Module 13

Reflect on how you've expanded your technical and conceptual filmmaking knowledge this semester (200 words) 

I’ve learned so much this semester, overall, but especially in this class, which has challenged me in so many ways. I’ve learned to work with new software (Dragonframe). I created my first stop-motion sand animation project. I used the Bolex and developed my own film (and shot with the Pentax)! My website is done and I have a festival plan for my sand animation “The Grindstone.” The professional development assignments have been invaluable. Beyond all the technical learning that has taken place, I truly feel that this class has been the one that turned me into a filmmaker.

Truthfully, I never thought I would like experimental filmmaking, but that was because I didn’t really understand it. It’s so much more expansive than I originally thought. The idea of Absolute Film will forever be burned into my brain, as will the idea of a film as a form of art. And experimental film is the ultimate art. I’ve enjoyed learning about all the filmmakers even though I didn’t especially love all of their work. Jodie Mack is still one of my favorites, of course! I think the thing I like best about experimental film goes back to the Maya Deren reading we read at the very beginning of the semester, where she said that you don’t need a big crew, the most expensive camera, or a lot of money. If you have an idea and something to record with, you can be a filmmaker.

Comments

  1. Ashley HatcherMay 1, 2022 at 4:52 PM

    I completely agree with you Kim! I too feel like this class made me feel established as a filmmaker. I definitely agree that now I see experimental filmmaking as the ultimate art form and I have an appreciation for it in a different way than the other two modes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carrah So TaurusMay 2, 2022 at 7:57 AM

    I agree with you about liking experimental filmmaking. I have enjoyed this class, expanding what I feel I'm able to do on my own. This is especially important between bigger projects that require a crew. Also, experimental film allows me to combine writing and filmmaking, which I love.

    ReplyDelete
  3. hjtreadMay 3, 2022 at 7:54 AM

    "The Grindstone" is a great project, and I look forward to seeing where it goes.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Module 4

                Presentation Reflection: There were a couple of ideas that I loved during Holden’s presentation. The first was when he said that Mekas “was creating a living clip of history” with his experimental diary films. Not only do I think that the idea is a beautiful and poetic way of looking at his work, but it is also a wonderful way to look at any work of art. Art reflects life, and life reflects art. Mekas' art told his history, and his history inspired his art. That reminds me of a movie I watched a while back (I can’t remember the name) where a guy wanted to be a blues singer. After not having much success, his mentor told him, “If you want to sing the blues, you must have had the blues.” I suspect all artists to some degree, have painful parts of their past that they have channeled into creative outlets. The other idea was when Mekas explained how he used “bits of time” and “”bits of footage” to make his films. I was reminded of...
Read more

Module 12

To-Do List Saturday, April 30: Make improvements to website and resume Sunday, May 1: Have rough-cut of Bolex film with all visuals, sfx, and music ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday May 3: Blog Entries Due Reflections: Charles, Dusty, Jack D, Jack S Respond to 2 other blog posts Reflections: technical and conceptual filmmaking expansion Thursday, May 5: Add voiceovers to Bolex film  Saturday, May 8 : Add titles cards and make final edits to Bolex film ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, May 9: Post Bolex Film to Class Google Document Tuesday, May 10: Participate in Class Workshop Jacob's Presentation:  Barbara Hammer I love the way Hammer’s films focused on her life experiences and perspectives, or as Jacob said, “what she took in the world and reflected back.” Whether it was looking at the female form and lesbian lo...
Read more

Module 6

  Reflection of filmmaker presentations: Viking Eggling Well, I went into information overload when I dove into my Eggeling research. I was started early enough to be able to find a few books when he was mentioned extensively, and also found several very helpful websites. The greatest find was a PDF version of O’Konor’s book devoted exclusively to Eggeling. Her research was one that all the other sources mentioned, so it was like striking gold. While at first glance, Eggeling’s work may not be impressive, but put in the context of the time period, state of technology, and other factors, it’s astounding. I’m also intrigued by his commitment (obsession?) with his work. One source even stated that his living conditions and ultimately his health were so poor because he only made time to draw and create his film. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his art. Jodie Mack What a treat to come across her work. I wish that I would have had time to play more of her films, especially Yard Work i...
Read more