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Your search for ETD Contributor Aig, Dennis (committee chairperson) resulted in 11 match(es).

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Mythologizing the History of Easter Island through Documentary Films: Author: Boyd, Laura Jean; Date: 2005-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: Documentaries have the power to rewrite history and perpetuate myths in our society. In the case of Easter Island, documentary filmmakers have sensationalized the history of the Rapa Nui people, dwelling on dramatic concepts such as eco-disaster, cannibalism and mysteriously vanishing cultures. As a result of poor filmmaking, we have a mythologized history of Easter Island. In my attempt to create a science-based documentary about an issue affecting contemporary Easter Island society, this mythologizing of history became a major obstacle. It became apparent that I had to first inform audiences...; Download File | View full details

Employing Visitor Studies and Video Media to Better Communicate Science in National Parks: Author: Koch, Alison Lindsey; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: The future of the National Park Service depends upon the agency's ability to educate the public to care for and preserve America's parks. In order to achieve this, parks must provide accurate, up-to-date scientific and preservation management information to visitors so that they gain a greater appreciation of parks by understanding what they protect. Although the Park Service has gone to great lengths to ensure scientific information is utilized in all management decision-making, no management documents or Park Service programs currently provide practical guidance or are adequately equipped to...; Download File | View full details

A Paradigm Shift for the Science Documentary: Author: Kustusch, Christopher Michael; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: The science documentary exists within a very specific cultural space. It is not only separate from conventional fictional entertainment but it is also separate from the mainstream, or social documentary, tradition. The cross-blending of genres and the borrowing of technique and style from current "modern documentaries" should lead to a radical reinvention of the paradigm (i.e., a paradigm shift) of the science/natural history documentary. This essay will focus on three main areas of discussion: the rise of the modern documentary, a discussion exploring the characteristics of the curr...; Download File | View full details

Animal Viewing in Postmodern America: A Case Study of the Yellowstone Wolf Watchers: Author: Young, Jo Anne; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to examine the American relationship with wildlife by way of a case study of the Yellowstone wolf watchers. The American relationship with nature and animals changed at a never before seen rate during the modern era because of capitalism and industrialization. Our relationship with animals is now idealized and distorted, and we constantly mourn their loss from our everyday lives. Although we keep the animal in a state of perpetual dying by representations in mass media globally, zoos, parks and pets, these actions are more to further enforce their marginalization ...; Download File | View full details

Beyond Words: The Use of the Non-Verbal Genre in Natural History Filmmaking: Author: Haywood, Keene McDonald; Date: 2007-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: Natural history filmmaking has a history that begins with the advent of cinematography as a form of artistic and documentary expression. Natural history filmmaking has increasingly used techniques of fiction, drama and anthropomorphizing to represent the natural world in storytelling. This paper will examine the use of the nonverbal form of filmmaking as an alternative style that can be used to effectively document natural history using a more lyrical, poetic and often more thoughtful style. This work examines previous works in the non-verbal genre and discusses how this style compares with hi...; Download File | View full details

Perspective in Wildlife Films: Author: Kasic, Kathryn Elizabeth; Date: 2007-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: Discussions of perspective rarely occur in analyses of wildlife films perhaps because of the near neglect of the genre itself as well as the fact that most analysis focuses on content, rather than structure and style. Perspective has long been a part of narrative film criticism, however, and it is essential to a complete examination of a film genre. I define perspective here as the cognitive view of the mind that commands the subject. In documentary and wildlife films, credibility is vital and the film's perspective or point of view establishes this through the use of the camera apparatus and ...; Download File | View full details

Sound Design for Non-fiction Film and Video: A Discussion of Methodology, Perception, and Ethics: Author: Burge, Eric William; Date: 2007-12-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: Traditional documentary films, particularly science and natural history works, presume to authentically or legitimately convey accurate representations of historical events that actually occurred at a prior time. Factual and convincing representations are not necessarily congruent, and a film's merit of authenticity is often based on the perceived validity of the visual content represented. While visual imagery dominates a presentation's general delivery, a film's sound design is a fundamental structural element that is often overlooked or less scrutinized with regard to factual or accurate re...; Download File | View full details

Humor in science and nature films: just because you can, doesn't mean that you should: Author: Gerner, Lyn Elaine; Date: 2008-05-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: In this thesis, I assert that humor is not generally appropriate for and applicable to science and natural history ("SNH") films. Considering perspectives and research on humor from fields spanning comedy writing, documentary film theory, evolutionary psychology, pedagogy, behavioral studies, etc., I'll attempt to synthesize some conclusions about treatments, forms and topics that can accommodate humor. I begin by briefly providing some supporting evidence for the assertion that humor has played a minor role in SNH films. I argue that SNH filmmakers have used humor rarely because ...; Download File | View full details

Creating tools to educate and engage: how interactive media can aid in scientific understanding: Author: Citrola, Penny; Date: 2008-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: A well-educated citizenry, armed with an awareness of science and technological principles, is vital to the success of our society. In order to keep the public interested in scientific topics, it is important that students become engaged with science in their younger years. Interactive media technology provides a means to achieving this goal by developing students' investigative abilities. Creation and use of interactive media technology is an essential step toward bridging these two imperatives: the need to connect students with science topics in order to pique and maintain interest in these...; Download File | View full details

The split-screen aesthetic: connecting meaning between fragmented frames: Author: Ingrassia, Peter Matthew; Date: 2009-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: The split-screen is a multi-frame technique used in film, television and video. Recent advances in digital technology make it easier to incorporate the fragmented frame into visual narrative strategies. I argue that properties inherent to the split-screen technique (including simultaneity, symmetry, visual irony, omniscient view and visual style) also emerge as attributes of a split-screen aesthetic. The split-screen aesthetic transforms a technical contrivance that has long provided an alternative to parallel editing, into a powerful narrative tool that facilitates the construction of visual ...; Download File | View full details

Never wash away: a case study of video-centered outreach in the Republic of Congo: Author: Matheson, Kelly Ann; Date: 2009-08-15; Program: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Abstract: Since its inception, documentary film has been thought to be an effective way to galvanize social change. With the explosion of video for change organizations and projects both filmmakers and funders have a growing need to make a solid connection between the power of film and its concrete impact. This thesis will set forth the key principles for successful advocacy filmmaking and explore how the International Conservation and Education Fund's (INCEF's) Great Ape Public Awareness Project incorporated these principles into its approach to advocacy filmmaking. This exploration will be accomplishe...; Download File | View full details

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