Thinking Images: A Short Course in Video Essay Production

This five-week online course explores the innovative practice of video essay creation as a cutting-edge development in film criticism and art practice, whereby lovers of film can use the moving image itself to deepen their appreciation, analysis, and production of creative media.

The video essay usually takes existing digital video footage (feature films, shorts, documentary work) and applies creative editing techniques to create a new type of investigation (known as videographic work), which offers an extra emotional dimension produced through the blending of words, images and sounds.

The course will include lectures and workshops delivered on zoom to enable an understanding of video essay techniques and practices; short practical digital tasks (homework) where the basics of video editing will be implemented; and the production of your own 5-minute video essay to be shared on session 5.

This course is for:

• Individuals interested in video essay theory and practice
• Individuals at a beginner or intermediate stage in video production interested in expanding their practice

Film scholar and video essayist Dr Darren Elliott-Smith (University of Stirling) will guide students through the forms, origins and influences of the video essay, drawing on noteworthy examples before inviting them to work on short projects of their own.

• The course will be run in a relaxed and informal environment, via Google Classrooms which will include facilities to chat with your peers and tutor via forums. 
• Each session will include bespoke recorded illustrated lecture materials for students to engage with before the LIVE online workshops. 
• No prior video editing experience necessary. Students may benefit from having had some knowledge and appreciation of film/media criticism.
• Students may bring their own hardware/software for practical editing – we recommend iMovie or Clipchamp for beginners.

FAQs

Do I need to have experience with video editing to take the course?

No! You can take this course with no experience of video editing. You do need to have access to a computer, access to necessary software (e-mail, Zoom, Google, editing software of your choice). 

I’m a filmmaker or videographer, is this course appropriate for me?

Yes! Explore the theory and practice of developing video essays and explore the possibilities that this form enables you. Though most videographic work engages creatively and critically with existing moving image material, many artists have interjected themselves and their own original work into their efforts. 

I have access needs and want to know more about how this class is accessible to me.

Should you have any particular access requirements, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to offer further support.

We seek to support all learners to the best of our ability. The course is designed to be accessible via Zoom and Google Classroom. 

Zoom features including captions, transcriptions and recordings, will be available.

All course readings and videos will be included in the course price for access and all readings will be available in PDF for read-aloud software use.

Students will be directed where needed to use free-to-access software for editing purposes should they be unable to purchase more complex software titles. 

Upon booking, we will reach out to you and request further information to ensure we can support your learning experience.

Though Thinking Images has a loose bi-weekly structure, the course is designed to be flexible allowing students to continue at their own pace with no pressure to produce homework/final products to this timeline. Please reach out to your course tutor if you feel you need an alternative structure for your own pace should you need it. 

Thinking Images: A Short Course in Video Essay Making
A Live Art Development Agency Short Course.
Created by Course Leader Dr Darren Elliott-Smith, developed in partnership with Queer Extension.