Moving Pictures at the Faculty of Art And Design
Art, cinema and communication are converging today in moving digital pictures claiming an undisputed presence in all areas of visual culture. Subject to continuous technical evolution video technology combines real and computer-generated images with text, sound and graphics to form complex audiovisual entities with relevant conceptual, dramaturgical and aesthetic implications. Whether it’s a linear short film or an interactive web-based application, the digital moving picture appears on the flat screen of small mobile devices as well as in large-scale projections and installations in public space, in the museum or the theatre.
In order to be professionally successful, students of audiovisual art and design are challenged to experiment and develop flexible strategies for making moving images work beyond mainstream solutions. In contrast to traditional film schools, studying by interdisciplinary projects is the preferred teaching method in Weimar, making room for ideas and innovative film creation. In projects, courses and seminars students examine and learn about relevant aspects in filmmaking, such as content development, aesthetic form, technical craft and the requirements for different contexts. Theme-oriented semester projects encourage students to develop personal points of view and an ability for critical analysis supported by theoretical and scientific input. A well-equipped in-house video studio is available for hands-on testing of ideas and for the realization of entire film projects.
Among the recurring criteria guiding students’ project work count the originality and relevance of the concept, the appropriate choice and use of the genre, an adequate aesthetic expression and technical quality. The video projects may be elaborated and produced by individual students or in various forms of collaboration. Student work ranges from experimental narrative and documentary films, animations, video clips for fashion, sports and music, to video art and site-specific installation works. Besides developing individual projects in open thematic frameworks, students get the opportunity to gain additional experience and public visibility by working on professional assignments in various cooperations with cultural institutions and the media business.