This advanced offering in the media arts is for students interested in working individually or collaboratively on yearlong media projects with the support of a learning community. The studio setting provides students with the opportunity to help shape one another's work through extensive critical review of ideas at each stage of production and through technical support on one another’s projects. Engagement with critical theory on representation informs each student’s creative approach to their media production work. The creative work produced over the year is research-based. Each media artist or collaborative team will engage in extensive research and writing to develop and support their creative ideas, including research papers, grant writing, script outlines, etc. A wide range of media projects and genres are possible, with a focus on creative nonfiction and documentary, as long as the media artist(s) demonstrate a strong foundation for potential success in that genre. Past participants have created participatory/interactive documentary, experimental film/video, autobiographical video, experimental narrative, essayistic video, animation, online documentary series, mixed media gallery installation, remix political satire, interactive Web installation, as well as standard documentary. Students are expected to build on existing skills developed in past academic work, developing advanced production skills rather than undertaking wholly new areas of media production. Participants work closely with one another throughout the year as co-learners and collaborators, collectively shaping the output of the studio and developing a program of shorts to be screened to the public at the end of spring quarter.

An integrated approach to media history/theory and production is essential to the development of advanced media work. Students will explore strategies of representation through readings, screenings seminars, and research presentations, continuing to build their skills in critical thinking and critical analysis. Individual research projects will explore contemporary media artists who have made special contributions to the development of experimental media practice. Students will also conduct research into new and old media technologies, presenting their findings to the group. Students will continue to develop their production skills through workshops, exercises, and a collaborative project. Cinematography workshops will deepen student understanding of light, exposure, and image quality in the 16mm format and/or HD digital video. Audio production workshops will be offered to expand student expertise with sound design and technology.

Fall quarter involves a period of reflection, research, and idea development, including a two- to three-day retreat for concentrated work. Students are asked to think broadly about their work, to research and explore a number of project ideas before settling on the final topic. During winter quarter, the focus will shift from idea development to the production phase, when students will acquire all their images and production materials. 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. During spring, each student will complete post-production work, engage in extensive critique sessions, and participate in producing a public screening of their work.