From the classroom to the director's chair:
what degree did these famous filmmakers do?

We’ve delved into the educational backgrounds of some of iconic filmmakers to uncover the diverse and often surprising academic paths they took before breaking into the film industry. 

While not every notable director, writer, or producer went to university, those who did reflect just how varied and interdisciplinary the film industry is. 

Martin Scorsese 

Director of some of the most iconic films of the last 50 years including Taxi Driver, Casino and The Departed, Martin Scorsese studied film communications at New York University's School of Film. The university now has a department named after him: the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies. 

Greta Gerwig 

Before directing Lady Bird, Barbie and Little Women, Greta Gerwig initially planned to study musical theatre, but instead opted to study English and Philosophy. 

Ava DuVernay 

Director of A Wrinkle in Time and Selma, Ava DuVernay completed a double major degree in English Literature and African-American Studies. 

Spike Lee 

Spike Lee graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and later gained Master's degree in Film and Television, before going on to direct dozens of critically acclaimed films such as Malcom X, Iside Man and BlacKkKlansman. 

Kathryn Bigelow  

Kathryn Bigelow's work on The Hurt Locker saw the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director. She initially studied painting, but after gaining an interest in filmmaking joined Columbia University's graduate film school. She also went on to teach film at university level. 

Danny Boyle 

Danny Boyle is an icon of British cinema, directing film such as Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, as well as the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. He studied an English and Drama degree before launching his career in film. 

Bong Joon Ho  

Bong Joon Ho, director of Academy Award-winning film Parasite, majored in Sociology before going on to study filmmaking at the Korean Academy of Film Arts. 

Did any famous filmmakers study at UCA? 

Several notable names in the film community started their film journey at the University for the Creative Arts: 

• Gareth Edwards: director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and The Creator, Gareth graduated with a degree in film and video. 
• Kate Heron: director and writer for the upcoming adaptation of beloved video game The Sims, as well as directing credits for Sex Education, Loki and The Last of Us, Kate completed a Film Production degree at UCA. 
• William McGregor: studied film at UCA, with his student project Who's Afraid of the Water Sprite? winning a Royal Television Society Award for Best Drama. He then went on to direct hit TV shows including Misfits, Poldark and His Dark Materials. 
• Chris Butler: writer and director of ParaNorman and Golden Globe-winner Missing Link, as well as writer for Kubo and the Two Strings, Chris studied an Animation degree at UCA Farnham. 
• Craig Luck: writer and executive producer of Apple TV film FINCH starring Tom Hanks, Craig is another graduate of Film Production at UCA. 

More advice for film applicants 

• What careers can you do with a film degree?
• How to write a great UCAS personal statement for a Film degree
• How to create a perfect university portfolio for Film students

Photo credits:
Martin Scorsese (Harald Krichel), Ava DuVernay (Stephanie Moreno), Danny Boyle (Maximilian Bühn).