Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student learns to deepen their vision, find new or different angles for their directing, and advance their knowledge of the impact the different aspects of film have on one another. The student develops communication and teamwork skills and learns to master the creative work process and its management.

Credits: 8

Schedule: 21.01.2019 - 15.02.2019

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Saara Saarela

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Arturo Delgado Pereira, Saara Saarela

Contact information for the course (valid 18.12.2018-21.12.2112):

Professor in film directing

saara.saarela@aalto.fi

Professor in documentary film

arturo.delgado@aalto.fi


CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: Finnish

Languages of study attainment: Finnish, Swedish

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    These courses consist of units that have varying length and content. The student majoring in directing explores and practices various aspects of film practice, such as deepening their own way of making, seeing and hearing films. Courses may focus purely on the audiovisual or written aspect of film narrative, or they may deepen the student's knowledge on dramaturgy. The courses are mainly workshop based and are often carried out in collaboation with one or more other subjects (screenwriting, producing, documentary directing, cinematography, set design, editing, sound, costume).The courses combine theory and practice and include partic exercises.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    This workshop-style course will explore filmmaking approaches that call into question
    the traditional categories of
    “fiction” and “documentary”: hybrid films,
    documentary re-enactments, improvisational fictions, narrative provocations,
    performa
    tive documentaries, etc.
    The goal of this course is to explore the narrative and formal possibilities of
    hybrid works, gain hands on experience in directing hybrid works, and creating
    synergies between fiction and documentary filmmakers.  

    The method we try to open up and use is based on observation and perception as well as intuition.

    Students will produce a
    short (about 1 -10 min) audio-visual exercise that puts into practice their findings through out
    the course. What they have percieved, observed only during the timeframe of this course.
    However, students can develop a scene(s) of their current project or make
    something explicitly for this course. The main idea still being on focusing on observation of "the reality" without a prior script or written document. We will try to arrange the best necessary circumstances for each audio/visual
    (narrative or non-narrative) or hybrid piece so that they can be fully realised and completed (quick editing and sound work).

    During the course the students will also participate in a  2-day practical workshop with internationally
    acclaimed filmmaker Scandar Copti and have field visits to Doc Point
    Helsinki, lectures by both teachers and visiting artists, film screenings and
    discussions.


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    80% attendance at contact sessions. Courses are assessed through attendance and completed assignments. Active participation in lectures, screenings, breakdowns, presentations, feedback and discussions as well as in group work.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    80% precence in contact sessions, completeing the given assigmenets and directing the short audiovisual piece.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Contact teaching (95-324h), independent work and group work (70-210h)

  • Applies in this implementation:

    To be specified shortly.

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Varies

  • Applies in this implementation:

    As part of this course
    activities, we will be extremely honoured to welcome Scandar Copti,
    an Oscar-nominated Palestinian filmmaker who
    has developed a methodology for directing non-actors called Singular Drama. Copti will carry out a two-day practical workshop with students (2 x 6 hours/day), in
    which participants will learn and experience the technique that Scandar uses
    during the preparations of his actors and non-actors as well as during the
    shoot.

    The students of this course will also carry out
    field visits to Doc Point Helsinki,
    consisting on attending film screenings, master-classes and industry events
    during the duration of the festival. 

    We will also explore the
    role of intuition in creative practices based on Asta Raami's ground-breaking
    work. In addition to Raami’s visit (TBC), we are still working on confirming
    some more exciting visiting artists for this course and will let you know as
    soon as possible.

    Lectures in the course will
    introduce students to different hybrid approaches. We will both look at
    contemporary works as well as analyse the genealogy of some of these
    “docu-fictional” approaches.  


Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Replaces courses 22519 and 22529 Special Courses in Film Directing

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    BA degree / 2nd year BA degree.

Registration for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

     

     

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Maximum 10 participants in fiction directing (5) and documentary (5). Priority for those who can take the full 4 weeks.

    The language of this course will be mainly english.

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    5 Gender Equality

    7 Affordable and Clean Energy

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    10 Reduced Inequality

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The students must attend to the first contact session to secure their place. Minimum number of participants (Directing) 2.

    Teaching period changed by decision of Academic Committee for Arts, Design and Architecture on 18 May, 2021.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Maximum 10 participants in fiction directing (5) and documentary (5). Priority for those who can take the full 4 weeks.

    The language of this course will be mainly english.

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Estimated schedule, to be completed shortly

    Week 4: lectures and assignements (50% contact teaching) (mostyly mornings some afternoons), Copti's 2 day intesive workshop. 

    Week 5: Asta Raami's lecture, Docpoint discussions and screenings, 

    Week 6: individual work in teams shoot (+ pots prod: diting and sound)

    Week 7: shoot + Individual work post prod (editing+sound). Last 2 days screenings of created work and feedback discussion (14.-15.2)