While the Video Essay has become a respected form in its own right — with many YouTube consumers enjoying its intellectual and entertainment values — producing them is also a great way to learn how many unscripted TV shows and documentaries are built.

In this course, you will learn the art & craft of the writer/producer/editor using the vehicle of the Video Essay. After some brief lectures and discussions students will choose a topic that inspires them. Then they will work toward creating a 5 - 10 minute video essay on that topic. We will learn professional practices like writing A/V (Audio/Video) scripts and following them in our edits. We will learn how to write and record narration; how to collect, organize, and edit archival footage & photos; best practices in building timelines with proper audio track spacing for mixing; how to create and employ graphics and other visual effects; and finally, how to finish and publish our videos for the public. The course will end with a fun screening of everyone’s work!  

Who this course is for:

• Editors who are comfortable with at least one editing software (Avid, Premiere, FCP, DaVinci Resolve, etc) 

• Editors looking to hone their skills as writers/producers

• Filmmakers with a passion for film theory, film history, or any other aspect of filmmaking (this includes television!)

Course requirements: 

• A computer (a second monitor is strongly suggested, but not required)

• Access to any video editing software (speak with our instructors about obtaining one if you don’t have one)

• An external hard drive (an SSD drive is strongly suggested).

• A fast and stable internet connection.

• Zoom (free)

• A solid understanding of Mac’s OS and/or PC’s Windows

SCHEDULE:

• Summer Term (beginning June 30)

  • Tuesdays (3:00pm - 5:30pm)

• Total Course Time: 8 weeks, plus 1 free onboarding session

• Total Course Hours: 21

FEE: $895