The impact of filmmaking research

Filmmaking research is developing within the academy and the Filmmaking Research Network (FRN) was set up to provide insight into the conditions and dimensions of filmmaking as research. The assessment of impact is of great interest to the FRN as film is a populist medium and it can be effectively used to disseminate research. For example, ‘Act of Killing’ [Oppenheimer, J. (Dir) 2013. ‘Act of Killing’, Final Cut for Real, UK, Denmark, Norway], which was nominated for an Oscar began its life as an AHRC-funded project. By examining filmmaking practice research success stories presented in 20% of the REF2014 case studies, this paper proposes four pathways to impact using ‘film’, ‘video’ and ‘filmmaking’. These terms were being used to describe a variety of research activities like outputs and new knowledge which warrants deeper attention as impact has become essential criteria for research assessment. Filmmaking research impact disseminates new knowledge and understandings about life and society and is evidenced through the medium, the technology and as a cultural and creative product that affects change firstly in audiences and secondly through organizations and government policies. The findings of this analysis identify ways to improve filmmaking research impact narratives for REF2021. The assessment of impact is of great interest to filmmaking researchers as film is a populist medium and it can be effectively use to disseminate research, for example ‘Act of Killing’ (Oppenheimer, 2013) which was nominated for an Oscar began its life as an AHRC funded project. There are a number of other filmmaking practice research success stories, and this research examines them by drilling into the REF 2014 database. The results identify ways to improve filmmaking research impact narratives for REF2021.