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- Film Production Personal Statement Examples
Learn how to write a good film personal statement from our examples. Our personal statement examples are free to use for inspiration and as a template for writing.
Below are two film production personal statement examples you can check.
Film Production Personal Statement Example
I have been captivated by the magic of film. Watching movies transported me to different worlds and sparked my imagination. This lifelong passion for film has fueled my ambition to become a film producer. Studying Film Production at university will equip me with the practical skills and knowledge to achieve this goal.
To prepare for university, I completed a BTEC in Media Production where I gained top marks in most courses, demonstrating my determination and ability to overcome obstacles to reach my objectives. I particularly excelled at the practical elements of production, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen these skills at university. While I had previously pursued traditional academic A-Levels in Theatre, English Literature and Law, I found that my true talents and interests lie in the practical and creative realms of film production.
Beyond the classroom, I have actively sought opportunities to gain valuable experience in the film industry. I spent a term teaching primary school children how to make stop-motion animations, utilizing techniques I had taught myself to help the students create their own short films. However, my most impactful experience was working as a runner for an actual production company, where I assisted in assembling and disassembling 3D cameras. This gave me an invaluable, hands-on understanding of camera equipment and functions. My weekend job as a sales assistant in the Sound and Vision department of Sainsbury’s has also provided insight into film marketing and distribution. Advising customers on what films to choose has honed my skills in effectively promoting creative works, which will be useful for networking within the industry.
In my spare time, I have taught myself various technical aspects of filmmaking by creating stop-motion animations and short films. My self-taught abilities were recognised when I was chosen to edit a company’s promotional video, providing my first paid work and lesson in balancing artistic vision with client demands. I also served as team leader for a student production where I edited a music video and managed a 16-person crew as floor manager, overseeing all cameras and equipment. My editing work received public acclaim when our student production was nominated for a prestigious award. As Technical Director and Chief Editor, I ensured my team executed all technical elements, gaining valuable experience directing others and strengthening my time management abilities.
Outside of film, I enjoy organising charity events for a local hospital’s special care baby unit. I am an avid swimmer and hope to join the university’s swim team. I aim to collaborate with other film students at the university on various projects. I am determined to seize every opportunity to progress towards my goal of becoming a film producer. The film is my passion, and I aspire to instil in others the sense of wonder it has given me.
Recommended for reading:
- How to Write a Personal Statement for a Master’s
- How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
- UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
Film and TV production personal statement
Fascinated by the film in all its complexity, from the collaborative creative process of production to its cultural impact and ability to influence society. Through previous study, I have built a strong foundation in both film theory and practice. I now aim to gain specialized knowledge that will allow me to play an integral role in the growing film industry.
From an early age, I have been imaginative and creative, enjoying various art forms and media. An avid dramatist and writer as a child, I often made short films and put on plays with friends and family, in addition to participating in school productions. Film uniquely combines my interests in storytelling, visual arts, and performance, explaining my lifelong dedication to the medium.
Eager to turn this passion into a career, I pursued an undergraduate degree in Media and Creative Industries to gain comprehensive exposure to media theory and practice. While focusing heavily on filmmaking modules and completing many projects, the broad, cross-media nature of the course has shaped me into a well-rounded creative talent. Nevertheless, the film remains the medium that inspires me the most. I took a directing course at the Met Film School in London to gain further practical experience exploring different aspects of filmmaking.
My filmmaking experiences during these courses have also led to amateur projects with friends and fellow students in various production roles, including Co-Producer and Assistant Director, using different cameras and editing software. My natural abilities in organization, working well under pressure, and communicating with my team indicate I am well-suited to such positions, which I hope to explore as potential career paths.
Fascinated by film’s power to convey complex ideas, I have also worked to thoroughly understand communication in general. Placements at DDB Advertising and in fashion marketing/design (including website design) have allowed me to demonstrate my creative approach to communication across media. I believe this has made me a stronger filmmaker by providing insight into how the film relates to and differs from other media.
I am convinced a strong film industry could address important social issues. Studying and working across film and other media has established a foundation for a meaningful creative career in this powerful medium. Gaining the skills and experience to fulfil this potential through postgraduate study at a prestigious university is the next step in achieving my goal of contributing to the growth of this exciting industry.
The film has captivated me from an early age with its ability to transport audiences to different times and places. I aspire to instil in others the sense of wonder film has given me by pursuing a career as a producer, and ultimately starting my own production company. With a diverse background spanning film, media, marketing, and beyond, I believe I would bring a unique multidisciplinary perspective to this role. Graduate study is crucial to acquiring the specialized knowledge and experience necessary to become an innovative leader in the next generation of filmmakers.
FAQ for Film Production Personal Statements
– Your lifelong interest in film and dedication to the medium – Relevant experience, e.g. making short films, internships, and media-related jobs – Transferable skills, e.g. communication, time management, creative thinking – Career ambitions, e.g. producer, director, starting your own production company – Reasons for applying to university and how their programme suits your needs
You can start with an anecdote showcasing your passion for film from an early age. For example: “From a young age, I have been captivated by the magic of film. Watching movies transported me to different worlds and sparked my imagination. This lifelong passion for film has fueled my ambition to become a film producer.” Or start with a more dramatic statement indicating your dedication and work ethic: “I live and breathe film. While my peers were participating in school sports or clubs, I could be found making short films or constructing plays to communicate stories in a visual medium. The film is my craft, my calling, and my ultimate aspiration.”
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- Applying to Film School
How to get into Film School - PART 1: The Personal Statement
- Author Chris W
- Publish date Aug 15, 2019
- Updated Aug 15, 2019
- Article read time 2 min read
- Tags afi film school columbia film school application film school application advice nyu films school personal statement usc film school
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How to get Into USC SCA: Advice from an Admissions Committee Member
- Mar 5, 2020
- 5.00 star(s) 6 ratings
- Comments: 6
- Category: Admissions Interviews
scribble.jones said: 1. Figure out what your application is doing in front of them. Come up with two or three d@mn good reasons why you belong at USC and make them the soul of your statement. 2. Just do it, then do it again (repeat as necessary). Be aware that it's not easy and it's not meant to be. Force yourself to get something down, go over what works, then do it again until you're happy with it. 3. Imagine yourself as a character, then tell them your story. You want them to get to know you, and hopefully to like you, so pitch yourself accordingly. If you were a protagonist, what personal qualities would you highlight? How did those things contribute to you arriving on their doorstep? 4. At the end of the day, they are looking for alumni. Your success is their success, so do everything you can to present yourself as a good bet. Have you visited? Why do you think you're a perfect fit? Be confident (though not arrogant!) and demonstrate your vision and your enthusiasm. 5. Humor is an option. My statement began with a hilarious anecdote from my days as a medical office assistant. It probably told them more about me than any bumbling attempt to summarize myself, and it set up a flow for the rest of the piece. More to the point, humor amid a sea of seriousness will make your statement readable and memorable. 6. You'll know it when you've got it. 'Nuff said. Click to expand...
Jayimess said: don't tell them how awesome USC is...they already know that. Instead, show them your own voice. Click to expand...
osmosisjonesiz said: I took a very narrative approach to my writing style on my narrative, mainly due to the fact that I didn't want to focus my statement on my love of film but instead wanted to tell my story, in a fashion that still kept my love for story telling. All in all, I would say, focus on what makes you you, and by the end of your statement find a way to tie that back into filmmaking, instead of focusing on filmmaking for the entirety of it. The last thing you want is to sound like every other person who loves films. Be different, be unique, and most importantly, just be you. Click to expand...
Xylo said: I would focus on what makes you unique, avoid the stereotypical comments about Steven Spielberg or George Lucas (unless they REALLY made an impact on you that is super significant), and make it sound like a story. Being a filmmaker is about telling a great story, after all. Click to expand...
Edouard N said: Regarding format: USC is deliberately vague here because it wants to give you the freedom to be as creative as you wish to be. As long as you stay within the guidelines in the application (e.g. number of words, page limit, etc), anything goes. I've even heard of people who submitted a personal statement in the format of a storyboard/comic strip. Of course, it's also totally fine to submit more traditional formats, like a classic essay structure. There's no right or wrong answer here in my opinion. Click to expand...
Dorothy said: I would say that trying to establish a strong voice through structure is best. Focus on answering the questions asked within the prompt and structure will emerge as you go through the characters, events, and weave the story with a beginning, middle, end. Build up your story and your world with conflict then have it lead to pay offs at the end. Don't be afraid to think of the structure of your favorite shows or films and have that inspire the structure as well. Tell your authentic story. Click to expand...
