Teaching in focus: Devan Scott
Learn more about the work of our educators at UBC
March 4, 2025
Name:
Devan Scott
Title:
Adjunct Professor
Faculty/Department/Unit:
Department of Theatre and Film
Location:
Vancouver
Year I started working at UBC:
2021
What first motivated you to become an educator?
My cynical answer is that it sure beats 16-hour crew calls, but it really is a great way to know my own craft and art even more, and if I can impart some wisdom while doing this self-serving task, all the better!
Tell us more about your work.
I largely teach in the realm of cinematography and imaging design, which is an area that far too often seen as simply a matter of teaching not just the tools as an abstract concept but of teaching-specific tools. "How do I use this camera." My goal is a focus on process – how can we develop processes through which to effectively design images?
What inspired your particular approach to teaching?
As someone with an interest in filmmaking both from the perspectives of both craft and formal criticism, I have long held the belief that there is a big gap in education and general public knowledge in the space where these two things cross over. Developing my own philosophy around this intersection has been a huge inspiration in my teaching ideals.
What have you learned while teaching that has surprised you the most?
How difficult it is to teach the same class twice: it's like doing a cover version of oneself. I cannot help but remix and rethink my material, if even in arbitrary ways, to sustain my own interest.
What impact do you hope to have on your students?
My goal is to aid students in developing design processes through which they can fully develop their own independent voice as visualists.
Are there any colleagues or mentors you’d like to acknowledge and why?
Abel Gance.
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