Experimental Cinema

Focuses on the completion of larger scale student-directed projects with a special emphasis on pre-production planning and advanced editing techniques.

Credits: 3; Must be BFA Art or BA Art or BFA Graphic Design major and must have passed sophomore portfolio review.

 Jack Stenner, Ph.D
 Associate Professor, Art + Technology
 Office: FAC 304
 Office Hours: Th 2:45pm - 3:45pm, prefer appt via email
 352.213.0997
 stenner@ufl.edu

 Undergraduate: ART 4630C Section C302
 Graduate: ART 5950C Section VIDE
 Class: PHYSICAL - Fine Arts Bldg C Room 302
 Time: T/Th 8:30am - 11:30pm
 Website: http://jackstenner.com/teaching/experimental-cinema
 Listserv: Class contact will be made UF email and via Discord (evite to be provided).

• Experimental imagery production
• Experimental video
• Motion compositing
• Camera Tracking
• RAW image production
• Cinematic lighting and shooting techniques
• Appropriate use of lens for cinema
• 3D compositing techniques
• and more....

• REDCine-X Pro, FCP-X, Nuke, Resolve
• Maya, VRay, Deadline
• Syntheyes
• HDR Spherical with Canon 5D, Nodal Ninja, PT GUI Pro.
• AI techniques using PyTorch, TensorFlow
• Diorama construction and filming
• and more....

Grades will be based 90% on projects, reviews, and class assignments. 10% will be based on class participation. See below for the breakdown. Participation means you are expected to constructively criticize your peers and participate in class discussions. Failure to do so will impact your participation grade.

Detailed, specific info on grades and grading can be found at: 
https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/grades-grading-policies/

Notwithstanding the description of grades above, generally, grades are conceived in this way:

A(Excellent) Student’s work is of exceptional quality and the solutions to problems show a depth of understanding of the program requirements. Project is fully developed and presented well both orally and graphically. Student has developed a strong and appropriate concept that clearly enhances the overall solution. The full potential of the problem has been realized and demonstrated.

B(Good) Student’s work shows above average understanding and clear potential. All program requirements are fulfilled and clearly and concisely presented.

C(Fair) Student’s work meets minimum objectives of course and solves major problem requirements. Work shows normal understanding and effort. Quality of project as well as the development of knowledge and skills is average.

D(Poor) Student’s work shows limited understanding and/or effort. Minimum problem requirements have not been met. Quality of project or performance as well as development of knowledge and skills is below average.

F(Failure) Student’s work is unresolved, incomplete and/or unclear. Minimum course objectives or project requirements are not met, and student’s work shows lack of understanding and/or effort. Quality of project or performance is not acceptable.

Instructor’s evaluation of student’s interest, motivation, attendance, proficiency and overall development or improvement during the semester will be taken into consideration in determining the final course grade. This syllabus is subject to refinement and development throughout the semester based on feedback and class interaction. Policies and grading criteria are absolute and will not change. Any substantial changes will be discussed with the class prior to implementation.

Grading breakdown:

   Project 1 =  20%
                           Project 2 =  20%
                           Project 3 =  20%
                           Final Proposal =  5%
                           Mid-Progress Crit = 5%
                           Final Project =  20%
                           Participation  = 10%
                           

Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing online evaluations at https://evaluations.ufl.edu. Evaluations are typically open during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given specific times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available to students at https://evaluations.ufl.edu/results/.

Readings will consist of .pdfs and URLs provided to students on a case-by-case basis in response to the concepts and needs that arise from proposed projects. It is not required, but I highly recommend you read:
Williams, Evan Calder. Shard Cinema. London: Repeater Books, an imprint of Watkins Media Ltd, 2017.

Be sure to read the University of Florida Policies regarding academic honesty, the honor code, accommodations for students with disabilities, wellness, computer use and acceptable use policy, disruptive behavior, health and safety, email and communications, and late work policy.

On July 1, 2021 faculty were provided guidance from United Faculty of Florida as to how to respond to Governor Ron DeSantis' "Viewpoint Discrimination" Bill, otherwise known as H.B. 233. Among other things, I will be following their recommendation to reserve the right to record classes I teach. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask and we can discuss it further.