Film, Video, New Media, & Animation
saic.edu/fvnma
The Department of Film, Video, New Media, & Animation has long been central to the development of highly influential independent and experimental media practices in the field. The international character of our department and the cultural diversity of our community have produced an array of expanded approaches and driven many of our working procedures toward trans-cultural practices that push boundaries while engaging in formal experimentation, technical innovation, and critical investigation.
Challenging Convention
Students reach beyond conventional approaches to media, investigating new directions for nonfiction and narrative film and video, moving-image installation, analog and digital
animation, interactive art, web-based projects, and media art histories. Students explore moving images in all their contemporary venues—from the cinema and performance sites to the internet and mobile devices, as well as museums, galleries, festivals, and community-based projects.
Personalized Paths
Working with graduate advisors of their choice, students create a course of study informed by their own interests and artistic goals. Within this personalized framework, they establish a theoretical and historical context for understanding their work, the work of other artists, and work from the broader media ecosystem. Students are encouraged to explore courses in other departments to enrich their practice.
International Recognition
The department has helped to produce 11 Guggenheim Fellows, as well as multiple winners at international festivals, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Most recently, our graduates have earned top prizes at the Berlinale, Cinema Du Reel, the Montreal Film Festival, and the Rotterdam International Film Festival, among others.
For more information on the program and application requirements, please visit: saic.edu/fvnma
Cutting-edge Resources
• The Art Institute of Chicago’s Film, Video, and New Media Gallery, which showcases the work of major contemporary artists who have helped define the field
• Video Data Bank, an internationally recognized distribution center for video by and about contemporary artists
• Flaxman Library’s 16mm Film Study Collection, with an extensive holding of experimental film and MFA productions
• Gene Siskel Film Center, one of the leading cinematheques in the nation
Facilities
Students have access to SAIC’s production studios and to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including:
• 4K and 6K digital production cameras and cine lens packages
• 16mm and 8mm motion picture cameras and accessories
• Production sound and lighting equipment
• 2 production studios, including a green screen cyclorama
• 6 advanced post-production suites
• Professional grade sound production and editing facility with surround sound and ADR capabilities
• 2D and 3D animation, stop motion studios, 5 individual advanced animation suites
• Dedicated render farm for 3D animation
• 3 dedicated production/post-production computer labs including Cintiq displays
• 16mm and 8mm telecine transfer, and analog to digital video transfer
• Film editing, contact and optical printing
• Sandin Image Processor and portable video synthesizers
• 2 video installation spaces
• 52-seat screening room
Faculty
MELIKA BASS
TIRTZA EVEN
ANAHITA GHAZVINIZADEH
BRUCE JENKINS
ALAN KWAN
FREDERIC MOFFET
CHRISTOPHER SULLIVAN
PAIGE TAUL
JAMES TRAINOR
For complete faculty listing visit: saic.edu/fvnma
Curriculum Requirements
Studio
Art History ARTHI 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art (3) or ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design (3)
or
(9)
Any course in any area at 3000 level or above
Participation in four graduate critiques
Participation in ONE of the following as appropriate to artistic practice: Graduate Exhibition, Graduate Performance Event, Graduate Screenings
Application Process
Submit:
› Online application
› Official college transcripts
› Statement of purpose
› Letters of recommendation
› ePortfolio
› Résumé
Application Deadline: January 10