BuddernScotch said: How can you be as undeniable as your drive, how can you get that across to people that have read 100000s of applications all spouting the same thing? It's a cliche and that's why it often goes over our head, this "be you and be unique" type of thing, but really think about it. Who are you? Why do you want this so much? What do you have to offer that no one else does? And how do all these things tie together? Look into yourself and you will find these answers, my friend. For the first two years, my SOP was something like: Garbage boring human who loves movies and can probably write goodish seeks entry into top film school please let me in. That didn't work. The final year, more along the lines of: Immigrant gamer girl with sad lonely outsider past seeks sense of belonging through books movies and the online world. I realized that filmschool wasn't my actual goal. My actual goal was to tell stories in order to understand myself and others. Filmschool would help me get there. And there are MANY wonderful schools at that, so please please do your research and apply to several choices and understand that even if you don't get into any of them there are so many paths to success it's overwhelming (and why I defaulted to filmschool). I tortured myself by being dead set on one program and wasted so much energy and time... I won't go into it. There's not a program in the world that guarantees you success, so look around at the options! In summ: Are you trying to tell stories so you get into film school, or are you trying to get into film school to tell stories? Click to expand...
katavi08 said: Sorry! I didn't mean to make you nervous! Let me clarify: the reason the personal statement is so important (again just speaking from my experience!) is because it is looked at by both the admissions counselors and the faculty. When the admissions counselors look at it they are looking for things like sloppy writing, or any red flags. For example, we had an essay come in last semester that had some racist undertones to it. This person wasn't applying for an MFA, but the admissions team look for things like that in all essays that come through. Faculty are busy, and looking over applications takes time. The job of the admissions counselors is to make things as easy as possible by cutting out any people who obviously won't make the cut. If you don't have at least a 3.0 GPA or equivalent you're out. If you're essay is sloppy, or causes concern you're out. Now sloppy essay does not mean you have two or three typos and that's it. It happens, and one typo is not going to hurt you. There is a clear difference between the writing of people who took the time on their essay and those that did not. At this level of education, there is an expectation that your writing will be at a certain level, and that you will take the responsibility to put effort into it. The faculty use them as a way to get to know you as a person. So, it's better to have an essay that is true to who you are than something that sounds cliche and boring. Click to expand...
katavi08 said: Personal statements are also important when it comes to things like institutional aid. Example: at my college, once students have been accepted, the director of graduate admissions will work with the counselors to make a list of students they recommend for scholarships, fellowship, etc. This list goes to financial aid, and things go from there. A lot of things go into determining a student's financial aid package, and this includes admissions materials. I’m not sure how this works with larger universities, but at my college we have a scholarship budget that is given to us every year by the institution. From this budget, the director decides who gets a scholarship, and how much. This amount is coming directly out of the graduate school budget, and once it's gone, it's gone. Where does the personal statement come in? Well, like I said the director works closely with the counselors to determine who should get scholarships. Admissions is not looking at your FASFA, or any other financial documents. So, they make their recommendations based on what they know about each student from their essay, and other application materials. The sad truth is admissions counselor can and will pick favorites amongst a group of applicants. I've heard counselors in my office rave about certain students after reading their essays. Much like the faculty, they like essay that show them who you are as a person. A good essay will help you get through the rounds, but a great, truly personal essay can give you an edge throughout the whole process. Click to expand...
LonelyBear said: Generally for the statement of purpose the review committee is looking to get a sense of who you are as a person and what led you the the discipline that you are interested in. It's a way for them to gauge you as a individual. People definitely can get dramatic but that's not always a good thing in my opinion since melodrama is often worse than no drama. Personally I think it's always best to be honest and forward about things. Explain to them what matters to you and why. The events in your life that really shaped you the way you are and led you to be interested in producing. If you show real character and willingness to commit I think that will be good enough. Click to expand...
moni4liberty said: The only rule I tried to follow during the application process was "don't show them anything they've seen before." So, for my personal statements, I completely avoided all talk about why I like filmmaking and what's special about it. I didn't even mention film until the last quarter of my statement. I focused on things that were totally unique to me, that no one else would say. Same for the writing samples. Just don't be cliche. Be as uniquely you as possible! Click to expand...
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Owner of FilmSchool.org and working as a Film & TV editor and producer in Los Angeles since 2001. Boston University College of Communication Class of 1999 for film (BS).
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How to Write an Incredible Film Production Personal Statement
By Film Threat Staff | February 18, 2021
The film industry keeps growing and there are many careers in the industry. Every film school and course has its own unique application requirements. Your personal application statement plays an important part as it reveals your personal and professional goals.
You have an opportunity to express yourself and help the admission team understand why you want to pursue a career in film. It must be unique enough to capture attention, unlike a generic resume where you list your achievements.
Where to start
The most important place to start is by doing research to see what a school has to offer you. Think about which modules align with your interests.
Once you’ve found a course that interests you, think about any experience you have that’s relevant. What personal experiences have encouraged you to explore this subject? Was it seeing particular movie? Did you see a documentary that inspired you? Have you won any prizes or achieved any recognition for your interests?
The basic structure
A structure will keep you from rambling and make sure you put the right elements in the right place. Begin by introducing yourself and what course you’re applying for. Start off with a strong statement that makes the reader want to read further.
In the middle section, you can go into detail about your passion, education and experience. Have you volunteered on projects or had previous on-set experience? What did you learn from these experiences? Talk about what you plan to do after graduation and the career path you hope to follow.
Your final paragraph should sum up the statements you make in your middle section. On reading your statement, the reader should know more about you and feel that you are a good candidate for the course for which you’re applying.
Personal statement writing assistance
When students say, “write my personal statement for me, “they usually have ideas in mind and have written the first draft. A specialist writer is able to listen to what you want to say or take your first draft and perfect it. You need to know about writix.com, which offers a personal statement writing service for students wanting an education in film. The writers at Writix know how to showcase your skills and personality when offering writing help. They can make your personal statement stand out from other students applying to the same college or university and convince the admissions team that you belong there.
Write your first draft
Once you have decided on your basic structure, you need to get down your thoughts on paper. Don’t worry about word count or perfection at this stage. You can take the questions you thought about before beginning and address them.
Start with your introduction and then include all your relevant experience, future career goals etc. Only then will you start the process of editing. There will be a big difference between your first draft and your final draft.
Tell a story about yourself
It may sound like a cliché but you need to be authentic. You shouldn’t try to write what you think admission committees are looking for because it will come across as fake.
Avoid any stereotypical comments and make your personal statement sound like your own story – after all, being a great filmmaker is about telling a story. As long as you stay within the guidelines of the application with regard to the number of words or page limit, you are usually free to be as creative as you like.
Write clearly and consistently
There is often a clear distinction between the writing of someone who took the time on a personal statement and someone who didn’t.
At this level of education, there is an expectation that the writing will be at a certain level, and students must take the responsibility to put effort into it. Try to use a concise, natural style and simple language rather than trying to impress by throwing in complex terms.
Check for errors
It is certainly worth proofreading your personal statement and making sure it’s free of grammar or spelling mistakes. You could use a third party to read through it to pick up any errors you may have missed.
Remember, admissions committees are not looking for experts who already know it all. They are looking for committed, confident, enthusiastic students with a desire to learn who will add value to a school. Be sure to your personal statement focuses on the main reasons why you are a suitable applicant and your expectations of what you hope to achieve through taking the course. Honesty and truthfulness in describing yourself and your passion is the key.
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Effective Guide: Film and Media Studies Personal Statement
Table of Contents
A successful application to a Film and Media Studies program requires a well-crafted personal statement that reflects your passion for the subject. You need to showcase your unique perspectives and experiences to stand out from the competition.
You must also demonstrate the specific knowledge and skills you can bring to the program. With an eye towards creativity and practicality, this article will provide guidance to craft an excellent film and media studies personal statement .
What Is a Film and Media Studies Personal Statement?
A Film and Media Studies personal statement is an essential document for anyone hoping to pursue a degree in film or media. This document helps admission officers gain insight into the applicant’s motivations, aspirations, skills, and experiences pertinent to their studies.
A well-crafted personal statement will give candidates a competitive edge in pursuing higher education. The statement should be written with clarity, specificity, and emotion while also demonstrating knowledge of the field. By weaving together factual examples and creative language, applicants can showcase their unique talents as well as their commitment to this exciting industry.
Tips to Write a Good Film and Media Personal Statement
Emphasize your passion.
