The 2010 David Lean Lecture: Delivered by Peter Weir

On 6 December 2010 award winning director Peter Weir delivered the annual David Lean Lecture at BAFTA’s London headquarters.

With a prolific body of work spanning over 40 years, Weir is recognised internationally as a master director.

After the lecture Weir offered further insight into his craft and debated current issues within the industry with film critic Mark Kermode.

Watch the Full Lecture and Interview

Select from the full lecture and Peter Weir's discussion with Mark Kermode from the video player below.

In this 2010 annual David Lean Lecture, director of distinction and finesse, Peter Weir, discusses the film industry today. He offers insight into his own style along with advice to first time directors. On this page you will find resources to compliment the lecture videos including the event brochure, photography and a filmography of Weir's work introduced by the director.

An extraordinary feeling of the proximity of chaos hovers around a film set…you need to develop your own approach to combat that, or your ideas can begin to disintegrate.

Peter Weir on film production

Download the Lecture on Audio Podcast

The full lecture is available to download from iTunes via BAFTA's podcast channel.

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Peter Weir’s BAFTA History

His first BAFTA nomination came in 1985 for his hit thriller Witness which showcased Weir’s deft handling of main stream productions. International recognition followed for Dead Poet’s Society which earned Weir his first BAFTA win for Best Film. His second BAFTA was awarded for his direction of the Truman Show. International action film; Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World earned Weir his second BAFTA win for Direction, his third to date.

View Peter Weir's full filmography with film clips exclusively introduced by Weir himself.

The David Lean Lecture

The lecture series also serves to carry on the legacy of the great director David Lean, one of the founders of the British Film Academy (as it was then known) in 1947 and continuing inspiration to many through his exceptional body of work. The David Lean Lecture in 2010 was presented by director, writer and producer Atom Egoyan.