Jack Beck
Professor
School of Film and Animation
College of Art and Design
585-475-2761
Office Location
Jack Beck
Professor
School of Film and Animation
College of Art and Design
Education
BA, Denison University; MFA, University of Iowa
Select Scholarship
Shows/Exhibits/Installations
Beck, Jack. Stari Grad (Old Town). n.d. One hundred seventeen Film Festivals to Date, 37 Countries, 14 Awards, several cities world-wide. Exhibit.
Beck, Jack. AUX1. 2007. Eight Festival Screenings, several cities. Exhibit.
Beck, Jack. Fossil Light. 2008. Twenty-One Film Fests, several cities, international, awards. Exhibit.
Beck, Jack. Church Wall, Sarajevo. Dec. 2016. Rochester Contemporary Museum Members Exhibition and Presentation, Rochester, NY. Exhibit.
Beck, Jack. Flour Alley, Dubrovnik, Croatia. Dec. 2015. Rochester Contemporary Museum Members Exhibition and Presentation, Rochester, NY. Exhibit.
Beck, Jack. Morning Light, Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia. Dec. 2015. Image City Photo Gallery, Rochester, NY. Exhibit.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Beck, Jack. "Voices Not Heard: Making Dialogue Indiscernible as an Aesthetic Choice." UFVA: A Virtual Conference. Florida State University. Tallahassee, FL. 29 Jul. 2020. Conference Presentation.
Beck, Jack. "Bressonian Method of "Complementarity": Guiding Tenets to Image/Sound Imbalance." UFVA Conference: Land of 10,000 Tales. Augsburg University. Minneapolis, MN. 1 Aug. 2019. Conference Presentation.
Beck, Jack A. "Re-Defining Focalized Sound: The Convergence of POA, Suspension, and Extension." CILECT North America Sound Conference: Sound & Storytelling. Chapman University. Orange, CA. 23 Mar. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Beck, Jack A. "Captured!: The Obsession of Powerful/less, Mediated Voice in Cinema." UFVA : Stories Without Borders. New Mexico State University. Las Cruces, NM. 25 Jul. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Beck, Jack A. "A Case for Spectral Music: Score that Inhabits the Diegesis." UFVA - Media Diversity: Inclusion and Convergence. Cal State University, LA. Los Angeles, CA. 1 Aug. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Beck, Jack A. "Challenges and New Approaches to Teaching Music and Sound in Film/New Media." GEECT - Music and Sound Design: When Theory Meets Practice. GEECT at the National Library. Vilnius, Lithuania. 29 Sep. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Beck, Jack. "A Call for the Mise-en-Bande in an Image-Centered Lexicon." UFVA Conference: Content Creation in the 21st Century. University of Las Vegas. Las Vegas, NV. 3 Aug. 2016. Lecture.
Beck, Jack. "Conveying Point of Audition for the Hearing-Impaired Character." UFVA Conference: Content Creation in the 21st Century. Las Vegas University. Las Vegas, NV. 1 Aug. 2016. Lecture.
Beck, Jack. "SOFA Request for Membership." CILECT Congress. Griffith Film School. Brisbane, AUS, QLD. 21 Nov. 2016. Address.
Beck, Jack. "The Emergence of On-Screen, Graphic Text(ing)." UFVA Conference: Media With Impact. American University. Washington, DC. 6 Aug. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Currently Teaching
SOFA-101
Production
3 Credits
A fundamental course in non-synchronous film production and an introduction to digital video editing. Filmmaking is presented as a means of interpretation and expression. This course combines technical information in motion picture exposure and editing with a theoretical and practical approach to motion picture continuity. Production is in non-sync format and post-production is digital software. Students furnish film, tape and processing. **Fee: There is a lab free required for this course. **
SOFA-213
Radical Cinema Workshop
4 Credits
Students will produce at least one major artistic work that uses the moving image. This course demands the use of alternative expressions in concept, style, or technology, and students are encouraged to take risks, break "rules" and explore their own unique creative potential. Students may work in a variety of media, depending on their proficiencies and their vision of the project. Students will complete projects for screening at the end of the semester. Students can retake this course as a SOFA elective once they have completed Fiction Workshop or Documentary Workshop.
