The document is a personal statement from a student applying to study Creative Media. It summarizes the student's interest in film and TV from a young age and their deepened interest through studying Creative Media in college. The student has gained skills in videography, photography, editing and the wider skills of teamwork and time management. They have undertaken several projects developing these skills and are keen to advance them through higher education with a focus on directing.

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

2. My breadth of experience and digital media skills demonstrate that I am highly committed to
expanding my knowledge of the media and film industry and will be successful on your
course, rising to every opportunity that higher education will offer me.