Film?

crompton

Thinking towards 6th form choices now and longer term for uni etc. i want to go into film, maybe television and then progress into film, what choices should i be making at 6th form and courses for uni, any one with experience or made similar choices should also leave comments, by the way i mean the behind the camera area of film, post preduction etc.

tr3mor

I'm not sure about academic options, but if you really want this get as much work experience and volunteering as possible.

KizzyK_2

It really depends on what you want to do, camera work, directing, Editing, Sound, lighting - heres a good comprehensive list of jobs that are 'behind the camera'

As for A levels, Film Studies (covers the development of cinema from its beginnings about 100 years ago up to the present day) and Media Studies (analysis of film and television productions) will help you but it depends on what job you would like to end up in, some uni's like you to have at least an As in English or if its directing you hanker after then you might like to look at some of the top drama school's directing courses.

crompton

thanks very much kezzy, keep them coming guys. Media studies in my school looks at film,radio,tv,magazines,papers,advertising and stuff no camera work at all, just looks at the types of programs and things like that

lellie

I think you need to think more about experience than your 6th form choices..

For A Levels I think you'll be fine with most courses.

Film/Media studies aren't really relevant to post production etc, but they do demonstrate an interest in that field of work - so you could go for one of those.

Music Technology might develop more relevant skills for studio work. Working in a music studio can use similar processes to some Film work.. You should probably consider ICT or similar too - as a lot of post production etc will be done using computers these days.

Art/Design subjects could be useful -perhaps photography more than straight art. I think for some courses of film production at uni a foundation diploma in art is required so art based courses seem to be essential. Depending on what kinda thing you want to do.

Other things to consider are Maths/Physics - depending on the kind of work you're interested in numerical/engineering-type skills can be important.

Generally though go for three A Levels in something you're interested in and should do well at.. I'd suggest maybe ICT, Maths or Physics, Music Tech or Photography or Media Studies.. or some similar combination!

OR as an alternative if you're really really sure you know what you want to do look for vocational courses - personally I think you're best keeping your options open with a decent set of A Levels though.

Work Experience - Get as much as you possibly can - TV, Film whatever. Apply to the BBC as soon as you are old enough - most of their work experience placements are over 18 though - and you're allowed to do up to 2 placement per academic year at the BBC - but certainly worth trying to get one.

Another thing to do is look on the ucas site for possible courses you might be interested in and look at their entry requirements.

Some courses seem to require a foundation degree in art -presumably for the more creative fields of work. Others ask for a grade C in A Level Maths or Physics. Some ask for A Level ICT. So have a think about what kinda course you're after and choose A Levels that will open this to you.

http://search.ucas.co.uk/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/RKUk53JzFSuEFb3st_q4_mw3TGRrE-417p/HAHTpage/search.HsKeywordSuggestion.whereNext?query=4317&word=FILM+PRODUCTION+TECHNOLOGY&single=N
is a list of film production courses - look at their entry requirements.

Str4berr3

Hey there,
I've been given conditional offer at Middlesx Uni, a BA in Film, Video and Interactive Arts, and like you I was really interested in finding a course in more Practical then the theory part. Look for anything that says, 'Production's.

I am currently studying a HNC, on film, video and sound, which encourages us to take on a more experimental approach - no MTV! Although we do theory too but I have just discovered the magic when using a 16mm Bolex during a shot last week - Beautiful!

I'd advise if you want to get into the best uni's for this industry - Brighton, Bournemouth, Westminster, LCC. then get into a college linked to it ( of course doing a similar subject.) rather hten choosing a college course that you like - think one step ahead.

Westminster has a great connection with BBC and currently I have been told that there dont like experiment people, so no John de luc or Tarentino!

Oh and break a leg. :beer:

melancholly

remember that the media industry seems to function by havig a lot of people desperate to get experience so a lot of it is unpaid! i've seen friends work stupid hours as runners without any pay - now they wanted to do it and in the end it did lead to jobs, but just be prepared for it!