Outrun the Void: Generative Workshop in the Video Poem and the Video Essay
A blank page holds so much possibility, but what if you could begin somewhere else?
Video is playing everywhere, but writers rarely talk about the moving image as a potential prompt, a reliable scaffold, a borrowed cadence to jump-start a draft. And what if that essay you’re stuck on is actually a video essay? What could the landscape of a video editing program reveal about your line breaks?
This course will offer an introduction to the short-form video essay and video poem, offering students three paths for writing to, alongside, or in anticipation of the moving image. The course will end with a workshop where each writer will present and discuss one new work.
This course is open to beginners who have zero experience with video or film editing as well as to writers and makers who have existing image-based practices.
Participants should expect:
· An introduction to the video poem and video essay as literary forms
· Participation in group screenings and discussions of video poems and video essays
· Four generative creative writing prompts
· Guided access to free tools and open-sourced materials
· A thoughtful, mini workshop of one new work in progress
Classes meet Wednesdays September 30, October 7, October 14, and October 21. The course will take place from 6:00 - 7:30 pm EST / 5:00 - 6:30 pm CST over Zoom.
Learn more on our Online Classes page.
*Please note: this class is non-refundable.
