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.Prior to the workshop, students will be provided a long list of possible story ideas for consideration by both photography and film students. Some examples of themes to explore are music festivals, fisherman on a ocean going boat, a summer camp for disabled children, a 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, so students who choose those themes will have to inform the workshop team in advance so all necessary arrangements can be made. Icelanders speak English and Danish widely, so there is no need for translators.
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. During the workshop each student will produce a 1-3 minute trailer of the Film that they will produce after the workshop. Each person will schedule a 45 minutes 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. Students should bring their own video camera and a laptop with their own editing software. This workshop will NOT include editing software instruction, but there will be someone at the school to address small issues and problems.
Martin Bell started out as a 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 “The Amazing Plastic Lady†set in the Indian Circus. He has directed narrative features films including “American Heart” starring Jeff Bridges and “Hidden in America”, a moving portrait of a family struggling with poverty featuring both Beau and Jeff Bridges.
His latest film “Prom” explores the complex lives of teenagers as they transition from childhood to adulthood. Students were interviewed at their own proms about relationships, school work, family, friends, and their hopes and dreams for the future. The film is a companion piece to his wife Mary Ellen Mark’s photographic project of the same name. “Prom†was in the opening night program at the Los Angeles Shorts Fest.
His ongoing film project, “A New York Storyâ€, aims to capture the energy and resilient spirit of New York City since September 11, 2001. His commercial clients have included Nike, making for them a spot about major league baseball hopefuls in the Dominican Republic, a real people campaign for CSFB online trading, and most recently a beautiful black & white campaign for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.