Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts in Communication

Department

Communications

First Advisor

Michael Castro

Second Advisor

Ben Scholle

Abstract

The focus of this culminating project was to produce a short film on digital video using the skills and theories learned during the graduate Communication LCIE course of study. This project also utilized specialized equipment introduced during senior level Cinematography, Lighting for Film and Video, and Location Sound courses. The main goal was to have a completed work that held to the traditions of film while also taking advantage of the inherent benefits and dealing with the limitations of digital video.

Since the introduction of digital editing and digital video image acquisition, a debate has persisted within the video and film production industries about the value and artistic merit of film-style works produced on a digital medium. In fact many film industry purists insist that any narrative work that did not originate on celluloid cannot be considered a film in the strictest sense.

While others, amateurs as well as well known industry professionals, see the advent of digital video as a way to broaden the field. The lower price point of digital video cameras, digital video tape and editing equipment allows for many people who would otherwise be priced out of filmmaking pursuits to achieve their artistic visions. This allows creators to focus less on the technical aspects and more on storytelling.

For similar reasons, many educational institutions have also chosen to have student filmmakers work in the digital realm. Without the added expense of purchasing, storing and developing large amounts of traditional, celluloid film stock a broader range of students has been able to pursue film as their chosen field. This has led to mutual benefits for students and schools alike.

During the course of this project, three short film scripts were developed for production. Two of the scripts were taken from conception to completed production. The first work, The Library, clearly shows the inherit qualities of digital video can sometimes be a stumbling block. The other, Traffic Signals, demonstrates that even with the current limits of digital technology, digital filmmakers can produce high quality works with excellent production values. With the financial and technical barriers somewhat lifted the focus returns to the more important storytelling aspects such as writing, directing and editing.

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