When writing a personal statement for film and media studies, it’s vital to demonstrate your passion for the field in an engaging way. Provide detailed examples of experiences that have nurtured your interest in the industry. It could be attending movie screenings or participating in relevant activities. Demonstrating a deep-seated enthusiasm and commitment to pursuing film and media studies will help showcase your drive and determination to admissions officers.
Highlight Relevant Experiences
Utilize your personal statement to emphasize any previous experiences you may have had related to filmmaking, media production, scriptwriting, or video editing. Even if these experiences are outside the classroom, they can still provide valuable insight into your skill set and capabilities within this field. Include any projects you’ve completed, awards or accolades you’ve earned, and internships or jobs you’ve held. And explain how each of these has strengthened your understanding of film and media studies.
Discuss Your Professional Goals
While discussing past experiences is important, make sure to also focus on your future ambitions for the field. Explain what professional aspirations you hope to achieve after graduating from the program. It could be working as a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, or writer. It provides admission officers with a clear vision of your career goal and why the specific program is ideal for you to get there.
Make It Personal
To craft a compelling personal statement for film and media studies, inject some personality! Include anecdotes or stories about yourself which offer insight into who you are as an individual. Showcasing your character traits and perspectives through thoughtful storytelling adds layers of dimension to your application. It lets the reader know the “real” you beyond just facts and figures.
Tailor It to the Program
Tailor your personal statement directly to the program you are applying to. Research the institution thoroughly and find ways to mention elements of its curriculum that resonate with you. Or mention areas of specialization offered by faculty members which excite you professionally.
Film and Media Studies Personal Statement Example
Below is an excellent example of a film and media studies personal statement to inspire you to write one for yourself:
Personal Statement Example
I have always been fascinated by the potential of media and film to incite change on a large scale. As an undergrad, I immersed myself in courses that explored these disciplines – from American cinema to global digital content. And I have since developed a comprehensive understanding of how different media platforms can be used to communicate powerful messages. My interest has led me to pursue further studies in Film and Media Studies. I am eager to use my passion for narrative-building and storytelling to shape conversations about important social issues like immigration, poverty, and gender inequality.
A graduate degree in Film and Media Studies will give me the essential skills to produce impactful films. It would increase my aptitude in online communication and challenge viewers to think critically about current events. In addition, it will open up opportunities to work on projects related to documentary filmmaking, advertising campaigns, and public service announcements. These are areas where I could apply my already-sophisticated knowledge of cinematography and production design. Moreover, collaborating with other professionals from diverse backgrounds would expand my skill set and bolster my capabilities as an independent producer.
Sustaining an active presence within this field is crucial for honing my craft. Therefore, I am committed to dedicating extra hours outside class for networking and professional development activities. I plan to leverage my previous experience teaching introductory film classes at two local universities to make meaningful contributions to departmental seminars. With all these elements combined, I am confident that I will not only grow as a practitioner but also empower others through my work.
Film and media studies is a unique field that requires understanding both creative elements and technical concepts. By crafting a personal statement that accurately reflects one’s experience and passion for the subject matter, potential students can stand out from the rest.
It’s essential to use clear language and structure, inject emotion into your writing, and utilize colloquialisms. By following the right approach and the tips and examples in this post, you can make their application shine.
Abir Ghenaiet
Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.
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Sample Personal Statement in Filmmaking (New York Film Academy)
by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad
In personal statement samples by field.
Here is the personal statement of a student who made it to the New York Film Academy in the filmmaking program.
I want to emphasize that you must be honest in writing your personal statements. If you borrow content from other places, refer to them in your personal statement. Admissions officers in the US read many essays each year and can easily detect plagiarism.
Sample Personal Statement in Film Making
While many around me associate their life with a roller coaster ride, full of ups and downs, my life experience has been quite the opposite. Instead, my life has been characterized by constants and calms that have made me think I was born with a certain degree of “unusualness.”
Growing up in a complex family with literally a dozen siblings and two stepmothers, my life sounded like a tragedy to my school friends. Nevertheless, I don’t remember a day when I was any less proud of being born to my father. I remember my father reading this poem a lot to me when I was young.
‘Said the coo what shall I do, I have family of two
Said the hen my family is of ten, But we live like gentlemen’
As I matured, my perspective on things evolved. The ‘unusualness’ of my life has allowed me to view things the way a moviegoer views a film, that is, by paying attention to the little nuances in the movie. Whether listening to indie rock music or interpreting the cues of a film director, I have always paid attention to the subtleties. Since childhood, I have developed a strong relationship with our car driver. He was my guardian who played a defining role in my upbringing. From braiding my hair to dropping me off at school to watching cartoons, he defined my childhood while my parent’s complicated relationship unraveled. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was roughly 10. By then, no one had counseled me on what death meant. I never really asked where he had gone; instead, as a teenager, I tried to imagine him as I grew up. At this time, I began writing my first screenplay, addressed to him every night.
Aside from writing my screenplay, the other constant in my life was changing from one field to another to find my passion. I made it into basketball, gymnastics team, declamation, and theatre play at school. However, I was never a standout in any of them until my senior year at school. During that year, I became a popular and influential figure, leading various social events such as concerts and charities. And then, after high school, at 18, enrolling in a film school completely changed my life.
I am a nonconformist, too bold to surrender to prevailing traditions. I believe that change can only be triggered by challenging societal norms. To be successful in this, one must coax others by showing that what was once considered wrong can be right and that what was previously thought impossible can be made possible. Throughout my life, I have followed such a path and have proved myself in everything I have pursued. Each step forward has required a leap of faith, and one of the biggest leaps I took was earning a B.A. (Hons.) in Theater, Film, and Television. Unlike many of my peers and classmates, I was not initially passionate about studying or making films. Filmmaking found me by accident, and that’s probably my favorite part of fate.
I made my first documentary when I was in grade nine, and I won an inter-school competition for it. This was my first time feeling above average, and then I became habitual of feeling like this when I joined college. I had initially planned to study journalism and present facts and figures, but the film took me over with magic.
My love for watching documentaries grew over my love of watching news channels, and before I could sense it, I began to look at stories as potential subjects for filmmaking. Every dialogue I heard had to fit into a genre, and every narrative treatment made me wonder which film movement would suit me best. While I was able to gain experience in a variety of roles through my extensive degree in Theater, Film, and TV, I never fully had the opportunity to explore my passion for writing narratives. At college, I grew not only as a student but also as a person. My leadership skills were consistently recognized and appreciated by my teachers, who often chose me to assist them in leading groups for various assignments. College gave me courage, grew my self-esteem, and nourished my sense of cinema.
Henceforth, I became bold enough to take up another challenge by stepping out of my comfort zone, which is direction, and pursue screenwriting. I was one of the top 3 students in my Dramaturgy, Writing for Screen, and Creative Writing classes, which gave me confidence that I could pen narratives. I also directed a few films, one of which was selected in the Top 20 Peace category at the 60siff festival. Another was displayed at the Aks Film Festival and was selected for the Shanghai Pride festival. I also directed and scripted a theatre play called “Teesri Dhun,” which was invited for performance after its three-day success at Yale University.
I remember the first day I printed my final draft of ‘Katchi.’ I took a picture of the pages and messaged my friend: “I’ve never delivered a baby, but I know I am as happy.” The subject’s confinement and its execution were not only something I did out of sheer passion but also out of a sense of responsibility. I had previously worked on a docu-drama theatre play on transgenders, where I assisted the directors with scripting. After a three-day success in Singapore, I thought I was done with my efforts for ‘TeesriDhun – The third tune’ until I went nuts deciding what I wanted to direct as my thesis short film. Glossing over ideas that were too big to be projected under those deadlines or were not good enough as a major film student, I realized that one of my protagonists from a previous project still had to be told. Anaya, my first transgender friend, was someone I wanted to talk about. A few critiques began questioning my love for indie filmmaking, which I had been loyal to for so long after choosing a ‘social issue’ just because of its stereotype of selling out.
Nevertheless, I advanced with my gut feeling and created a short film. Honestly, the contentment never lay in the final product, but it was in the process I had gone through. Every meeting with the supervisor, with the crew, and auditions with the actors, secured my belief to be a writer-director. Regardless of the tight scheduling, small budget, and limited resources, I felt the fire in my team and the resolve in my actors. I felt like I was making something that happily absorbed everyone’s best, including myself.
The cinema industry in my country is struggling to revive non-stereotypical subjects. Movies like ‘Inya’ and ‘Kakabila’ were based on a solid storyline and screenplay. They reflected a narrative and visual display complimenting each other and proved that it was time to revolutionize cinema with some realistic aesthetics and logical motives. On the other hand, documentaries like ‘Girl in the river’ and ‘Saving face’ applauded the dark tragedies to be unveiled and helped change obsolete perspectives.
