This is a program for advanced media students who want to continue to build their skills in media history, theory and production with the support of a learning community. It is designed for students who have already developed some expertise in media production, have academic experience with media history/theory and wish to work on advanced media projects involving research, development, production and exhibition. It provides students with the opportunity to produce yearlong media projects based on individual or collective interests developed out of previous academic projects or programs. Each student or team of students will do extensive pre-production planning and research for a media project to be completed by the end of the academic year. One or two-quarter projects are also possible, but must include research, design, production and editing appropriate to the academic schedule. Students who are interested in one or more of the following are invited to join this learning community of media artists: experimental film and digital video production, media history/theory, documentary, sound design, writing, photography, installation and contemporary art history.

The focus of this program is on the development of each student's personal style and creative approach to working with moving images and sound. During the fall, students will engage in a period of idea development, research and reflection, including a 2-3 day retreat for concentrated work. Interdisciplinary research will inform students’ creative work, and will result in a research paper, annotated bibliography and presentation to the group. Grant writing workshops will result in student proposals for individual or collaborative media projects. Fall quarter will also involve opportunities for students to expand their media skills through workshops, exercises and a collaborative project. In particular, cinematography workshops will deepen student understanding of light, exposure and image quality in the 16mm format. Students will also work in teams of 3-4 to develop experimental projects that will enhance their collaborative skills and production experience. Students will also conduct research into new and old media technologies, presenting their findings to the group.

During winter quarter, the focus will shift from idea development to the production phase. Students will acquire all their images and production elements for their projects, which could involve production work off campus for an extended period. Students are encouraged to think creatively and broadly about their subject matter and will be able to propose media projects that may require travel to other areas of the United States during the winter production phase. The critique process will be a central focus for the learning community during winter and spring, requiring students to participate regularly in the critical analysis of one another’s creative work. Winter research projects will explore contemporary media artists who have made special contributions to the development of experimental media practice and have attempted to push the technological as well conceptual boundaries of the moving image. Audio production workshops will be offered to expand student expertise with sound design and technology. Students will be encouraged to decide as a group on additional workshops in Web design and online media practices and will choose texts for winter and spring seminars.

During spring quarter, each student will complete post-production work, develop a media artist website, explore ways to sustain their work as media artists and participate in a public screening of their work.