Miller Arts Scholars
Miller Arts Scholars
Aspen Miller

Aspen Miller

Semester of Mini-grant
Year of Mini-grant
2016
Disciplines(s)
Grant Description
Currently, I am furthering my study of film lighting as well as establishing a new student film production company, LabShorts. We, as a group, are in desperate need of a professional lighting workshop so we can increase the production value of our work, but more importantly, learn the role of light in the narrative process.
Original Proposal
Proposal Outcome
Title
Narrative Illumination
Year of Mini-grant
2015
Disciplines(s)
Grant Description
Aspen received an Artist Minigrant to support further study of the importance of sound in filmmaking and storytelling.
Original Proposal
Proposal Outcome
Title
Ambient Noir: Sound and Storytelling
Class Year
2017
Disciplines(s)
Arts Award Type
Proposal Outcome
Grant Description
I aim to explore and experiment with the effects that varying narrative media has on storytelling. My areas of inquiry are: Can media interact to change or enhance a narrative? Can different media influence how individuals receive and internalize a story differently? Or do they receive it based off of their individual life experiences? Do media factors influence the audience’s response to a narrative? To explore these issues, I will tell the story “Big Wave and Little Wave” in four different ways using audio design, visual design, movement through dance, and finally as a written piece. I will survey to evaluate the audience’s experience of each mediated version of this story, and make a film about the project built around the audience responses of medium effectiveness.
Original Proposal
Title
10,000 Leagues Under the Narrative Sea

Aspen Miller began his study of theatre at the age of six years old in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. Starting with weekly improv classes and semesterly school plays, he grew to love the stage. His work continued with the local community theater, Live Arts, where he learned what it means to create and collaborate. While attending Charlottesville High School, Aspen found his true passion for directing. For his directing debut, he collaborated on a One Act, Sci-Fi musical which he brought to Virginia Theatre Association's One Act Competition. "From Earth" won Best Student Written Show, Best Director, Best Tech, and multiple best performance awards. Since then he has focused on film, dabbling in comedy, noir, horror, drama, and "Mocumentary". He plans on continuing his work in film as a Drama Major at UVA and he is both honored and excited to be part of the Arts Scholar Program. Currently, he is writing a screen play dedicated to the healing process behind loss and suicide. Filming will begin in June. 

2017