I aim to pen down unconventional but realistic stories based on our social, cultural, and historical paradigms. I want to redefine my horizons. I want to prove that this is not only an entertainment business but also a learning and teaching medium with no limit to expression. I wish to change viewpoints so that people can look at ordinary things in an extraordinary manner, which is impossible without the superior skills I want to acquire through academic excellence.
For the past year, I have been working in a filmmaking agency where I have learned to professionally edit, mood board, storyboard, and handle clientele. Overall, my degree has taught me the theory and its implementation in a professional setting. In contrast, my job has taught me how to handle the extreme pressure and enhance my leadership and communication skills. My experiences have instilled in me the confidence to become a good director, but I want to give voice to what is hidden inside me. My sensitive observation and thorough understanding, along with the audacity to present my revolutionary thoughts, demands me to direct something more than just “hotchpotch of glamour” screening big names and exotic locations. I want to make a film with a sensible story and convincing plot to which people can relate. That’s how I want to contribute towards the revival of cinema and give it a new horizon of success that will be counted amongst the best international cinemas.
Therefore, NYFA is the best place for me, as it teaches the art of screenwriting and gives an in-depth film and screenplay/script analysis, providing insights that act as the Achilles heel for real-life projects. Moreover, an introduction to WGA format and copyright law equips the students with the tools helping them to meet international standards. A writer and a director must understand the dynamics of acting to put themselves in the actor’s shoes and carve a realistic character. Hence courses on fundamentals of acting and character development skills are eminent and a unique feature of NYFA. Considering all these factors, I can say that NYFA is the right place for me to become a writer who will be distinct in their thoughts and actions.
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Film Personal Statement Examples
- 1 Personal Statement Example Links
- 2 Career Opportunities
- 3 UK Admission Requirements
- 4 UK Earnings Potential For Film Studies
- 5 Similar Courses in UK
- 6 UK Curriculum
- 7 Alumni Network
Personal Statement Example Links
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Are you interested in learning more about the history, theory, and practice of film? If so, a degree in Film Studies may be the perfect choice for you. Film Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the art and craft of filmmaking, from its beginnings in the early 20th century to its current status as a global phenomenon.
Film Studies courses offer a comprehensive overview of the history and theory of film, as well as practical instruction in the techniques of filmmaking. Students learn about the aesthetics of cinema, the history of the medium, and the various genres and styles of film. They also explore the impact of film on society, and the ways in which it has shaped our culture.
It is an exciting and relevant choice for students because it provides them with a comprehensive overview of the history and theory of film. In this course, students will gain an understanding of the various techniques and genres used in filmmaking, from early silent films to modern blockbusters.
They will also learn about the various ways in which film can be used to express ideas and tell stories. Additionally, students will explore the impact of film on society, culture, and history. Through this course, students will gain a greater appreciation of the art of film and the power it has to shape our understanding of the world.
👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.
Career Opportunities
A degree in film can open up a variety of career opportunities:
- Film Production: A degree in film can lead to a career in film production, which involves overseeing the entire production process from pre-production to post-production. This can include writing, directing, producing, editing, and cinematography. This career path can lead to a variety of positions in the film industry, such as a producer, director, cinematographer, editor, production designer, or production manager.
- Film Criticism: A degree in film can also lead to a career in film criticism. This involves analyzing films and providing commentary on their quality, content, and themes. This career path can lead to positions such as a film critic, film reviewer, or film historian.
- Film Education: A degree in film can also lead to a career in film education. This involves teaching film-related courses in schools, universities, or other educational institutions. This career path can lead to positions such as a film professor, film instructor, or film lecturer.
- Film Distribution: A degree in film can also lead to a career in film distribution. This involves marketing, distributing, and selling films. This career path can lead to positions such as a film distributor, film marketer, or film salesperson.
- Film Festival Programming: A degree in film can also lead to a career in film festival programming. This involves selecting films for festivals, organizing events, and promoting the festival to attract audiences. This role requires a deep understanding of cinema, strong organizational skills, and the ability to balance artistic quality with audience appeal.
UK Admission Requirements
The entry criteria for the University Course Film varies depending on the institution. Generally, applicants must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths, and at least two A-Levels at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications.
In addition, applicants may also need to provide a portfolio or showreel of their work, or a written statement outlining their interest in the course and their experience in filmmaking.
This entry criteria is similar to other courses in the creative arts and media, such as photography, graphic design, and animation. However, the University Course Film may require higher grades for entry than some of these courses. Additionally, the portfolio or showreel requirement may be unique to this course.
UK Earnings Potential For Film Studies
The average earnings for someone with a degree in film can vary greatly depending on the type of job they pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for film and video editors was $63,780 in May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,190, and the highest 10% earned more than $115,620.
In terms of job trends, the film and video editing industry is expected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for visual effects in movies and television, as well as the need for more video content for streaming services. Additionally, the demand for freelance video editors is expected to increase as companies look for cost-effective solutions for their video needs.
Similar Courses in UK
The University of Manchester offers an MA in Film and Television Production, which is related to the course being written about. This course focuses on the practical aspects of film and television production, such as the development of creative skills, the use of digital media, and the production of high-quality audio-visual content.
It also covers the legal, financial, and managerial aspects of the industry. The key difference between this course and the one being written about is that it is more focused on the practical aspects of film and television production, rather than the theoretical aspects.
UK Curriculum
The key topics and modules covered in a university course in film may include:
- Film History: A study of the development of film as an art form, including the history of major film movements, genres, and styles.
- Film Theory: A study of the critical and theoretical approaches to film, including the analysis of film form, narrative, and aesthetics.
- Film Production: A study of the technical aspects of film production, including cinematography, sound design, editing, and production design.
- Screenwriting: A study of the craft of screenwriting, including the development of story, character, and structure.
- Film Analysis: A study of the critical analysis of films, including the use of film theory and critical approaches.
- Film Industry: A study of the film industry, including the economics of film production, distribution, and exhibition.
In addition to the academic study of these topics, students may also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and practical work in film production. This may include the opportunity to work on student films, or to participate in internships with production companies and other industry professionals.
Alumni Network
One notable alumni from the university course film is Christopher Nolan. Nolan is an Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter who is best known for his work on the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, and Interstellar. Nolan is a major contributor to the film industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking and creating some of the most iconic films of the 21st century. He has also been a major influence on the modern wave of superhero films, inspiring many of the current directors and writers in the genre.
Alumni events and networking opportunities are available through the university’s Alumni Network. These events include alumni meet-ups, career panels, and networking events.
The Alumni Network also provides resources for alumni to stay connected with the university and to connect with other alumni in their field. Additionally, the Alumni Network provides access to job postings, mentorship opportunities, and other resources to help alumni stay engaged with the university and their field.
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Film and Television Personal Statement
Sample Film and Television Personal Statement
I have always been fascinated by every aspect of film, from the way in which various creative industries interact in the process of production to the way in which they are received by the audience and the impact they can have on cultures, societies and individual lives. Having built a foundation of both theoretical and practical knowledge of the media, film and filmmaking through previous study, I am now aiming to gain more specific knowledge that will allow me to play a vital and exciting role in a young, yet burgeoning, film industry.
I have always been an imaginative and creative individual who has enjoyed taking part in all of forms of art and media. A keen amateur dramatist and writer from a young age, I could often be found making short films or constructing plays with my friends and family, as well as taking on roles in school productions. As my subsequent studies have confirmed, film offers an opportunity to translate this desire to communicate through story, visual arts and drama in a single medium, explaining my dedication and passion for film from my childhood to the present day.
Keen to turn this passion into a career, I chose to pursue an undergraduate degree in Media and Creative Industries, in order to gain a thorough overview of theory and practice in all forms of media. While I focused heavily on taking as many practical, filmmaking modules as possible, and completed many projects, I am still convinced that the broader, multimedia approach of the course has shaped me into a more rounded creative talent. Nevertheless, film is the medium that inspired me most and I have taken every opportunity to gain more practical experience by undertaking a 4 week directing course with the Met Film School, London; which has offered an outlet to explore more aspects of practical filmmaking.
My experiences of filmmaking throughout these courses have also led to me becoming involved, on an amateur level, with projects for friends and fellow students. I have undertaken a range of production roles, which has allowed me to gain experience of working as a Co-Producer and Assistant Director and using various shooting and editing equipment. My natural flair for organisation, remaining calm under strict deadlines and communicating well with other members of my team suggests that I am well suited to these sort of roles and I would be keen to explore these as possible future career options.
