capture methods. Students are encouraged to push boundaries, explore alternative or unconventional processes, and expand the way they perceive and experience the world.
Through introduction to the evolution of experimental film aesthetics and examination of the work of an array of international film artists, participants will have the opportunity to develop and contextualise their practice whilst gaining an understanding of expanded approaches and links to other art disciplines. Students will be invited to showcase their final work at the end of year screening.
Leading contemporary international artists are invited as guest speakers to offer masterclasses throughout the course. Want to find out if this is the right course for you? Come along to our free School of Visual Arts open day on 18th May and get expert individual advice and guidance. Search VQ009 on our website to book your free place.

What will we cover?

• Exploring experimental filmmaking practice and context
- Camerawork and sound recording (using MIDI controllers)
- Experimentation with a variety of techniques including animation, green screen, live stream
- Working with analogue Super 8 film
- Utilising Adobe Creative Cloud and other third party software and applications
- Installation and projection mapping techniques
- Applying experimental approaches to a range of traditional and digital filmmaking techniques
- Editing and special effects techniques
- Project development guidance
- Final presentation and screening.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Use a range of experimental film techniques
- Record source material for projects
- Create and edit experimental film sequences using Premiere Pro
- Use a range of effects and sound in Premiere Pro
- Be aware of international experimental film practice
- Be aware and use of installation techniques
- Plan and produce a short experimental film
- Reflect on personal practice and on the work of peers.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is open for beginners but requires students to demonstrate a high level of commitment throughout and willingness to embrace new ways of working and thinking. You'll need passion for experimentation, be able to work independently as well as in collaboration with others. You will be able to engage in discussions, research and practical tasks. You will be willing to practice and develop projects outside of the course.
You should have a basic knowledge of, and competence in, using computers, including creating, saving, and retrieving files. Please note we will be using Apple Mac computers.

You'll need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstrations, practical workshops and exercises, short lectures, small group and individual guidance and assistance, group presentations and critiques. The course puts equal emphasis on skills and ideas-based thinking. Practicing techniques and developing projects outside the class is encouraged.
We use Google Classroom E-learning platform which will store all tasks, notes and resources. You will be sent an email with the necessary information and will need to login into your Google classroom before each sessions starts.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Our DSLR and HD cameras and the latest professional equipment and software are available for your use throughout the course. You might also be asked to utilise your own personal devices like mobile phones.
You will need to bring your own external hard drive (formatted for use on Mac computers) if you want to keep and develop work done in the class.
You will be using Adobe Creative Cloud software on this course including Premiere Pro.
If you wish to buy your own copy to work at home, you might be eligible for a discount from Adobe

adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/buy/students .

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can complement, enhance and revise your skills in experimental filmmaking through a range of City Lit courses. We offer courses in experimental, narrative and documentary film making and editing as well as experimental animation, stop motion and digital animation using After Effects, Photoshop, Blender, and Animate CC. As artists you may also wish to improve your visual skills through drawing and painting courses.