Experimental group project brief

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 8^th 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 .

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.