I am fascinated by film’s potential to communicate complex ideas to an audience and, as a consequence, have also worked to ensure that I thoroughly understand communication on a broader level. Undertaking placements with DDB Advertising and working within fashion marketing and design (including website design), I have also been lucky enough to demonstrate my creative approach to communication across mediums. I believe that this has made me a stronger filmmaker as I have gained a greater understanding of film’s relationship with these other media, the ways in which they are similar and the ways in which they are different.
I firmly believe that a strong film industry would have the potential to address social issues. By exploring all aspects of filmmaking, alongside study and work across other media, I have laid a foundation for a long, and hopefully meaningful, creative career within this powerful medium. Gaining the skills and experience necessary to translate this potential into action, through postgraduate study on a prestigious course, is the next vital step in allowing me to achieve my ultimate goal of making a contribution to a growing industry at a hugely exciting point in its development.
We hope this Film and Television personal statement has been a valuable example.
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Film Personal Statement Example
Sample statement.
For most students the thought of doing a degree that involves breaking out the popcorn and sitting on the sofa watching films is pretty appealing, but studying Film is harder than you think and you have to get onto the course first.
If you’ve been having trouble writing an award winning personal statement here is an example of a personal statement for someone applying to study Film.
Ever since I was a young child I have been fascinated by films and how artists, directors, producers, and actors use film to convey their message to a wider audience. Whether they want to communicate comedy, tragedy, horror, drama, fictional or real life events it can all be captured by the magic of cinema.
As well as a strong interest in film I also have a passion for history and enjoyed combining these two things during school history lessons when we explored how film can be used for propaganda purposes during times of war.
In particular I am especially interested in how film was used during the Second World War by both the Allies and the Nazis to convey negative messages about the opposition and to raise morale.
During the lesson we were required to write a short film script for a propaganda film which first inspired me to start script writing in my spare time. Outside of school I attend writing workshops to further develop my skills and I hope to submit my scripts to an agency in the near future.
A work experience period with a local media company enabled me to gain a more in-depth insight into the industry and to develop my media production abilities. This period also helped me to develop my communication and teamwork skills. I gained a real sense of responsibility and achievement by completely this placement, as well as good references from my manager.
I hope that my time at university will give me a better understanding of the techniques used to create a successful film and to utilise my experience, skills, and knowledge for a future career.
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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to get into film school, by a usc alum.
College Admissions
The conservatory style schools (e.g., AFI) only require one application, while film schools based at four-year universities (e.g., USC and NYU) typically require two applications: the application to the overall university (usually the Common Application ) and the supplementary application to the film school.
I won’t get into the nitty-gritty of how to write the best general application (for more on that, check out our guide to building a versatile college application ). This application is still important, though, because you won't be admitted to a college's film program if your test scores, transcript, letters of recommendation, and other materials are not impressive enough.
Instead, I'll be talking about the supplementary application specifically (the only application for conservatory schools), and I'll be using USC’s as my example as I’m sure many of you who are reading this will be applying there. Even if you aren’t applying to USC, its application is pretty much the standard film school application.
For USC’s film application , you'll need the following materials:
- Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
- Writing Sample (A or B or C)
- Visual Sample (Video or Photo Option)
- Creative Portfolio List
- Letters of Recommendation (3)*
I'll go into detail for each of the components below (excluding the letters of recommendation since these are just your typical letters).
#1: Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
One part of the USC film school application is the personal statement. Here is how USC describes this component (all bold emphasis mine):
The personal statement will be read by the Film & Television Production Admission Committee as a measure of creativity, self-awareness and vision. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, characteristics, background, values and/or views of the world have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a creative filmmaker . We want to know about the kind of stories you want to tell. Bear in mind that enthusiasm for watching films, descriptions of your favorite films and the involvement in the filmmaking process is common in most candidates. As a result, we encourage that you focus on your individuality. Note that there is no standard format or correct answer. (1,000 words or less)
What should you write?
In layman’s terms, your personal statement should be an essay of no more than 1,000 words that captures your individuality and your passion for film. I think USC gives very helpful hints to what makes a great (or terrible) personal statement. All film school applicants enjoy watching movies and have their favorites (if you didn't, why would you want to go to film school?), so you don’t want your personal statement to be all about that (otherwise, you'll seem unoriginal).
Think about it: what distinguishes you from all those other candidates? Your individuality, who you are. What USC wants to see in your personal statement is that you're an interesting, talented person they should add to their class. USC film school doesn't want average; it wants an engaging storyteller with unique tales to share.
Does USC want you to tell them what a great storyteller you are? No. USC, as well as other film schools, want you to show them what a great storyteller you are. To do this, you must tell a story.
Let me demonstrate. Here is the introduction to my personal statement from my actual USC film application:
Cheerleader. A word that makes me want to hurl and is too often used to describe yours truly. I guess a bubbly, outgoing personality and attractive physique means you are a cheerleader. I sit excitedly waiting to hear my name. It’s 2006. I’m 14, and I’ve made it all the way to the Florida State Science Fair for my experiment on determining whether bacteria or fungi is more effective in cleaning up oil spills (BP could have used my help). I finally hear my name called and eagerly rush up to meet one of the judges to discuss my project. I spot him and am about to introduce myself. Before I can get a word out, he stops me, saying, "Let me guess, you’re a cheerleader." Let me clear the air now I am not now nor have I ever been a cheerleader. Firstly, I lack the acrobatic prowess required for such a role. Secondly, I hate the label. I correct the judge, to his embarrassment. We continue on to have an intelligent discussion about bioremediation, and I end up placing third in the state and winning an award from NASA.
I'm a huge fan of complex characters. It's too easy to jump to conclusions. "A vivacious personality, a flair for style, a good-looking appearance, she clearly has no intelligence to speak of." I want to tell stories with surprises and characters that break the rules like Martin and John Michael McDonagh.
In this introduction, I've told you a story about me from my past that reveals who I am, and I analyze it to show you what kind of storyteller I want to be. I know this is no easy task, but I'll try to help you brainstorm your personal statement story.
Is there a moment in your life you're particularly proud (or even ashamed) of? For example, did you help someone? Win an award? Overcome a challenge? Make a big mistake? These are all great types of stories that illustrate your character and your potential to tell a story.
If you're starting to put pen to paper, here are two topics to avoid:
- Sports victories and/or challenges: Unless you have a very rare event to discuss, don’t do it (e.g., you tore your ACL while scoring the winning goal in the state championship). Think about how many students across the country play a sport at their high schools. These are the most common stories admissions officers read, and they hate them. (This is an example of a topic that would make you seem unoriginal.)
- Religious experiences (such as camp stories, mission trips, etc.): Again, there might be an exception to this, but if you're talking about a religious awakening, it's an experience many people have had. Also, it might make the admissions officer feel uncomfortable.
Admissions officers want to see what is special about you , so don’t tell a story that will group you in with most other applicants. Simple experiences/stories are often best.
I wrote another personal statement (for my other applications) about giving money to a homeless man. After I walked away, the homeless man followed me down the street. I tried to get away from him, thinking he was trying to harass me. Finally, he caught up with me and asked for my name. I hesitated but told him it. He then shouted, "God bless, Lauren!" He had followed me to thank me and shake my hand. I was horribly ashamed that I’d thought the worst of him.
Do not think that your story needs to be about saving the world.
#2: Writing Sample for Film School
The writing sample provides you with another opportunity to reveal what kind of storyteller you’d like to be. According to USC, your writing sample can be one of three options :
- A dialogue scene between two people. Provide a one-paragraph introduction describing the two characters in screenplay format. (no more than three pages)
- A description of a four-minute film that contains no dialogue. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The story has to be communicated visually. (no more than two pages)
- Describe a concept for a feature-length movie, fiction or documentary, which you would like to develop. (no more than two pages)
I recommend option 2 or 3. You can attempt option 1 if you want, but I think it's the most difficult of the three to write well. I chose option 3, which I believe is the easiest option. Only submit option 2 if you feel very confident about your dialogue (i.e., that it sounds realistic and not cheesy) and scene structure (i.e., that it has a clear beginning, middle, and end).
#3: Visual Sample for Film School
Next up is the visual sample. Here are the requirements for this application component at USC :
Please submit one of the two visual samples. It is essential that you specify what role(s) you have played in your visual sample.
- Video Option: Create a brief narrative video in which you had a major creative role. The video can be either live-action or animation, fiction or documentary, but it should reflect your aesthetic tastes and intellectual and emotional interests. (No longer than five minutes.) Please submit only ONE video. Multiple submissions WILL NOT be reviewed.
