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How do we teach Filmmaking – given the rapid changes in digital technology

“Gutenberg's concept of movable type transcended the medium used for the printing itself. Digital, perhaps, may prove to be paper to celluloid’s parchment.” [Murch, 1999]

With the recent cessation of production of 35mm cinema cameras [Kaufman, 2011] and the advent of affordable digital ones capable of creating images of acceptable cinematic quality - we are seeing the beginnings of sea-change which may, like the printing press did with the written word, potentially lead to the democratization of filmmaking. With the tools of film now changing so rapidly to ones that are digital and affordable; the art, technique and language of film are clearly changing. As a result I question whether these changes should finally begin to affect our teaching the art and technology of “film”making in film schools that still strive to teach in a professional industry model.

This standpoint is anathema in most film schools in the world today. Especially in the west, the backbones of educational and professional qualifications in the area strictly insist on an older model of what it means to have professional skills in an “industry”. Many in education argue that the industry model is the only responsible venue in which to educate our students. This is while the industry itself speaks of its own demise due to the financial pressures of its industry model.

When I examined the history of art against the current temperature of the industry even with these digital changes in place, it is clear that both methods must be accommodated. Unfortunately, even incorporating the newer approach is a relatively unheard of practice in current film education. However it is one that must be explored and supported as it the only viable path for many graduating students. Ironically, it is also the path that many of their instructors are taking too