Topic: Film Auteurs of NYC

Catalog description

Ever since the invention of the very first motion picture camera in the United States by New Yorker Thomas Edison in 1893, New York City has remained a center of motion picture production, distribution, and exhibition. This course will chart the journey of cinema in NYC over the past 119 years by focusing on several New York film artists who have made significant contributions to filmmaking in the Big Apple. Through lectures, readings, screenings and discussion the course will highlight the work of NYC auteurs, including Elia Kazan, John Cassavetes, Sydney Lumet, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Ken and Ric Burns, and Christine Vachon. The class will also explore New York City as one of the world’s most exciting living film studios. We will explore the unique challenges that these auteurs have faced producing films in New York City and what young filmmakers face today. We will chart how NYC has contributed to cinema, not only its unique landscapes and architecture, but also its great energy, electricity, complexity, chaos and magic. The class will visit several famous NYC film production locations and studios including Chelsea Studios (opened in 1914) and Silvercup Studios (location for many films and TV shows shot on film, including The Sopranos, Sex and the City, and 30 Rock). The class will also visit other NYC film shrines including the Anthology Film Archives and the landmark Ziegfeld Theater. Through readings, screenings, discussion, and written assignments, students will develop skills in film analysis and criticism. They will also explore the relationship of art and industry by studying the evolution of production, distribution, exhibition, and marketing of film in NYC.