Here was the final personal statement I have used for my UCAS application, I have made several changes from the previous result but was happy with the final piece.
I got into visual communication because photography in my opinion a documentation of the human existence and media embodies that fact. Born in the age where media is such an integral part in everyday life. I believe doing a course like this is a way of expressing myself where I can think practically and photographically to hone my abilities and develop my skills.
For the past year or so I have been studying Film and TV at Westminster Kingsway College in London. Here I was taught the general basics of how to operate a camera, composition and different types of editing, such as green-screen which lead to special effects and motion graphics. We explored new techniques on software such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro and Illustrator. As well as Maya and Logic Pro, with Logic Pro we practiced making our own music from scratch in order to communicate to different audiences by the use of soundtracks.
I strive to work with professionals involving myself with filmmakers, working on films as a joint project or working with the BBC running my own workshops with them during the Olympics. I have worked alongside people who specialise in motion graphics, foley and the field of creative media allowing me to build contacts in the media industry practicing and experimenting with new ideas. A few of which are both established Photographers/Film Makers such as Niall O’Brian and Agenda Photography who are both based in London but have travelled the world perfecting their craft and have given me the opportunity to be mentored by them.
I have always admired directors such as Kubrick, Lynch and Tarantino for the artistic finesse and vibrancy each of them add to their films. Admiring these directors became a starting point for more theme-based work, which I now experiment with. Installation artists also fuel my creative side weather its Yayoi Kusama for her love and energy she puts into her work or ‘My Bed’ Created by Tracey Emin, which is full of personality and individuality.
On the course, we were introduced to the different styles of cinema where we were encouraged to make short films, documentaries and experimented with a variety of cinematic themes of genres. Also we have explored each genre and their audiences and the differences between cult movies, mainstream cinema and also art house. Since the age of five my love and interest for world cinema has been shared and encouraged by my grandmother.
Being on a practical media course I would gain new skills and obtain a different perspective on such things as screen writing, screen narrative and learn more about the theory of different types of media and also explore the philosophical side. Taking my understanding to a higher level. Exploring the theory and practical sides of media has always interested me, studying at university would mean I get to explore my ambitions.
Working hard is a philosophy, what you put in is what you get out, just like your education. I believe education is the key to success and this course will help me achieve my life’s goals. Understanding the importance of the technical and experimental rules of media I would like to better my knowledge in contemporary cinema and photography, which would only serve to progress my communication skills in my work.
ondreroach 