Astrid Bradley ’09
Film and Television and Studies
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: My favorite thing about the Film and Television Studies department is the truly intimate environment that a smaller department provides - not only do you have access to your professors who make themselves readily available, you also have an entire network of fellow majors which you can use as a soundboard for your ideas. This aspect of the department also allows for smaller class sizes which facilitate discussion and learning from everyone in the room. My least favorite thing about the department is that because there is no Foreign Study Program, if it is something you want to do you must go on one in another department or use your off term to travel with another school.

Important info for potential majors: Potential majors should try to take a higher level film course as early as possible; preferably Theories and Methodologies (Film 40) because you must complete this class in order to complete a culminating experience. Film theory is not only essential for those pursuing the scholarly aspect of the film world but it is critical for those interested in production as well.

Talk to me if: you are interested in film theory.

Most valuable academic information learned: The most valuable academic information that I have learned is to be fearless. It is your education and only you can take charge of it. Make "excuses" to talk to your professor's even if it's only because you are feeling a little lost. Also, explore everything that interests you by structuring your major and other academic pursuits around things that you enjoy. Don't be afraid to get a "bad grade" in a class - GPA's aren't everything, besides that's what NRO's are for!

Favorite class and professor: I honestly cannot pick one class or professor as my favorite film class; however, I can definitely say that Sound Theory (FS 50) with Amy Lawrence has been one of my favorite classes because although it was a class that I took almost purely to fulfill a major requirement after the first day I absolutely fell in love with it. Not only are the lectures, discussions and viewings interesting but exposes you to both the theory and production of sound in film.

Major classes taken: FILM 1, 21, 22, 33, 34, 40, 42, 46, 47, 50

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth interested in journalism and environmental science. During my first term I narrowed it down and realized that I wanted to major in the humanities and just take classes in the sciences that interested me. I then sampled different classes in different departments and poured through the ORC circling whatever interested me even a little - most of my choices fell in the film department with a few in English, resulting in my major choice.

Major specific activities: Independent Research X07 or W08 (in the process of determining term)

Thesis Status: Thesis Intended – Fall 08 and Winter 09: The popularized racial other in American Media

Other activities: Montage The Dartmouth Film Journal, Alumni Relations, Dartmouth Films Society, Panarchy

Internship experience: The Kitchen, Production Intern, Fall 07, Miami FL Magnolia Pictures, Web and Marketing Intern, Fall 07, Online

Zach Mason ’10
Film and Television, Public Policy
F08-S09 D-plan: ?-?-?

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: It is very difficult to discuss my least favorite things within the Film and Television Studies Department. Most of all besides the interesting curriculum I enjoy the close connection that there is between the Film Department faculty and the students. The Profs are always available and are here to encourage students. The college experience should be a dialogue between students and faculty members. This is very evident in the Film and Television Studies Department. At times, there is a need for more equipment to make film making a bit more user friendly. But overall, the Department manages to compensate for such a minor detail.

Important info for potential majors: Students interested in the major should take a higher level film course as early as possible; Theories and Methodologies is a good one (Film 40) because this class must be taken in order to complete a culminating experience. Be prepared to take Film Theory and History but also try some production (independent study where you work on making a film). You will find both the scholarly aspect of the film and production very rewarding.

Talk to me if: you're interested studying Film and or Government. Have questions about film theory, history, or production. Or just love to talk about films!!!!

Most valuable academic information learned: In film 1 taught by Joanna Rapf, we learned the importance of film and music editing. We have alumni come in and talk about their experiences with different technical aspects of the profession. These “tricks of the trade” have paid off in various projects that I have done.

Favorite class and professor: I loved Professor Desjardins’ class Film History 20: Silent to Sound for her ability to connect to make the topics really interesting and for the ability to see many clips and analyze clips from the start of film history. She always had questions and discussions were always interesting. Her enthusiasm for film and appreciation for history- theory were a very inspiring mix. She constantly pushed students to work hard and really care about the material.

Major classes taken: FILM 1, 10, 20, 21, 41, 42, 47, 90; Music 8; German 42

Major journey: I came to Dartmouth interested in government. During my first term I took film 20 (Silent to Sound) and also became active with the Dartmouth Film society. Then I took Film 40 my freshmen winter and although I was the only freshman, it was an intense class that made me even more interested in film studies. The professors are really knowledgeable and passionate. In addition because their number of majors is fewer than other majors, they are always there to help and advise. Soon I found myself combining my passion for film and government. It also has given me the change to be creative, make short films and work with other students in animation and studio art.

Major specific activities: First Year Research Grant, Independent research, Dartmouth Film Society, Buster Keaton Festival Finalist, AFL-CIO Film Project, “BLADE” Film Competition

Thesis Status: Planning to do thesis w/ Rauner special collections History and Impact of Dartmouth Film Society (either in paper and/ or film format), advisors include Professor Mary Desjardins, Jeff Ruoff, Jim Brown, and Joanna Rapf. I want to gain a better understanding and create a written record about DFS (various events, guest speakers, meetings, film series) history for future Dartmouth members and the college community at large.

Other activities: WDCR-Director, Dartmouth Film Society, Campus Progress-Representative, Green Key Society- Historian, Ballroom Dance, UGA, Dartmouth Green Corps, Admissions RAA, Programming Board, Honor Education Committee

Internship experience: Project on Government Oversight, 06X Washington DC; Hughes, Hubert, and Reed Law Firm, 08F Miami/ New York