Exploring the Intellectual Dimensions of Fiction Filmmaking: Why Fiction Filmmaking Matters

This seminar will explore the intellectual, collaborative, and creative dimensions of fiction filmmaking, positioning it as both a practice and an academic pursuit. Filmmaker, researcher, and educator Lee-Jane will explore fiction filmmaking as practice-led research, using her film About the Night as a case study. Drawing on Barbara Bolt’s (2004) work on creative arts practice, she will discuss how a focus on the final artefact, rather than the practice, creates a gap in understanding film as a dynamic process. Filmmaking is often viewed as a kind of alchemy—a fusion of innate talent, craft skill, and serendipitous moments. However, this mystique is unhelpful it contributes to the 'cult of the director,' keeps creative ‘workers’ in their place, and overshadows the collaborative efforts of those diligently working to complete a film.

Also, in this seminar Lee-Jane will consider how film has the potential for infinite creative possibilities and yet seems ever more to favour formulaic storytelling. Constraints should never be a barrier to creative work, with limitations creativity can thrive, as Rod Stoneman (2012) argues, benefiting from uncertainty, chance, and risk. Stoneman argues that filmmakers need the freedom to engage in what he terms "dangerous creation," embracing uncertainty and risk-taking—a process that, while often at odds with the priorities of funders is crucial for fostering imaginative and radical filmmaking. There has always been a risk averse culture in filmmaking with so much financial outlay required, so does this mean diverse and innovative filmmaking has no place, which in turn raises important considerations for educators, particularly if we are interested in teaching the changemakers of tomorrow.

• Publisher