BFA, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. Schmidt has written, directed, and edited moving-image works that traverse the boundaries of commercial cinema, independent cinema, and fine art—often working in close collaboration with other artists, including Alexander Carver, Gabriel Abrantes, Raul de Nieves, Susan Cianciolo, and ANOHNI. His films have screened around the world at film festivals, including Berlin, Cannes, BFI London, Sitges, New York, Karlovy Vary, Rotterdam, AFI, Toronto, Viennale, Hong Kong, BAFICI, Sarajevo, CPH:DOX, and Venice; in fine-art contexts, including Tate Modern, MoMA, Centre Pompidou, Whitechapel Gallery, KunstWerke, Serralves, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in London; and a commision by Hans Ulrich Obrist for the Biennale of Moving Images. Schmidt has been the recipient of a number of awards, including top prizes at the Locarno Film Festival and the Cannes Critics’ Week. His most recent feature, Diamantino, was theatrically released in a dozen countries, screened in two dozen more, and subsequently streamed on platforms that include Mubi, HBO, and Criterion. SLC, 2024–
Undergraduate Courses 2024-2025
Filmmaking and Moving Image Arts
Opening Scene: Filmmaking for First-Timers
Open, Seminar—Fall
FILM 3026
Film has become one of the most dominant forms of visual media and creative expression. In this seminar/workshop for the budding director, we will first focus on the filmmaking fundamentals that every filmmaker needs to know in order to tell an effective story on screen: basic filmmaking terms, crew positions, camera operation, shot angles and composition, camera movement, basic lighting, sound recording, and editing. Students will also learn to how to create shot lists, floor plans, and other important tools necessary for a successful shoot. Initially, solo shooting assignments will be given, allowing students to begin to develop their own cinematic voice. Because collaboration is key in filmmaking, students will also be divided into small groups for several weekly assignments, giving them the opportunity to serve in various roles on the crew. The idea is for students to acquire the skills needed for creating compelling cinematic work both on their own and with others.
Faculty
Opening Scene: Filmmaking for First-Timers
Open, Seminar—Spring
FILM 3026
Film has become one of the most dominant forms of visual media and creative expression. In this seminar/workshop for the budding director, we will first focus on the filmmaking fundamentals that every filmmaker needs to know in order to tell an effective story on screen: basic filmmaking terms, crew positions, camera operation, shot angles and composition, camera movement, basic lighting, sound recording, and editing. Students will also learn to how to create shot lists, floor plans, and other important tools necessary for a successful shoot. Initially, solo shooting assignments will be given, allowing students to begin to develop their own cinematic voice. Because collaboration is key in filmmaking, students will also be divided into small groups for several weekly assignments, giving them the opportunity to serve in various roles on the crew. The idea is for students to acquire the skills needed for creating compelling cinematic work on their own and with others.