- Photo Option: Prepare a series of eight photographs you have taken which, when viewed in a specific sequence, portray a unique and original character or which tell a simple narrative story. Also, include a one-page narrative about the character being portrayed in the photos. The images may either be black-and-white or in color. Please upload the photos in order of sequence (1-8). Please upload the required one page narrative into the online application.
Basically, you're required to submit one visual sample, which can be either a video or series of photographs.
Here's my strong recommendation: do not choose the photo option (unless you're applying for a photography degree program). I repeat: do not do the photo option. I have never met a person accepted to film school that chose this option. By contrast, I have met people who applied with the photo option and did not get in. So don’t do it!
While I don't know why the photo option doesn't seem to work well for admission, I have a couple of theories. You're applying to film school to be a storyteller. In your application, film schools want to see the types of stories you want to tell. From just eight photographs, though, it's difficult to tell a complete story (and one that fits into a film genre like comedy). Simply put, telling a narrative or portraying a unique character is extremely difficult to do through photos.
By opting for the photo option, you essentially disadvantage yourself since other applicants can tell a full story (and really reveal their storytelling skills) in a five-minute video. If you care at all about getting into film school, you'll take the time to throw a video together.
As with the writing sample, the video sample should capture a different side of you or genre of storytelling that interests you. USC also lets you submit a video you had a major role in (e.g., you wrote, directed, edited, or produced it). Note that I'd only submit something you didn't write or direct if you have no interest in being a writer or director (and mention in your personal statement that you want to be an editor/DP/production designer/etc.).
USC wants to see your storytelling style, and if you didn't have a major role in the work (as a writer or director), it might be hard to see your influence on the final product. I didn't have a video to submit for film school, so I wrote and directed something. My friends acted in it, and a friend with a camera filmed and edited it. It doesn’t look like a feature film, but it tells a cute, unique story. Here it is for your viewing pleasure:
Star-Crossed Trekkies
Password: SCA2011
Objectively, it's amateurish, but I managed to tell a sweet story that demonstrated my interest in comedy. While I wrote about the McDonagh brothers in my personal statement and composed a WWII period piece for my writing sample, my video sample—a comedy about trekkies trying online dating—was completely different.
The bottom line? Show an interest in multiple aspects of storytelling in your application!
#4: Creative Portfolio List for Film School
The final piece of your application to film school is the creative portfolio list. Below is how USC describes this application component :
The portfolio list is a written record of the applicant's creative materials. It should include a concise description of each project, the month and year the project was completed, the applicant's creative role and the purpose of the project. The material, which does not need to be film- or television-related, should give an idea of the range and depth of the applicant's creative ability. Formal recognition—such as awards, publications, jobs and exhibitions—should be noted. The name of the institution or publication should be included when listing creative materials prepared for a class or publication.
Basically, you're creating an artistic resume. USC offers examples of what kinds of projects an applicant might include in her list as well as how it should be formatted:
July 2008, A Day in the Life, digital video, 12 minutes. Position: writer/director. A documentary on a homeless Iraq vet who has lived on the streets since his return from the military. Created for senior-year multimedia term project, San Raphael High School, Miami, Florida.
March 2008, Doorways, a series of 5 black-and-white photographs. Position: photographer. "Second Prize Winner" in the Des Moines Sunday Journal photo contest.
February 2007, Cellomorphosis , short story. Position: writer. A variation on the novella by Franz Kafka; published in Writing, vol. IV, 2007, at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.
Do not worry too much about your portfolio. You don't need to have won awards to get into film school. I had won zero awards for my artwork.
Your portfolio just needs to show that you have an interest in art. This could include acting, art projects (for fun or for school), and music you’ve written or performed (e.g., at a school talent show). Really, anything artistic can and should be included.
Just make sure you don't include any profane or inappropriate artwork. I know this should go without saying, but in one of the applications I read at USC, the student had mentioned something inappropriate on his portfolio list. So I want to make sure you don’t do this, too! His high school art teacher had put an end to the project, but he'd still decided to mention it in his application. If your teacher does or did not approve of a project, it is very likely an admissions committee won’t either!
Completing Your Film School Application
Now that we've covered what materials you need to apply to film school, I want to give you a few pointers on completing your application.
Make sure you know the application deadlines for the film schools you're applying to so you can submit your application well before it's due. If you're unsure of a school's deadline, you can either search for "[College Name] film school application deadline" on Google or check the school's application page on the college's official website. Most schools' deadlines are December 1.
It's a good idea to create a timeline so you can ensure you finish your application on time. After all, your best creative work will probably take more than a week! I suggest spending the summer between your junior and senior years of high school working on your application. If you don't have a video to submit, plan on writing, filming, and editing a video over the summer so that you have it done and won't have to worry about it while you're focused on school work.
Also, prepare your personal statement and written sample over the summer so you can dedicate enough time to each. You'll likely work through several drafts and need people you trust (such as teachers or your parents) to look them over for you. Working on both during the summer lets you take your time and prevents you from rushing through the process.
The only part of your film school application you should not complete during the summer is the portfolio list. You can write a draft, but don't forget to add all your artistic involvements in the fall of your senior year to your portfolio later on.
Final Points to Remember When Applying to Film School
If you're applying to film school, you'll need to understand just how you can produce an excellent application to increase your chances of admission. Here are the essential points to remember when applying to film school:
- Show diversity/multiple interests in your application. For example, you could talk about how you're interested in comedies, period pieces, and sci-fi.
- Emphasize your individuality and prove that you're a unique candidate. Avoid writing about something in your personal statement that most other applicants have experienced, too, such as getting injured in a sport.
- Simple stories are often the best ones!
- Do not do the photo option for the visual sample. Always do the video option; hardly any applicants get accepted to film school with the photo option.
- Do not write about anything inappropriate on your application. If a project you did got canceled or was not approved by a teacher, chances are it's not appropriate to put on your application!
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Personal statement example film studies and history personal statement.
Submitted by Sean
Unleash your creativity at Winchester Uni!
Unlock the art of cinema with Winchester's Film Studies degree. Dive deep into film theory, history, and production. Enroll today!
Are you passionate about digital storytelling?
Bring your creative ideas to life with industry-standard technology and supportive teaching. Study Film at Middlesex University London.
Film Studies and History Personal Statement
For me, the most interesting thing about film is the responses it can bring out in people. Be it love or disdain, the way film causes reactions is fascinating. Writing a blog reviewing films has improved my skills of understanding and deciphering these effects. I have been reviewing films for over 2 years and I find it a helpful outlet for sharing my opinions whilst learning how to articulate them better. It also has helped my analysis skills; I feel I can understand a film’s ideological implications more quickly. Writing a blog also shows that I am unfazed when it comes to speaking my mind. I have taken my criticism of film a step further and have begun to look at film making as an art form rather than a medium of entertainment. Reading books such as Bordwell and Thompson’s ‘Film Art: An Introduction’ has progressed my love of film to a new level.
Film also accesses a diverse group of interests. For example, ‘Dunkirk’ showcases how you can blend history and film making. The film gained huge critical success but, to me, the most interesting thing about 'Dunkirk' was how it depicted the historical events. Was it a realistic depiction of the events, or patriotism overpowering the true events? Whether it's the complete absence of Muslim and Sikh soldiers or even the fact that the German planes’ nose cones were painted yellow, (something that only happened a month after Dunkirk) it is fascinating to look at what aspects of history are ignored within films and consider the thought behind this. Whilst doing my EPQ, where I studied football hooliganism, I met each deadline I set for myself. This made it a lot easier to produce a good project. This is because I am a very self-reflective person, I can identify what is going wrong and then resolve it. This all means that I thrive in independent situations and can think on my feet. I feel like this quality will be very useful at University as deadlines and independence are crucial to doing well.
My A-Level subjects will be of huge benefit to my studies at university. English and History both involve looking across history and identifying themes and patterns. I have to be able to see deeper meanings in both. These subjects and my EPQ all involve researching and working with a wide range of sources. These are skills that will be very useful when it comes to studying film. I have transferred my analysis skills in to my English studies, as I am writing a language study on Tarantino’s portrayal of female characters. I believe that studying maths has helped me to strengthen my resolve and develop a hard-working attitude that will ultimately lead me to success.
The world of film has a vast range of job opportunities available. Something that opened my eyes to this was the work experience I had with the National Research Group. This is a global entertainment market research company. The Executive Director, Jane Sies, said that I am “a good listener, takes instruction well and was equally happy to manage tasks by himself as well as part of a team”. During the placement, I mainly worked with the screening team. However, I did speak with everyone in the office learning and becoming fascinated about their professions. Working at a place like the National Research Group or using the talents I have gained through my blog to go into film criticism is a dream. Both of these professions fit perfectly with my love of analysis.
