Sears, Kelly L

Research

research overview

My films are hybrid speculative fiction and nonfiction photo-collage animations. She animates appropriated source imagery that suggests an official process, order, or account – ranging from instructional guides to chronicles of specific histories. Through cutting up, collaging, and untethering the images from their intended purpose, she shapes alternate narratives by transforming the histories, behaviors, and ideologies embedded in these frames.

keywords

animation, experimental film, media archeology, documentary, speculative fiction, creative writing

Publications

selected publications

conference proceeding
- The Unsound Recordings: Tracing ecologies and sonic warfare in an experimental film world. Co-presentation with Maile Costa Colbert 2022
journal article

Teaching

courses taught

ARTF 5010 - Topics in Film Production
Primary Instructor - Spring 2024
Prepares students for advanced cinema production courses. Subject matter varies each semester. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics are different. Same as CINE 4010.
ARTF 5500 - Cinema Production 2
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018
Advanced exploration of creative cinema production through short production and post-production projects. Course focuses on the tactics and strategies of independent cinema production exploring either documentary, experimental, or narrative genres. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours. Same as CINE 4500.
ARTF 5610 - Image-makers Graduate Seminar
Primary Instructor - Spring 2023
Explores advanced graduate studio work in a seminar setting. Focuses on the development of ideas and activities which advance creative image making. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours.
ARTS 5717 - Graduate Studio Critique
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours with any single faculty member.
ARTS 6957 - Master of Fine Arts Creative Thesis
Primary Instructor - Spring 2020 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023

CINE 2000 - Moving Image Foundations I
Primary Instructor - Spring 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduces students to basic image making technology, aesthetics and methods. Fundamentals of film/video production in Super 8mm film, Digital ProRes 422 and other analog and digital image making, editing and management formats. May emphasize personal, experimental or narrative approaches with individual exercises, according to instructor. Basic competencies include composition, lighting, basic audio, basic editing, studio critique, file management, web upload, etc. Formerly FILM 2000.

CINE 3620 - Experimental Digital Animation
Primary Instructor - Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Explores boundaries of traditional animation construction and delve into contemporary animation history. Small projects will involve experimentation with animation techniques that integrate with analog animation, frame-by-frame digital processes and live-action footage. Ideal for students who have taken CINE 2010 or CINE 2610 or CINE 3525. Students familiar with animation and digital imaging or those eager to explore the process are encouraged to enroll. Formerly FILM 3620.

CINE 4010 - Topics in Film Production
Primary Instructor - Spring 2024
Prepares students for advanced Cinema Studies production courses. Subject matter varies each semester. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours, provided the topics are different. Same as ARTF 5010. Formerly FILM 4010.

CINE 4500 - Cinema Production 2
Primary Instructor - Fall 2020 / Fall 2023
Advanced exploration of creative cinema production through short production and post-production projects. Course focuses on the tactics and strategies of independent cinema production leading to the completion of a BFA thesis project exploring either documentary, experimental, or narrative genres. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Formerly FILM 4500. Same as ARTF 5500.

CINE 4959 - Honors Senior Thesis
Primary Instructor - Spring 2023
For exceptional Film Studies majors who wish to write an honors thesis based on independent research or creative work under the direction of a faculty member. Formerly FILM 4959.

FILM 3620 - Experimental Digital Animation
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
Explores boundaries of traditional animation construction and delve into contemporary animation history. Small projects will involve experimentation with animation techniques that integrate with analog animation, frame-by-frame digital processes and live-action footage. Ideal for students who have taken CINE 2010 or CINE 2610 or CINE 3525. Students familiar with animation and digital imaging or those eager to explore the process are encouraged to enroll. Formerly FILM 3620.

FILM 3940 - Cinema Studies Internship
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018
Provides students with professional internship experiences with film, video, new media production companies, governmental agencies, production units, audio recording studios and new media industries. Students will be responsible for securing their own internship position. May be repeated up to 9 credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: CU GPA of at least 2.00 and upper-division standing and a 3.00 GPA as a BA or BFA Cinema Studies major. Formerly FILM 3940.

FILM 4500 - Cinema Production 2
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019

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Background

education and training

M.F.A., University of California-San Diego 2005
B.A., Hampshire College 2000

awards and honors

MacDowell Fellowships, conferred by MacDowell Colony for the Arts, 2022
MacDowell Fellowships, conferred by MacDowell Colony for the Arts, 2015

International Activities

geographic focus

Brazil Country
Canada Country
Croatia Country
Cyprus Country
France Country

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Other Profiles

ORCID iD

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2602-2799

VIVO

Positions

Research Areas