personal statement

Why do I want to study film and television at University? Writing this personal statement has challenged me to make sense of my lifelong interest and reflect on my motives. I realise I’ve been interested in this world from a young age and have never really considered studying anything else at university. It was an important part of family life because my father writes, produces and directs for television. Maybe an early appearance as ‘baby gizmo’ on The Fast Show subconsciously aroused my fascination for the inner workings of programme making, but as I was only 14 months old it’s doubtful. This close relationship with the media has meant, though, that I’ve always been fascinated by how TV and films are made. When I watch a film or a television programme, it is the way it is made that excites me. The collaboration of writers, producers, directors, editors, cast and crew starting with an idea and taking it through to a finished piece is something that I’ve always wanted to be a part of. I want a university course that can prepare me for a life working in this world.
I can write essays but I want to do more than analyse texts – I want to make tangible things for the enjoyment of others, which is why I want a course where I can learn the technical aspects of filmmaking alongside theoretical ones.
When I was at secondary school I had an inspirational form tutor who taught English and Media Studies. He gave me an enormous amount of encouragement and provided incredible opportunities. He also taught a small group of us the Media Studies GCSE in one year, two years early. Whilst doing this I found that I really enjoyed having an idea for the filmed project, working in a team and realizing that idea on video. We made a tongue-in–cheek pop promo taking inspiration from Madness and Buster Keaton videos (which I love).
My tutor also offered me two other very unique opportunities. The first was to help an independent filmmaker create a short film that was to be shown at Edinburgh film festival. It was a study of creativity and involved me interviewing the head of ITV Creative. The second was a project in conjunction with Channel 4. We worked in a small team to create a comic, which was pitched to a board that included the head of Channel 4. We put our creative ideas, knowledge of the conventions of comics and Photoshop skills together to win the ‘best design’ category.
I was lucky to get work experience in the comedy and entertainment department at Tiger Aspect with the producer Geoffrey Perkins. I was able to observe work going on in the sound studio and edit suite where The Harry and Paul Show was being made and I also took on running duties as their runner was unwell – lucky for me if not for her. I was beginning to realise how intelligent the people off-screen were, and how competitive the environment was. The people here were working hard on things they enjoyed, and I enjoyed learning from them.
I like a broad range of films, particularly the Horror and Western genres. My current favourites are the Sergio Leone films of the 60s. For my A-level media project I filmed a short spaghetti western film in Italy influenced by Sergio Leone’s work. I am currently writing and recording the music in homage to Ennio Morricone. I particularly enjoyed the practical aspects of this project. I find it very satisfying to finish a small scene after editing it for hours.
Earlier this year I also made a film for a competition in my own time, using stop frame animation. It showed two pieces of roast beef playing football using a Yorkshire pudding. Not the easiest of cast members admittedly, but I enjoyed the immediacy of the process and I was really pleased with the result, which can be seen on the Walkers website.
So far I have been absolutely captured by everything related to this subject, whether through my studies or not, and, I can only assume, it becomes more and more fascinating at university level.

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