The Information VS Wisdom Highway For Filmmakers

?In 1994, Vice President Al Gore said:??“We have a dream for an information superhighway that can save lives, create jobs and give every American, young and old, the chance for the best education available to anyone, anywhere.” This was the birth of the information superhighway.

But has it?? Has the information highway brought us the best film education? Has the information superhighway brought us what we need as emerging independent filmmakers?

The concept of a "wisdom highway" as compared to the "information highway" offers a nuanced perspective particularly relevant to independent filmmakers and creative professionals. Here's a breakdown of how the "wisdom highway" could be considered superior:

Depth over Breadth

• Information Highway: Characterised by the unlimited access to information, data, and content. The internet provides a broad range of facts, tutorials, and resources. But, it often lacks depth, context, and the ability to critically analyse or synthesise this information into actionable insights.
• Wisdom Highway: Prioritises deep understanding, insights gained from experience, and contextual knowledge. For filmmakers, this means not just learning how to use a camera or write a script from a technical standpoint but understanding the emotional, psychological, and cultural implications of storytelling. Wisdom encompasses not just knowing what to do, but why it's done that way. Raindance prides itself in allowing for more nuanced and impactful filmmaking.

Quality over Quantity

• Information Highway: Can lead to information overload. Do a simple search for 'what lenses to use for a camera' a you will be confronted by hundreds of blog posts and products. Filmmakers might find themselves swamped with tutorials, opinions, and tools, making it difficult to discern what is truly valuable or relevant to their craft.
• Wisdom Highway: Focuses on the quality and applicability of knowledge. It helps filmmakers to sift through the noise and concentrate on insights that genuinely improve their craft, encouraging a more mindful approach to learning and creation. At Raindance, we know that you need to learn technique. But we advocate the information you need to be a filmmaker.

Long-term Growth

• Information Highway: Often emphasizes immediate, tangible outcomes. While useful, this approach can neglect the importance of long-term development and mastery of the craft. Being inundated with information is time-consuming and frustrating.
• Wisdom Highway: Supports sustained growth and the development of a unique voice and vision. Wisdom incorporates learning from failures and successes alike, fostering resilience and a deeper, more authentic approach to filmmaking. Raindance has a mentorship programme where we match you with a working industry professional who can share their wisdom with you.

Collaborative Learning

• Information Highway: While collaborative opportunities exist, the sheer volume of information can sometimes isolate learners, as they navigate through endless sources alone. Again, because of the plentitude of information, it is challenging to find the programme that fits a filmmaker's specific needs.
• Wisdom Highway: Encourages mentorship, peer learning, and community engagement. Wisdom is often shared through personal interactions, discussions, and collaborative projects, which are invaluable for a filmmaker's development. At Raindance we have developed the monthly Open Shorts programme where you watch new films with the filmmakers themselves. We also hold monthly networking sessions in a nightclub in the centre of London.

Ethical and Responsible Filmmaking

• Information Highway: The focus is more on immediate results. You can learn what can be done, technologically and creatively right now. But sometimes at the expense of considering what should be done.
• Wisdom Highway: Promotes ethical considerations, social responsibility, and the impact of one's work on society. It guides filmmakers to not only pursue innovation and creativity but to do so with integrity. Raindance has a strong moral voice that recognises a sense of responsibility towards their audience and the subjects of their work. Some of the finest independent films from around the world are shown at the annual Raindance Film Festival.

In essence, the "wisdom highway" offers a framework for filmmakers.

It's not just about accumulating information or mastering technical skills, but about developing a deep, thoughtful, and responsible approach to their art and industry. It's about shaping filmmakers who are not only skilled technicians but insightful storytellers, ethical creators, and innovative thinkers.

These are the values we promote in our degree courses at Raindance Film School. Explore the Raindance programme here.? It's important to us that you find the pathway that meets your career ambitions. If you seek guidance on how education can amplify your career ambitions, please email [email protected]

At Raindance We don't teach filmmaking

At Raindance We make filmmakers!

Did you know?

• Raindance Film Festival is considered one of the?top fifteen film festivals in the world
• The Higher Education programme at Raindance Film School offers?HND,?BA and MA in Filmmaking and Screenwriting
• Raindance members support indie film, and enjoy a?range of member benefits
• You can call us on +44 (0) 930 3412 (London, UK)