Rethinking Filmmaking: Unpacking the Collaborative Process and Challenging the 'Cult of the Director'

Filmmaking is inherently complex, characterized by numerous potential disruptions, with the act of creation and understanding deeply intertwined in its processes. As a filmmaker, you continually shape the story from script to sound and visuals, finding cohesion through collaboration. This process actively generates knowledge, as every creative department—from lighting to costume—plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life. However, filmmaking is often perceived as a form of alchemy—a blend of innate talent, craft skills, and serendipity. This research calls for a rethinking of our approach to both the practice and pedagogy of filmmaking. While this mystique can create excitement and intrigue, it ultimately proves unhelpful, as it perpetuates the 'cult of the director,' overshadowing the collaborative efforts of those who work diligently to bring a film to completion. Recognizing that filmmaking encompasses complex creative and technical decisions, underscores the need for deeper exploration to better understand the dynamics of creative decision-making between above the line and below the line workers. By critically examining the complexities of collaboration, we gain a deeper appreciation of the stressful, resource-intensive nature of production.

Drawing from my experience as an independent filmmaker, this research critically examines the micro-level creative processes in film production to inform broader production practices. Using a practice-led approach, I explore the collaborative process of creating a fictional short film with cast and crew, while also challenging the conventional view that fiction film lacks academic research value. This research also aims to address who is afforded the opportunity to take on leading creative roles, particularly Heads of Department, and how these creative leads work with their teams to realize the goals of a production.