personal statement

1. Personal statement
Ever since I first began watching films, I have always been enthralled at how they offer you escapism
that allows you to get lost in the story. All through my life I have always been fascinated with how
films draw inspiration from various areas. Whether it’s from the history of the world, different
cultures and religions or the possibilities and theories that are offered by science. I was always eager
to explore different stories and concepts around numerous subjects.
I accomplished so much throughout my previous academic studies, gaining a range of skills in
various subjects, including a wide scope of knowledge in history, learning to analyse and understand
the depth of a story through English Literature. This has allowed me to look at the complexity and
structure through the narrative in a film. Through my Art GCSE I have been able to explore the
different ways in which styles and tones are used and perceived. These are subjects I believe to be
crucial to film making and are skills that I am using in my current study of Creative Media at college.
Working on my current media course, I have picked up key skills for film making such as knowledge
on using a wide range of equipment and software. Camera work and editing specifically, I have
found to be incredible in my different works, using cinematography to tell visual story, being able to
manipulate the depth of field, changing angles and point of focus. I was able to practice these skills
on a recent project called “Freddy” even with the limitations of lockdown. This film allowed me to
practice and improve, giving me the ability to work on different camera techniques within the horror
genre.
In my future, it is my ambition to become a film maker that tells meaningful and complex stories
within different genres, while exploring a variety of visual styles. It is extremely important to me that
I expand my knowledge in the process of making film, learn new skills and improve the skills I
currently have to a new level across vast areas. I know that university is the place for me to reach
this ambition and I have every desire to push myself to achieve. A specific area I aim to work in after
university, is cinematography.
Outside of my current study I spend a great deal of time watching and analysing a range of films and
television programmes, from different genres and points of origin. I find this to be a great pass time
but also a great way to see how others have hit the mark or where they have missed it. This has
helped me to improve my practice and take inspiration from other creators. Specifically,
Christopher Nolan, who has been a major inspiration. The way he uses soundtrack and foley, to
create atmosphere that gifts us beautiful and memorable moments within his films. For me being,
Inception and Interstellar.
I know university is the place that I can develop my skills as a film maker in all aspects. My passion
and drive has no limits and I will continue to push myself while I study at university to be the very
best I can be. I know this is what I need to achieve to create a career in film making.