Media Laboratory | Research Laboratory for Film and Television

The Media Lab at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is closely linked to teaching and focuses primarily on artistic research in and with moving image media. Starting from the analog concept of film and its tension with the traditionally electronic medium of television, these two media—based on evolving technical possibilities—are increasingly converging. The interweaving of practical artistic work and its reflection on a theoretical level can function in an exemplary manner at a university.

In the artistic project work of the teaching staff—Bettina Henkel and Friedemann Derschmidt as artists, filmmakers, and researchers—there is a strong focus on documentary work as an artistic strategy, often interwoven with historical research, theoretical reflection, and artistic research. This is where we see our area of expertise.

Information on Accessibility to Avoid Misunderstandings and Ensure Smooth Processes in Teaching and Within the Institute:

Video Editing Rooms

The Media Lab provides four video editing rooms for students and staff. Access to the editing rooms requires the relevant teaching staff of the respective department (ZKF) to contact the Media Lab, providing the full name of the student.

Color Grading Room

Additionally, the Film and Television Research Lab (Media Lab) offers a color grading station for students and staff. Access to the color grading room requires completion of a relevant course with Alaa Alkurdi or Caroline Bobek, as well as the specification of a concrete project (e.g., diploma work). Access will then be arranged individually based on availability.

Regarding Equipment:

1. The equipment of the Film and Television Research Lab (Media Lab) is primarily intended for teaching in the media section of the IBK (Institute for Fine Arts). All instructors of relevant practical courses such as Video (Basics), Video (Methods), Video (Project), etc., have priority and general access to the Media Lab’s teaching resources—subject to availability and scheduling.
2. Furthermore, and also subject to availability and scheduling, and provided it is not already required for teaching purposes, instructors from the ZKFs may request equipment for a limited time and defined projects. Priority is given to diploma projects, as the Media Lab’s equipment is limited.
3. In special cases, for declared projects taking place as part of departmental teaching, if the general IBK equipment lending service has a need for equipment that it cannot fulfill, the staff of the general IBK equipment lending service may submit a request to the Media Lab. Communication regarding this takes place directly between Gilbert Marx or his student assistants and Friedemann Arbel Derschmidt, and not through the students themselves.