Thinking Images: A Short Course in Video Essay Making

*Please note that by purchasing a ticket you secure your spot for all five sessions.*

This five-week course explores the innovative practice of video essay creation as a cutting-edge development in film criticism, whereby lovers of film can use the moving image itself to deepen their appreciation and analysis of creative media. The video essay uses digital video editing techniques (known as videographic work) to create a new type of investigation, which offers an extra emotional dimension produced through the blending of words, images and sounds.

Film scholar and video essayist Dr. Darren Elliott-Smith (University of Stirling) will guide students through the forms, origins and influences of the video essay, drawing on noteworthy examples before inviting them to work on short projects of their own. The course will include short lecture-based workshops to begin an understanding of video essay techniques and practices; short practical digital tasks where the basics of video editing will be implemented; and the production of your own 5-minute video essay.

The course will include short lecture-based workshops to begin an understanding of video essay techniques and practices; short practical digital tasks where the basics of video editing will be implemented; and the production of your own 5-minute video essay.

• The course will be run in a relaxed and informal environment.
• No prior video editing experience necessary. Students may benefit from having had some knowledge and appreciation of film/media criticism.
• Students may bring their own hardware/software for practical editing – we recommend iMovie or Clipchamp for beginners.

Register here for a free Taster Session.

This course is offered in partnership with Queer Extension.

Dr Darren Elliott-Smith

Dr Darren Elliott-Smith (he/him) is currently Senior Lecturer in Film and Gender at the University of Stirling and has published extensively academic work involving gender and sexuality and their representation in film and media. His work involves considering sociological connections between LGBTQ+ identity/communities and genre work in film and TV, focusing on horror and melodrama. He has used written work, curation and videographic practices to engage with such concerns and has been integral in developing international academic work on Queer Horror Film and TV analysis and production.

Queer Extension

Queer Extension is a hybrid para-institutional space for learning, dedicated to queering adult education. Founded and curated by Dr R Justin Hunt, as a further extension of his collaboration I’m With You, Queer Extension is inspired by Joan Didion (who famously undertook a correspondence course in mall management) and the Extension Movement that enabled creatively rigorous extramural opportunities to those typically marginalised by educational institutions. Collaborating with LADA, Queer Extension is delighted to bring Dr Elliot-Smith’s brilliant short course to online learners and to London, as a closing event to the 2025 series of courses dedicated to queer production.

Access Information:

Event information
This is an interactive workshop. The first four sessions will be held on Zoom and the culminating session will take place in-person at LADA. Closed captioning will be available during the online sessions. You are welcome to be off camera/on mute as much as you like and to bring a support worker.

Structure
The workshop structure will be sent ahead of time. Tasks can be sent out ahead of time, and will be designed to be responded to in multiple ways. The workshop includes a 20 minute break, with the option for additional breaks if required by the participants.

Content notes
Age restriction: 18+. The workshop includes loud or sudden music, as well as depictions of artworks featuring blood, naked bodies, needles and bodily waste. Please email willy@thisisliveart.co.uk if you would like more information on what to expect.