Film-Making Workshop in Iceland
Featuring Academy Award Nominee: Martin Bell
July 22 - August 3, 2012
Mary Ellen Mark and her husband, Martin Bell will conduct a Photography & Film Making Workshop in association with Icelandic artists Einar “Effi” Falur Ingolfsson and his wife Ingibjorg “Inga” Johannsdottir. Mary Ellen and Effi will teach the photography workshop together. Martin will teach the film-making workshop. Inga will supervise the logistics of both classes including the operation of the darkroom and editing facilities and the guest lecturers at the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts.
In advance of the workshop we will supply a long list of possible story ideas for consideration by both photography and film students. Some examples: music festivals, fisherman on a ocean going boat, a summer camp for disabled children, gay parade, swimming pools in Reykjavik, workers in a geothermal plant a fish factory and a magnesium factory, Blue Lagoon volcanic spa, Icelandic horses, and spectacular landscape locations that are among the most beautiful in the world. Some of the music events require travel for a few days, those of you who choose that will have to let us know in advance so we can make those plans.
The two classes will meet together for the first day’s group critique and the final critique on the last day—as well as the evening sessions. The exchange of ideas between the film and photography students will be very productive.
Icelanders speak English and Danish widely, so there is no need for translators.
On working in Iceland
In the summer of 2005, I was asked to produce five photographic portfolios for the Morgunbladid Newspaper. One of the projects I requested to photograph was a school for disabled children in Reykjavik. The newspaper arranged for me to spend a day at Öskjuhlíðarskóli. It was an unforgettable day. I immediately fell in love with the children as I followed them through their daily activities, which included a swimming class. It was in that swimming class that I met one young boy that especially won my heart. This boy walked with the aid of a walker with unimaginable effort and was fearless in the water. He used precious few words but had a strong presence. I took many photographs of him swimming. On the bus ride back to school, he sat in front of me and kept leaning around his seat to make sure I was still there. His name: Alexander. – Extract from - Extraordinary child by Mary Ellen Mark-
…During the seven weeks that we spent in Iceland (over three separate trips), my husband Martin Bell, made a film, “Alexander”, focusing on Alexander and his relationship with his parents (Steinunn & Palli), grandparents (Edda & Siggi), friends, teachers, and even his dog; Rocky. Martin’s film also visits Öskjuhlíðarskóli, Safamýrarskóli, and Lyngás. The film shows how the teachers and caretakers make a strong connection with the higher functioning disabled children as well as with children who on the surface seem unreachable. - Extract from: Extraordinary child by Mary Ellen Mark-
Led by filmmaker Martin Bell, this film-making workshop is geared towards people who are transitioning into the world of video film-making. It is not a technical class, but will focus more on the construction of a narrative film story. The workshop starts on Sunday, July 22nd, 2012 with a group dinner at a local restaurant where we will join the photography workshop students and instructors. On July 23 both workshops will meet for a group critique.
The film students can present up to 10 minutes of work to be critiqued. You will discuss what you might be interested in shooting during the class. Students will receive a list of possible subjects in advance so they can give it some thought and start working right away. In some cases, the subjects will require additional travel, so advance arrangements need to be made. During the workshop each student will produce a 1-10 minute film. Students will start shooting on Tuesday, July 24. Each person will schedule a 20-minute appointment to meet with Martin every day so he can review the progress and give shooting and editing advice. (Students traveling outside of Reykjavik to shoot will meet with Martin upon their return.)
The one-on-one meetings with Martin will be scheduled for a regular time, but the shooting and editing schedule will be up to each student. Students should bring their own video camera and a laptop with their own editing software. The Reykjavik School of Visual Arts will have Macintosh workstations with Final Cut Pro available. (This workshop will not include editing software instruction, but there will be someone at the school to address small issues and problems). Each evening, both the photography and film students will come together for a group class. Mary Ellen, Effi, Martin, and Inga will show you their work. Other Icelandic photographers and filmmakers will come as guest speakers to show their work.
On the last day of the workshop both classes will have a group critique where the films and edited photographs will be presented. That evening, everyone’s work will be presented in a local gallery. This workshop will provide a framework to all film students to have a better understanding of shooting and editing a film while offering a wonderful opportunity to experience Iceland.
1. On the first evening the class meets at a local restaurant to have your first dinner together.
2. On Monday, July 23rd, there is a general session to discuss the possible assignments you will be shooting. One on one discussions will take place throughout the day at the REYKJAVIK MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHY.
3. Upon reviewing all assignments and talking about your interests you will be given an individual assignment or theme to shoot and edit over the course of the workshop. Einar and Inga live in Reykjavick and have many ideas and contacts in the area to make the most out of your workshop
4. Students will shoot and edit every day for eleven days. Review, edit and critique sessions will require that you bring a computer.
5. Each student is given a specific time to meet individually with Martin according to whether you have enough material for the review session or not. These meetings are held at the Reykjavik School of Visual Art.
6. Every evening, the class comes together at the school to discuss your progress, and to see the work of local artists and filmmakers.
7. The film showcase will take place on Friday, August 3rd. This is the first time you’ll see each other's work from Iceland. It will be fascinating and exciting to see the film each student produced during the workshop.
8. We have our final dinner Friday night and everyone leaves on Saturday, August 4th having learned more about how to shoot and edit a film.
Martin Bell: started out as a freelance cinematographer for documentaries and drama on English television before coming to the U.S. 20 years ago. Martin is at ease in both documentary and narrative storytelling. He has directed such documentaries as Academy Award nominated "Streetwise", which followed the lives of runaway kids on the streets of Seattle and “Circus of Dreams” set in the Indian Circus for National Geographic Television. He has directed narrative features films including "American Heart" starring Jeff Bridges and "Hidden in America", featuring both Beau and Jeff Bridges.
