Many ways of directing a film: teaching the ‘modes of creative practice’

Lees, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3787-3740 (2019) Many ways of directing a film: teaching the ‘modes of creative practice’. In: Mourao, M. D., Semerdjiev, S., Mello, C. and Taylor, A. (eds.) The 21st Century Film, TV and Media School Book – Volume 2: Directing the future. CILECT - the International Association of Film and Television Schools, Sofia, pp. 28-39. ISBN 9786197358087

Abstract/Summary

This chapter examines the creative practice of fiction film directors and seeks to identify patterns of difference that can be sorted into coherent schemes of practice. I then apply these findings in order to propose pedagogic innovations in film education. My research finds that the systems of creative practice initiated by film directors are highly varied, but those variations can be grouped together into different ‘Modes’, with each having distinct features. I outline here the ideas around three such Modes of Creative Practice. In doing so, my intention is to begin a process of evolving a Theory of Film Practice that relates to the making of screen fiction. The chapter discusses how this theory may impact on the educational approach of Film Schools across the world.