Assignment 2

Art 198 / Advanced Electronic Art

Experiments in Digital Video

Duration: 6 weeks
Hand in: finals week.

Aims:
Over the next 5 weeks of class, you will either:
1. Create a video artwork.
2. Create a video for Flash -- create an animation that incorporates video into the process (such as rotoscoping)
3. Create video/s that will be integrated into your Flash project

Objectives:
Video guidelines:

Preproduction: Create a storyboard. Submit for discussion before you begin your project.
Use of camera: shoot video with care for lighting, angle and steadiness.
Capture, import, save files as instructed.
Non Linear Editing - use editing techniques, transitions and effects as appropriate.
Make creative editing decisions with regard to content, visual style and composition.

Please note: There are DV cameras available for your use. Equipment will be in high demand over the duration of the project. Please ensure that you return equipment promptly, and fully intact, after use. If you have your own DV camera, you may use it as an alternative.

Guidelines (for video art piece):
Choose one of the following 4 options:

1. Select a Zen poetry quotation as your theme. You can use one of these examples or select a poem of your choice (consult with me):

The mind of the past is ungraspable;
the mind of the future is ungraspable;
the mind of the present is ungraspable.
Diamond Sutra

To what shall I compare this life of ours?
Even before I can say
it is like a lightning flash or a dewdrop
it is no more.
Sengai

2. Create a performance for video.
3. Create a short documentary (must be a local theme).
4. Create an experimental video work.

Grading : 40 points
For video artwork:

Followed guidelines.
Competent use of camera.
Competent use of NLE techniques.
Preparatory work (storyboard).
Thoughtful, compelling piece, approx 2-5 minutes in length.
Still most important: CREATIVITY, a unique visual style.

For video/Flash Animation:
Criteria as above, also successful integration of video and flash processes. Successful use of animation techniques

For video / Flash project integration:
Criteria as above, also successful integration of video into project (technical and visual)

Because the course is an experimental digital art course, the focus of this assignment is on the creation of experimental film shorts, NOT on the production of rock music videos, commercial promos, or wedding / birthday / family videos. The aim is to use commonly available tools and software to create digital artworks, in the form of experimental digital film shorts. We will explore the way readily available softwares can be used for alternative, artistic purposes.