Introduction to the ASPERA Journal Special Issue: creativity matters, part two (2023)

Abstract

. The conference explored matters regarding creativity across all areas of research and teaching in Australian higher education institutions today and into the future. It acknowledged the fact that the screen industry is changing rapidly. New generations of storytellers are entering the scene resulting in competition for career opportunities and funding. In this environment, universities play a pivotal role in educating students to work creatively and collaboratively in local and global scenarios. The articles here constitute part two of our special issue (following on from the previous issue of Studies in Australasian Cinema last year), include two case studies: one focusing on creative collab-orations and one on older women in Stateless (2020). Where the fi rst speaks to production and pedagogy, the second foregrounds poetics and policy. The themes of Production and Pedagogy are investigated by Sergi, Fitchett, and Fisher in University Film Schools at the Heart of Creative Collaborations with Industry: A Case Study . The paper outlines the successful collaboration between Bond University and external production companies to develop, shoot and post-produce the feature fi lm The Fear of Darkness (Chris Fitchett, 2015). The low-budget, high concept fi lm is a super-natural thriller about a young psychiatrist who investigates the disappearance of a university student. Their paper argues that the feature fi lm production model provides mutually bene fi cial opportunities for students, alumni and sta ff to gain on-the-ground industry experience, professional networks and screen credits. At the same time production companies bene fi t from access to equipment, a production o ffi ce and shooting locations at the University. The authors discuss the organisational challenges, learnings and opportunities this academic-industry collaboration presents. The themes