As part of my art residency at the school, I’ve expanded my project, Dream Time Film Night, with a silent filmmaking workshop for Arts Week.
Recently I co-curated Silent Film, with Artist and Curator Toby Rainbird. The exhibition featured in Fringe Arts Bath 2021. Drawing upon this experience, I wanted to create a workshop where students and staff could approach filmmaking in a fun and accessible environment.
The workshop event was twofold; the first part was to grow the confidence of student and staff in how to use silence in their films. Examples included the work of Buster Keaton, 4’33” by John Cage, and the moment of silence between character in Jean-Luc Godard’s Bande à Part. We also explored the basics of how to use camera angles, colour, framing, noting the dynamism of Bauhaus photographers and also looking to video art, such as Climbing around my room by Lucy Gunning.
In the second part of the workshop, the attendees had the chance to make their own films. We had a variety of props to use and as an example of how to engage with these items, I showed my short comedy sketch between a kettle, a teapot and a pouring jug. This film was made in just 5 minutes to show how quickly a work can be made when you trust your intuition.
I’m very impressed with how the girls and staff approached their films and I look forward to showcasing these works on Founders' Day.
Miss Rebecca Hilton, Artist in Residence