Reflecting the theories and practices of effective teachers who use a cross-disciplinary approach to enhance writing instruction, this collection of essays is designed to make writing teachers aware of the various possibilities for using film in their classrooms. The ten essays focus on the following topics: (1) combining essay reading and writing with film study in basic composition courses; (2) using films for brainstorming sessions, free-writing exercises, and journal-based assignments; (3) developing a series of three documentary films on the subject of the writing process; (4) giving shape to prose through the use of nonfiction films; (5) using documentary films in the writing classroom; (6) using films in conjunction with literature and composition assignments to develop skills of analysis, interpretation, and argumentation; (7) enhancing students' writing skills through the use of televised drama; (8) using commercial motion pictures for both inclass and home writing assignments; (9) illuminating aspects of written language through the use of "film language"; and (10) teaching writing using an approach based on the analogy of film as composition. Three bibliographies include references for further reading, films listed thematically, and films available through the City University of New York Consortium. (HOD)