SOFA-307
SOFA: Contemporary Issues
1 - 3 Credits
The fields of film and animation are in constant flux; responding to politics, global conflicts, economy, new technologies, and reflecting the story-telling from the cultures, communities, and histories of the makers. Through selected topics, this course will expand the scope and understanding of contemporary issues within film and animation. Course content will cover various forms of books, articles, essays, screening, and the makers’ role from the perspective of contemporary issues.
SOFA-406
Senior Capstone I
4 Credits
Students work independently with their advisor towards completion of their capstone experience for their BFA degree. Students have a predetermined timeline and must complete all deadlines to pass this course.
SOFA-407
Senior Capstone II
4 Credits
Students work independently with their advisor towards completion of their capstone experience for their BFA degree. Students have a predetermined timeline and must complete all deadlines of that timeline to pass this thesis course including completion and public screening of finished work or final presentation of craft experience.
SOFA-498
Film and Animation Internship
1 - 12 Credits
Film and Animation Internship is available to film and animation third year students with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Internships must be within the film and animation industry. Students must submit a completed approval form identifying the firm and listing their internship responsibilities. Internships are approved by the Undergraduate Program Director or School Director. Students are required to obtain a letter of review from their job site supervisor. To earn 1 credit, a total of 41.25 hours a semester is required (an average of 2.75 hours of work per week for 15 weeks).
SOFA-502
Production Processes
6 Credits
This course is an introduction to all aspects of professional film/video narrative production. Students produce short projects while learning basic shooting and crewing procedures, studio protocol, equipment handling and maintenance, and basic sync editing.
SOFA-511
Film Sound Theory: Music
3 Credits
This course is one of three in the study of film sound theory. Through readings, focused group discussion, and the viewing of/listening to select films, the course promotes critical analysis of the varied and profound uses of music in sound design. Addressed is the history of music from the silent era to the modern score. The concepts studied include the modal changes in point-of-audition, and positioning across diegeses. Newer topics including audio-visualization and ventriloquism theory are also addressed.
SOFA-512
Film Sound Theory: Effects
4 Credits
This course is one of three in the study of film sound theory. Through readings, focused group discussion, and the viewing of/listening to select films, the course promotes critical analysis of the varied and profound uses of effects in sound design. Addressed is the history of effects from the early sound era to the modern design. The concepts studied include the modal changes in point-of-audition, and positioning across diegeses. Other topics like complementarity and the acousmetre acousmatic are also addressed.
SOFA-513
Film Sound Theory:Voice
4 Credits
Through readings, focused group discussion, and the viewing/listening of select films, the course promotes critical analysis of the varied and profound uses of voice in sound design. The history of voice from the silent era to the modern sound design will be addressed. The concepts studied include the modal changes in point-of-audition, and positioning across diegeses. Other topics will also be addressed: vococentric mixing and separation, dialogue theory, etc. At the conclusion of the course each student will present on a chosen concept within film voice theory.
SOFA-599
SOFA Independent Study
1 - 6 Credits
SOFA Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, should propose a course of study or project with clearly defined deliverables. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. Student must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply.
SOFA-602
Production Processes
6 Credits
This course is an introduction to various aspects of professional film/video narrative production. Course content focuses on collaborative production techniques with various student levels to reinforce team building needed to produce a film. At the completion of this course, students create short projects while learning basic shooting and crewing procedures, studio protocol, equipment handling and maintenance, and basic sync editing. **A materials fee is required for this course**
SOFA-691
Film Sound Theory Music
3 Credits
This course is one of three in the study of film sound theory. Through readings, focused group discussion, and the viewing of/listening to select films, the course promotes critical analysis of the varied and profound uses of music in sound design. Addressed is the history of music from the silent era to the modern score. The concepts studied include the modal changes in point-of-audition, and positioning across diegeses. Newer topics including audio-visualization and ventriloquism theory are also addressed.
