FILM348 - Declarations of Independence: American Independent Filmmaking

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Academic Year 2002/2003

Declarations of Independence: American Independent Filmmaking
FILM 348 SP

What exactly defines an "independent" film or filmmaker? How free is an independent from the creative and industrial constraints of mainstream filmmaking? How have notions of independence changed over time? This course addresses these and other questions as it examines different models of American independent feature filmmaking in use from the silent era to the present day. We will explore the various methods of production, distribution, and exhibition utilized by independent filmmakers and their range of reliance on the major studios. In addition, we will consider the aesthetic relationship between independent films and mainstream filmmaking, focusing in particular on how independents have used film form and narrative to differentiate their product. Prior knowledge of the American film industry is recommended for this course.

MAJOR READINGS

Selections from Matthew Bernstein, Walter Wanger: HOLLYWOOD INDEPENDENT
David A. Cook, LOST ILLUSIONS
Roger Corman, HOW I MADE A HUNDRED MOVIES IN HOLLYWOOD AND NEVER LOST A DIME
Emanuel Levy, CINEMA OF OUTSIDERS: THE RISE OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENT FILM
John Pierson, SPIKE, MIKE, SLACKERS & DYKES
Eric Schaefer, BOLD! DARING! SHOCKING! TRUE! A HISTORY OF EXPLOITATION FILMS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

An analytical paper, a research paper and proposal, and an oral presentation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Course fee: $45.00
This course is only open to junior and senior film majors.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

The instructor of this course will not be using the on-line wait list. If you are interested in this course, please contact the instructor directly.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA FILM Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: FILM304 AND FILM310

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Dombrowski,Lisa A.

Times: ..T.R.. 01:10PM-04:30PM; Location: AWKS010

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)

SR. major: Jr. major:

SR. non-major: Jr. non-major: SO: FR:

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Reading Non-Verbal Texts, Writing

Permission: Permission of Instructor Required

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003