Background Noise: Direct Film Techniques

GR - Graduate

'Background Noise' is an entry-level course designed to explore the expansive universe of 16mm direct-on-film animation. Instead of looking at this technique as a means to an end, we will engage with the idea that direct-on-film (AKA 'cameraless filmmaking') can be used to supplement and expand our drawn, stop-motion or 3D animations that are anywhere from existing/ half-done to newly-conceived.

In the first week, we will look at work by filmmakers such as Len Lye, Jen Reeves, Nazli Dinel, Naomi Uman and Stan Brakhage as well as other, lesser-known animators as inspiration for how to use 16mm to create visual noise and textures. The second week, we will look at clips from Ralph Bakshi's "Fritz the Cat", Alison de Vere's "The Black Dog" and her backgrounds in "The Yellow Submarine," as well as some lesser-known direct-on-film animators from the '60s and '70s who use lots of moving textures in their backgrounds.

We will use found and blank 16mm film as our bases. Methods will include painting, dying, collage, stamping, cut-out, hole punching, scratching and possibly bleaching. The course will also include scanning of our direct-on-film animations to use for digital compositing.

After Effects or Premiere knowledge is encouraged, but not necessary.

RGAFV - School of Film/Video Students Only