SOFA-692
Film Sound Theory: Effects
4 Credits
This course is one of three in the study of film sound theory. Through readings, focused group discussion, viewing of and listening to select films, the course promotes critical analysis of the varied and profound uses of effects in sound design. Addressed is the history of effects from the early sound era to the modern design. The concepts studied include the modal changes in point-of-audition, and positioning across diegeses. Other topics include complementarity and the acousmatic.
SOFA-693
Film Sound Theory: Voice
4 Credits
Through readings, focused group discussion, and the viewing/listening of select films, the course promotes critical analysis of the varied and profound uses of voice in sound design. The history of voice from the silent era to the modern sound design will be addressed. The concepts studied include the modal changes in point-of-audition, and positioning across diegeses. Other topics like vococentric mixing and separation; and dialogue theory, are also addressed. Each student gives a presentation on a chosen concept within film voice theory.
SOFA-790
Research and Thesis I
4 Credits
This is the first of two courses designed to advance a student towards completion of their thesis. Students will work independently on their approved plan of work for their thesis while meeting on a regular basis with their committee chair. They are required to meet at least twice with their full committee during the semester.
SOFA-799
Film and Animation Graduate Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
Film and Animation Graduate Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, should propose a course of study or project with clearly defined deliverables. Students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll. Student must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply.
SOFA-890
Research and Thesis II
4 Credits
This is the second of two courses designed to advance a student towards completion of their thesis. Students will work independently on their approved plan of work for their thesis while meeting on a regular basis with their committee chair. They are required to meet at least twice with their full committee during the semester as well as present a final screening of their thesis.
SOIS-498
Independent Study
1 - 6 Credits
Independent study.
In the News
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April 29, 2022
![three people making the American Sign Language sign for cheese.]()
Pioneering RIT and NTID collaboration garners the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films Grand Prize
Say Cheese, a pioneering, heartfelt film directed and produced by two RIT students, took home the top prize in the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program announced during the final night of CinemaCon in Las Vegas late Thursday. The project featured the combined creative efforts of students, faculty, and staff in RIT’s School of Film and Animation and NTID.
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March 15, 2022
![Gabriel Ponte-Fleary, Anna McClanahan and Shanti Thakur on set for Say Cheese.]()
RIT, NTID make history with Coca-Cola-sponsored film
Film and Animation students Anna McClanahan (BFA) and Gabriel Ponte-Fleary (MFA) are finalists in Coca-Cola's Refreshing Films program. They are producing what is thought to be the program's first finalist film dealing with deaf and hard-of-hearing themes.
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March 22, 2021
![student filmmakers setting up lighting around a parked car.]()
RIT filmmaking in time of COVID has brought unprecedented challenges, inspiring innovation
For RIT student filmmakers who are storytelling in the midst of a pandemic, grey has become the new black. While it’s impossible for any production to eliminate all risk in front of and behind the camera, they’ve had to constantly consider the additional time and safety procedures necessary to achieve the perfect shot.
Featured Work
Stari Grad Trailer
Jack Beck
A fable set in Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia. A boy, hiding from artillery fire, makes a wish for peace, with unexpected results. 117 festivals, 14 awards
Polar Bear Video (excerpts)
Jack Beck
Travel agencies currently promote trips to Churchill, Canada that encourage “ecotourists” to watch and photograph polar bears struggling to survive. One intention here is to create a context where a...
AUX1
Jack Beck
The electronic image, doubled, crossed, combined, and looped upon itself, exposes the circuitry matrix, and becomes its own surface texture, color, and motion; pulsing to its own overlapping signals....