Thinking Images: A Short Course in Video Essay Making
Facilitator: Dr Darren Elliott-Smith
#archives #queerness #video #horror #liveeart
Image: still from PERSONA
Dates: January - March 2026
Price: £125 / £90 concession
Format: Hybrid (4x online sesssion, 1x London live event)
Maximum Participants: 15
Free Taster Session: 13 November 2026, 6:00pm
Module Description:
This four-week online short 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 cinema and the moving image. 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 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.
This course is offered in partnership the Live Art Development Agency
FACILITATOR
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.
Requirements:
Interest in or experience with writing, video & film or digital content production, horror, live art, queernesss
Frequency/Contact:
4 x 2 hour online sessions (Zoom)
Thursday 15 January, 6-8pm
Thursday 29 January, 6-8pm
Thursday 12 February, 6-8pm
Thursday 26 February, 6-8pm
1 x 3 hour live session (Live Art Development Agency’s Reading Room)
Saturday 14 March, 11am-2pm
This event is brought to you by Queer Extension & the Live Art Development Agency
About Queer Extension:
Inspired by the University Extension movement that reduced barriers to access for marginalised communities; Queer Extension has invited queer artists to develop online and correspondence modules that enable queer community to learn together. Queer Extension is curated by Justin Hunt of I'm With You. Queer Extension is funded by its participants and Arts Council England.
About the Live Art Development Agency
The Live Art Development Agency (LADA) is a London-based charitable organisation, dedicated to the development of Live Art research, practice and infrastructure. LADA is the home of the Study Room (a live art research collection), Live Art Bookshop, and co-ordinators of Live Art UK. A developmental resource for creatives and organisations, LADA is the centre of live art and interdisciplinary practice in the UK.
Accessibility Information:
Queer Extension is committed to ensuring inclusive and accessible learning.
Please email imwithyouclapton@gmail.com with any questions in regard to accessibility, including your own accessibility requirements.