Personal Statement 4th Draft
- 1. Personal Statement I consistently immerse myself in film and TV, and ever since I was young I have always been entranced in the industry and have always appreciated the cinematic choices made by the directors of these products. Some of these include Stranger Things, Heartbreak High, Friends, The Sandman and the entire Spider Man Franchise. Studying Creative Media at college has further deepened my interest in the mechanics of the industry and the wealth of opportunities there are in the sector. I have gained videography, photography and editing skills in college, alongside developing the wider skills necessary such as teamwork and time management. Over the last two years I have acquired skills in all stages of planning, production and post- production. I devised a short advert centred around mental health and a short documentary focusing on the impact of technology on different generations. For these projects I used a Canon EOS DSLR camera, including a standard tripod for still shots. I also used a Takstar microphone for any interview shots or shots where I needed clear audio. To edit these projects I used Adobe Premiere Pro. I am also in the process of creating a documentary focused on talent in the North East. Alongside this project, I am currently progressing through the personal progression unit of the course, which includes brand identity and networking. As well as these projects, in my first year of college, I participated in a journalism competition, in which I wrote five blog posts about something I was interested about. I also entered a World Skills competition, where me and three classmates filmed an elevator pitch to send in to the judges. Sadly, we did not get through to the next round, but it did help increase my confidence. Throughout producing these projects I have gained a fundamental understanding of a wide range of aspects of producing media content and I am keen to advance these skills in higher education and begin to specialise in directing. I have frequently undertaken a range of work experience activities including voluntary work and attending industry-led networking events to prepare myself to meet the expectations and challenges within the industry. The most notable activity was completing my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award by volunteering in Barnardo’s charity store, which helped develop my confidence in working with others and built my resilience. This experience has helped strengthen my teamwork and communication abilities which are pivotal to be successful in the media industry. At college I have taken part in many external visits, including a seminar led by Lord David Puttnam, which broadened my knowledge of the industry and understand potential future developments in how audiences experience media both collectively and individually as well as latest technological developments impacting media production. This year I am also embarking on a long-term industry placement which will help further my cinematography and editing skills and enable me to work on live briefs and experience working in the creative sector. Most recently, I am a participant in the BFI Film Academy at Tyneside Cinema. In this academy I am learning more about the industry, whilst developing media related skills during production of a short movie. This is also aiding in acquiring media related skills alongside other skills. I have taken part in a wealth of extracurricular activities to widen my participation not only in the media industry but also in my community. At school I led charity bake sales to raise money for causes such as Children in Need and the Australian bush fires. I also worked at South Shields FC as a season ticket liaison officer, which also helped me improve my communication and my confidence.
- 2. My breadth of experience and digital media skills demonstrate that I am highly committed to expanding my knowledge of the media and film industry and will be successful on your course, rising to every opportunity that higher education will offer me.