Working as a Lifeguard requires the ability to deal with big responsibilities; to work well as part of a team and to be a strong leader when instructing my co-workers what to do and to manage the public well.
In conclusion, I believe that the skills I have acquired through the subjects I am currently studying and working as a lifeguard will set me up to thrive at university. Studying film along with its historical and social impact is a dream of mine and it will set me up for any career in the film industry, or related professional area, that I decide to pursue.
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Film personal statement
- Reading time: 3 minutes
- Price: Free download
- Published: 22nd September 2019
- Word count: 661 words
- File format: Text
Personal Statement
I couldn’t pinpoint one single moment in my life which made me realise that I wanted to pursue a future in film. This was a realisation that was very gradual, and one that I came to after looking into many different career paths and options. Looking back, one of the pivotal moments that helped me reach this decision was my decision to take Media Studies at GCSE. While this was a course that focused on all aspects of media (radio, paper news etc.) I found the film related parts the most interesting. From this, I began looking into films in much more depth in my free time, I also found myself watching films more frequently. At my high school, at the end of the year we did something called Yellow Week. During the final week of the academic year, we would spend the entire week off timetable, with a variety of activities to choose from, one of these being film week. I found myself engrossed in anything I watched.
Throughout my education, I have worked on many projects that I’m quite proud of. My first ever project was a trailer for a horror film which I made in high school. This was my first hands on experience with all aspects of film production, including the planning aspect (storyboards, scripting, pitch etc.) This was useful as it meant that I finally had a chance to get stuck in to film production, as opposed to just reading and hearing about it, thus presenting me with an opportunity to begin building on the skill set that I would need for the rest of my career.
Since then, I have worked on many other projects. Most recently, I created a short documentary on the revival of vinyl records in modern society, highlighting not only the nostalgia that people feel towards these physical mediums but also delving into the reasons behind vinyl’s unexpected comeback in the digital age. This project allowed me to explore a personal interest in music and vinyl culture, while also developing my skills in documentary filmmaking. Conducting interviews with local record shop owners and vinyl collectors, I was able to gain firsthand insights into the community and its passions. This documentary was particularly challenging because it required a delicate balance between technical skill and storytelling ability, to weave together personal anecdotes with broader cultural themes. Through this project, I honed my abilities in research, narrative building, and cinematography, creating a piece that I believe highlights the intersection between cultural trends and personal identity.
Over the years, I have improved my skills by working on both my own projects within college and working on projects with friends. I believe that I am most skilled when it comes to the practical aspect of film production, mainly camerawork, however, I have been improving my editing skills throughout both my college work and doing my own research into editing techniques.
Outside of my college life, I often spend most of my time listening to music, playing video games, and of course indulging in films and TV shows. As well as this, I have recently started reading books, mostly sci-fi novels as this is something that I very much enjoyed as a child, but unfortunately is something I somewhat lost my passion for as I entered high school and the challenges that came with it became my main priority. I find all of these things to be quite inspirational to my creative process, as I often find myself getting ideas from these outlets.
To conclude, I believe that I am well suited for university and think that it is the right career path for me, as it is exactly what I need to refine my skill set. As well as presenting me with an opportunity to work on my skills, it gives me plenty of time to consider my options and work out exactly what role I wish to take on within the industry.
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Film personal statement example 1.
Without film, my ideas will come to nothing. Nothing is not enough. I want to aim to be the best. My choice of a degree in Film and television is to enhance my technological skills, to learn at the highest level, to exercise my creativity. Everywhere I looked, the doors were locked. My passion for film led me to Worldwrite. This was only possible after months of research, however the results outweighed my struggles.Finding a film organization was easy, finding free training was the hard part. Coming to grips with reality. I did not give up the challenge, remaining steadfast to this day. It was by this time that I found an ad for film training on the Camden website. I went on the course and I have never looked back .The course lasted two weeks, in the first week I learned about script writing. The second week the classes ware based on how to make a documentary. From writing the idea to writing the synopsis. At end of the course we were asked by our lecturer to pitch an idea for a documentary, my pitch was a Mohamed Ali documentary. As soon I mentioned the name Ali, everyone turned sceptical; once I finished the pitch all I saw was smiling faces. The feed back I got was amazing; it inspired me to a higher level of creativity.
Worldwrite is my beginning, here, I am learning everyday. I remember my first day of training and my intense fear of making a mistake. My Job role varies each shoot; there are some days when I am working on the Z1 camera, lighting, sound, editing or even as a runner. I have learned each job is important to making the film. Having done acting at school I wanted to act but this time it was in front of the camera, I have played two roles one was a cameo appearance the other a character called Will. Being behind the camera was so different compared to performing in front of it.
Working as a volunteer increased my awareness of certain world-wide issues. Whilst studying at college I undertook Work with People and Planet. At that time this charity campaigned for "Fair Trade". I was also given the opportunity to write an article for the People and Planet website, the article was based on the gun trade. Working as part of a team, we managed to raise about GBP 2.OOO for the campaign. Other volunteer work I have undertaken was a community project called the "Getaway". The aim of the project was to engage local youths in workshops and activities. We gave the youths the opportunity to discuss any issues they faced and the workshops that we created ranged from football to Martial Arts. The skills I gained from this were organisation, team work, critical thinking and management.
I left college in 2008, having been accepted into university I took a gap year for family reasons. I had all the time in the world to contemplate about my future and I cannot see a future where I am doing something else other than film. At present I am working on two short films. Using my links and the experience I have gained in the past few months, I hope to achieve two unique films in every way.
I feel I am someone that has gained many transferable skills which will contribute towards my higher studies and any work I undertake. This is the path I have chosen for myself to become the best in an area that I find immensely enjoyable. I have had to be flexible and quick to learn. I am proud of my achievements and looking forward to contributing to university life.
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This personal statement was written by hgaaloa1 for application in 2009.
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Related Personal Statements
Mon, 19/01/2009 - 12:09
well writen
comment on this
Fri, 20/02/2009 - 04:26
My childhood was like gypsies as my father was in railway department and was often transferred to far off places. Since my child hood I loved their lifestyle and I always fancied them. I had this desire in me to record each and everything they do. I still remember how crazy I was for movies since my childhood but my family never allowed me for that, whenever there was a new movie in local cinema I used run from home to watch the first show.
When I was done with my schooling I decided to do a job to support my studies as I was interested in Arts but my family wanted me to go for science. I wanted to take admission in some place where they taught movie making but I could not find any such institution at that time. After my graduation I decided to join Media related field to do something which I actually wanted to do but again my family proved to be a hurdle. They again forced me to join business field because of highly paid job market. During my masters in Business Administration I met a person who was a movie maker for private functions. He allowed me to join him as camera operator. I learnt basics professional camera handling. Although this was not a big achievement but this was my first step to my ultimate goal. After completing my MBA I joined IMAYAA wear http://imayaawear.ec51.com/ (Handy Crafts) in marketing department but due to my interest in designing and production department they allowed me to work in both departments.
I regularly visited Ajoka Theater and after every play I use to discuss different aspects of the play with actors, writer and directors. I found a way of expression in movie review forums where I used to write about acting, cinematography and directing. My passion for cinema is still alive I do not miss any new movie which is played in the local cinemas.
I was asked to work for my community organization www.aaiil.org where I volunteered myself for my community website projects. First time in the history of the organization I introduced audio visual segment of website. First step was audio recording of Friday’s sermons and Sundays lectures. Second step was video recording where I took second step to fulfill my ultimate goal and started recording videos for the website. Now it is has become a regular feature of website.
The Performing Arts is such a brilliant profession to work in, because there is so much opportunity to explore the world and your words speak what is inside you. While analyzing all aspects of the Performing Arts, I have decided to increase my knowledge in the field of cinematography, script writing and directing. I plan to enter in the film industry of my country but before that I want to be a professionally sound person. I think that your institute can offer me a combination of knowledge and exposure, which I am looking for in a Film Making course.
And it should be - My
Fri, 20/11/2009 - 23:25
And it should be - My childhood was like !!!->A<-!!! gypSY'S... or - similar to that of gypsies'. Maybe university just isn't for you.
