Experimental Filmmaking and the Motion Picture Camera: An Introductory Guide for Artists and Filmmakers

Experimental Filmmaking and the Motion Picture Camera is an introductory guide to experimental filmmaking, covering practical methods, history, theory, and aesthetics. It provides a comprehensive guide to using the 16mm Bolex camera, strategies for making films edited in-camera, and the work of experimental filmmakers. It is the ideal book for students interested in experimental and alternative modes of filmmaking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Experimental Filmmaking and the Motion Picture Camera is a comprehensive and introductory guide to the world of experimental filmmaking. Authored by Joel Schlemowitz, the book delves into the practical methods and techniques employed in the production of experimental films, while also exploring the rich history, theory, and aesthetics of experimental approaches.

In the first chapter, Schlemowitz provides a detailed explanation of the basic mechanism of the camera, covering topics such as the shutter, aperture, focus, and exposure. He then moves on to discuss slow and fast motion filming, single-frame time lapse, the long take, camera movement, the workings of the lens, and the use of in-camera effects like double exposure. A comprehensive guide to using the 16mm Bolex camera is also included, offering valuable insights into the technical aspects of filmmaking.

The book further explores strategies for making films edited in-camera, a technique that allows filmmakers to capture and manipulate footage directly on the camera without the need for traditional post-production editing. This approach opens up a world of creative possibilities and adds a unique dimension to experimental filmmaking.

In addition to the technical aspects, the book also examines the movie diary and film portrait, two experimental forms that have been influential in the history of experimental filmmaking. The author discusses the work of a range of experimental filmmakers, including Stan Brakhage, Rudy Burckhardt, Paul Clipson, Christopher Harris, Peter Hutton, Takahiko Iimura, Marie Losier, Rose Lowder, Jonas Mekas, Marie Menken, Margaret Rorison, Guy Sherwin, and Tomonari Nishikawa.

Each chapter is accompanied by examples and case studies, providing students with practical insights and inspiration for their own experimental filmmaking projects. The book also includes a comprehensive bibliography and a list of websites and resources for further exploration.

Experimental Filmmaking and the Motion Picture Camera is an ideal resource for students interested in experimental and alternative modes of filmmaking. It provides invaluable insight into the history, methods, and concepts inherent to experimental uses of the camera, while also providing students with a solid foundation of techniques and practices to foster their development as filmmakers. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a newcomer to the field, this book is sure to inspire and educate you.

Supplemental material, including links to films cited in the book, can be found at www.experimentalfilmmaking.com.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 173 x 244 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138586598