film portfolio

i sent my ucas application off last week to a variety of different film courses. however, i've never had the opportunity to create or participate in a short film, and have very little practical filmmaking experience.

the uni websites state they're also interested in writing, photography, etc. if you have no practical work, but i wondered if anyone else (ideally previous applicants/current film students?) could give me any insight into whether or not it's realistic for me to expect an offer without a showreel of practical filmmaking experience? or if anyone else applying is in a similar predicament?

Reply 1

eden_rea1003

5

Original post by etherealarachnid

i sent my ucas application off last week to a variety of different film courses. however, i've never had the opportunity to create or participate in a short film, and have very little practical filmmaking experience.

the uni websites state they're also interested in writing, photography, etc. if you have no practical work, but i wondered if anyone else (ideally previous applicants/current film students?) could give me any insight into whether or not it's realistic for me to expect an offer without a showreel of practical filmmaking experience? or if anyone else applying is in a similar predicament?

I am in the exact same predicament. I'm just glad I'm not the only one. I'm applying to the Filmmaking course with Manchester Met and am a mature student too (granted only turning 23 in March). I'm doing some research of my own into this and if I come across anything I'll get back to you as well

Reply 2

etherealarachnid

OP

4

Original post by eden_rea1003

I am in the exact same predicament. I'm just glad I'm not the only one. I'm applying to the Filmmaking course with Manchester Met and am a mature student too (granted only turning 23 in March). I'm doing some research of my own into this and if I come across anything I'll get back to you as well

thank you! i was feeling like i was the only one haha.

i've been told almost all unis are open to the inclusion of photography, scripts, any type of writing (especially creative writing), drawing/animation work, storyboarding, any creative "works-in-progress"... but how much they value it without any practical filmmaking work varies a lot. it's not filling me with confidence that i can't seem to find any successful applicants who were in this position lmao...

Hey, just to put everyone at ease, I graduated 2 years ago with a film degree and am currently doing a film related Masters. I didn't have any film portfolio when I applied. I think a lot of universities just want evidence of creativity and are typically open to other examples of it. Best of luck with your applications!

Hello,

It's great to hear that you have done some research on what universities look for in portfolios. Many universities have portfolio guidance pages on their websites, and it's always a good idea to make enquiries with their admissions team.

It's important to remember that you're applying for a specialised 3-year course where you'll be learning specific film-making skills from year one. Universities don't expect you to be experts in the field, otherwise, why would you be applying?
They simply want to see your passion, creativity, a willingness to learn, evolve and challenge your creative practice. It's preferred if you have some basic skills and that you can reference artists or directors you admire, but it's understandable if you come from a school/education where film wasn't an A-level choice.

I hope this helps.

Kate 🙂
Arts University Plymouth Rep
aup.ac.uk
💻 Email us at [email protected]⁠
☎️ Call us on 01752 203402⁠
📱 Whatsapp us at 07722 744184⁠

film portfolio

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