Mon, 28/06/2010 - 14:09
Thu, 25/07/2013 - 13:07
I really liked your article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
your personal statement
Mon, 18/08/2014 - 19:50
your personal statement is excellent, you are clearly filled with knowledge and I envy your confidence. AMAZING
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Letter of Recommendation
Application Resume/CV
Waiver Request Letter
Statement of Purpose
Personal Statement
Admission Essay
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Film Personal Statement
In recent times, the film industry has recorded massive growth and this has sparked interest in many people. People either want to be actors, film directors, film producers, scriptwriters as well as other careers that lie within the film industry. To do all these, however, you must have enough knowledge and film study must be involved and in this way a personal statement film production such as OTCAS personal statement.
A film personal statement plays a very crucial role in the process of applying so that you can undertake a film study. It is a chance to express yourself and stand out among your equals who might have qualified just like you and impress the film school production committee.
Why You Need a Film Personal Statement
A film personal statement is very important for anyone who is applying and is hoping to be considered for an opportunity to study film. The importance of a film personal statement should be emphasized as it is a determining factor as to whether you will be chosen to pursue a particular course in an institution of higher learning.
5 Simple Steps on How to Write a Film Personal Statement
From our film studies personal statement examples, there are very simple and straight forward steps that you can follow while writing a film personal statement as elaborated by our film studies personal statement examples.
The 5 very simple steps of the goal essay roadmap include:
- You should open your film personal statement with a very strong opening sentence. You need to be able to keep ahead of the pack, so make the right impression that you have what admission board want to see.
- Be focused while writing your personal statement. Answer the exact questions that should be answered in a straightforward manner.
- Your personal statement should reflect your interest in a particular field. If you already have any experience, don’t forget to mention it as well. To show that you are specific enough you can show your awareness of the study field by using professional language.
- Make sure that you write in an enthusiastic, concise and natural style while using simple language that is well understood and precise.
- Make sure that you proofread and review the write-up after you complete writing it. You could use a third party who can read through the statement for the sake of those errors that you might not notice yourself.
How to End a Film Personal Statement
How should you end a film and television production personal statement? You are seeking a position through expressing yourself, so just show all your passion to chosen subject. In the conclusion part of your film studies personal statement, make sure to focus on the main reasons why you are the best applicant among others in the most laconic style. Mention your expectations of what you will gain through the course.
Common Mistakes
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Many people make a number of mistakes which recur for different people. These include
- Copying from statements that have already been written for successful candidates or from the internet or asking someone else to write on your behalf. This is a personal statement and therefore you are the best person who can explain yourself.
- Use clichés instead of coming up with original and authentic write-ups. This is especially rampant with the opening sentence where most people copy common quotes as well as overused statements.
- Failing to go through the environmental science personal statement after you are done writing. This way the statement is bound to have a lot of errors such as those of grammar, omissions, spelling mistakes, punctuation. Some statements could be insensible as well.
- Writing in an informal style. This could be by using jokes, conversational language, casual statements and much more. Some people could be overdoing it by using very difficult terminologies and vocabulary.
- Failing to plan before writing is another common mistake. A plan or draft is quite important in this case. It gives you an opportunity to write a sure and proofread copy that is complete with all detail and that lacks any form of errors.
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Music Video and Short Film Production Personal Statement Example. "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up" Pablo Picasso 1881-1973 I often get confused, angry, happy, sad, amazed, overwhelmed, shocked, lost for words, goose bumps and even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up from time to time ...
Browse our range of Film Studies personal statement examples. Gain inspiration & make sure you're on the right track when writing your own personal statement. Order Prospectus
Film Production Personal Statement Example. Example 1. I have been captivated by the magic of film. Watching movies transported me to different worlds and sparked my imagination. This lifelong passion for film has fueled my ambition to become a film producer. Studying Film Production at university will equip me with the practical skills and ...
Come up with two or three d@mn good reasons why you belong at USC and make them the soul of your statement. 2. Just do it, then do it again (repeat as necessary). Be aware that it's not easy and it's not meant to be. Force yourself to get something down, go over what works, then do it again until you're happy with it.
Personal Statement I want to direct films. Directors have complete control over what is projected on the screen and, with this ability; they can hold the audience’s attention. I want to be able to use my imagination to do just that. My imagination helps me visualise scripts, books, and even how a film could have been better.
The film industry keeps growing and there are many careers in the industry. Every film school and course has its own unique application requirements. Your personal application statement plays an important part as it reveals your personal and professional goals. You have an opportunity to express yourself and help the admission team understand why you
Film Studies BA Personal Statement. Submitted by Liam. Prior to the initial study of the subject of Film and other sources of the creative arts such as writing, I found that there was no other point of interest and destination for my education. Since studying film from year 9, I have developed a considerable passion for screenwriting and my ...
When writing a personal statement for film and media studies, it's vital to demonstrate your passion for the field in an engaging way. Provide detailed examples of experiences that have nurtured your interest in the industry. It could be attending movie screenings or participating in relevant activities. Demonstrating a deep-seated enthusiasm ...
Here is the personal statement of a student who made it to the New York Film Academy in the filmmaking program. I want to emphasize that you must be honest in writing your personal statements. If you borrow content from other places, refer to them in your personal statement. Admissions officers in the US read many essays each year and can ...
Studying Film and Media in London is my biggest dream, and I never give up on my dreams. My ultimate goal is to turn my passion for Film and Media into a career. There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous. This personal statement is unrated. I discovered my interest in Film and ...
The average earnings for someone with a degree in film can vary greatly depending on the type of job they pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for film and video editors was $63,780 in May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,190, and the highest 10% earned more than $115,620.
Theatre and Film Personal Statement. Submitted by Niamh. Many cinema-goers and theatre patrons alike will state that drama, whether it be on the screen or stage, allows for the projection of imagination to transport us to a vast fantastical world of fiction. However, as an aspiring filmmaker, director and theatre creator, I disagree.
Sample Film and Television Personal Statement. I have always been fascinated by every aspect of film, from the way in which various creative industries interact in the process of production to the way in which they are received by the audience and the impact they can have on cultures, societies and individual lives. Having built a foundation of ...
Film Personal Statement Example Sample Statement. ... If you've been having trouble writing an award winning personal statement here is an example of a personal statement for someone applying to study Film. Ever since I was a young child I have been fascinated by films and how artists, directors, producers, and actors use film to convey their ...
Even if you aren't applying to USC, its application is pretty much the standard film school application. For USC's film application, you'll need the following materials: Cinematic Arts Personal Statement. Writing Sample (A or B or C) Visual Sample (Video or Photo Option) Creative Portfolio List.
This personal statement was written by imartin for application in 2012. imartin's university choices. Brunel University. The University of Kent. University of Leicester. Oxford Brookes University. Green: offer made. Red: no offer made. This personal statement is unrated.
Media and communication personal statements. On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study media, communication and related courses at university. These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples ...
Film Studies and History Personal Statement. Submitted by Sean. For me, the most interesting thing about film is the responses it can bring out in people. Be it love or disdain, the way film causes reactions is fascinating. Writing a blog reviewing films has improved my skills of understanding and deciphering these effects.
This qualification confirmed my passion to pursue a career in film. I am a self-taught photographer with an eye for detail. My portfolio includes a wide range of subjects with many diverse themes and this year I completed a photography course that allowed me to build up my knowledge and improve my skills. I feel that the technical skills I have ...
Personal Statement. I couldn't pinpoint one single moment in my life which made me realise that I wanted to pursue a future in film. This was a realisation that was very gradual, and one that I came to after looking into many different career paths and options. Looking back, one of the pivotal moments that helped me reach this decision was my ...
Film Production Personal Statement Example. "You shouldn't dream your film, you should make it" - A famous quote by Steven Spielberg and a quote that I strongly agree with. I have enjoyed this BTEC Media Diploma course so much because I believe film gives everyone the ability to become imaginative which is a valuable skill in life; it can ...
Film Personal Statement Example 1. Without film, my ideas will come to nothing. Nothing is not enough. I want to aim to be the best. My choice of a degree in Film and television is to enhance my technological skills, to learn at the highest level, to exercise my creativity. Everywhere I looked, the doors were locked.
5 Simple Steps on How to Write a Film Personal Statement. From our film studies personal statement examples, there are very simple and straight forward steps that you can follow while writing a film personal statement as elaborated by our film studies personal statement examples. The 5 very simple steps of the goal essay roadmap include: You ...
Example #3 - 12. Example #4 - Flying. Example #5 - Arab Spring in Bahrain. Example #6 - Poop, Animals and the Environment. Example #7 - Entoptic Phenomena. Example #8 - The Builder & Problem Solver. Example #10 - The Little Porch and a Dog (With Spanish Translation) Example #10 - Life As an Undocumented Student.