National Film & Television School MA

joebloggs69

I know this is extremely unlikely, but does anyone know anything about National Film & Television School?

I am coming to the end of my Film Studies degree and have a strong desire to apply for the Directing MA - just a couple of minor problems: lack of money and I've no idea of my chances of getting in.

What is it with MA's, no funding whatsoever? Not even student loans? This particular school is funded by schollarships which it gives to students itself, so nearly all UK students get £4,500 mantainence grant per year. Fees are £5000 a year (2 years), there is also a bursary of about £4000 but I've no idea if I'd get it (although I do have absolutely no money at all, nor does family). So I'm guessing I'll have to get a CDL, but I need to cover rent of about £300 a month as I live with my partner (£600 in total, south London/Surrey), so no flat shares/6 students-to-a-house etc.

I am going along to an open day in April, but until then I'm just trying to get an idea of how intensive the course is, can I at least work Saturdays?

Any advice is appreciated, even if you've never heard of the place!
Joe

Str4berr3

I think I have heard my teacher talking about it once - something about a 'no - chance' because sooo many people apply.

As you may know it is the best film school in england - europe and and if you get in for the director course you be taught by a top english director. I remember that Nick guy taught their for a directors course.( famous for directing documentraries but recently though he would experiment on a feature film?)

Gingernutmeg

My partner works in film (audio/composition/post production) and often works with people who've been through the Film School. It is the best (although he says it's lacking in the way it teaches about sound, although he would say that lol;)) and it really does feel like you need to go there if you want to get anywhere in directing. I think it's a great place to go to because they have great facilities, and you get exposed to funding sources etc.

I'm no expert lol, but from the people I've met it does look like you really need to show your enthusiasm to get in - maybe have some film-making experience, extras work, know a lot about film generally. I don't know how intensive the courses are, although be aware that at your level, in the film industry, most of the jobs are lo/no/deferred pay ... basically you don't get paid. You might be lucky and get something paid, but a lot of jobs expect you to have your own transport/equipment etc. There are a few websites that advertise film 'jobs', and I'm sure you'll find out about them as soon as you start at the film school. Maybe ask when you go to the open day if there's any way of getting experience over the summer. However, you can work in a 'normal' job ... I'm sure that you'd have at least one day free.

And no, there's no funding for an MA, and it's a bloomin annoying situation - you can't even get any kind of student loan. Good luck with applying for the grants though!