Documentary cinematographer Joan Churchill<\/b> and Alan Barker<\/b> will lead a workshop in what they call “experiential” filmmaking. An evolution of Direct Cinema<\/i>, this is an engaged, first-person, present-tense technique. The camera’s point of view is that of an engaged participant, not a “fly on the wall.” As with Direct Cinema<\/i> there are no interviews or other past-tense devices. There is no illusion of objectivity. The emphasis is on engagement and process with the camera being used as a tool for relating and revealing rather than hunting for interesting angles and pretty pictures. <\/p>\n
The participants will be divided into two groups: the first group will act in an improvised situation while the second group will take turns shooting that situation. Afterwards the material shot will be watched and critiqued. If there are more than 15 participants, some will be asked to observe as an audience, although their input will be solicited. Each cameraperson will have the opportunity to explore the social dynamics and follow the process in their own way. There is no one “right” way. Churchill<\/b> and Barker<\/b> will demonstrate how to listen, anticipate and make moves that can be used in long takes without disrupting the flow of the situation while shooting everything an editor needs to cut the material. <\/p>\n
If the time allows, Churchill<\/b> and Barker<\/b> will also shoot interviews with the subjects of the improvisation, using the audience members to do the interviewing. For this is a great way to observe the difference between the first person process of shooting something in the present tense and talking about it after it becomes “history.” <\/p>\n