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UAL and Kingston University Film Portfolio

Hello!! I have been worrying a bit because I have to submit portfolios for 2 Universities I'm applying to in 2025. I am confused about what I can add to my portfolio and how to structure it. I'm aware that different universities have varying requirements for portfolios, but I'm still confused about what kind of platforms I should be using. I know that both universities want me to submit the portfolios to some websites, but beforehand, do I make them on something like Word or Powerpoint, and how creative can I get? I mean, should the portfolio look formal, or can I be 'artsy' about it?

I'm also struggling with deciding what I should include. I have made lots of photos over the past year as I have become very fascinated with nature; I'm always noticing opportunities to take images. However, I don't have any experience in editing photos, they don't look professional, just pictures I took in-the-moment. I know I'm still a student, but I'm worried everyone else has lots of experience. I also often take videos of animals, or just my surroundings - but I haven't made anything that I can personally call a film, is it possible to add these clips to the portfolio? Can I add music to them and maybe make a music video? (I'm afraid it will just look like an edit). I did GCSE art and have a few pieces I'm proud of, but I don't know how to go about including this, most of my drawings aren't original pieces, but is it okay as long as I declare my intentions? But how does it link to filmmaking?

Sorry this is long. Finally, I have also attempted to write a script and have made somewhat of a storyboard, but they are incomplete, is this okay if maybe I work on a script for a key scene, then improve it, and talk about my progress and inspirations? Can I also mention if I was inspired by cartoons, or anime maybe in character design and creative choices. I also assume it best to include if I've done a film course or read a book on film. Thank you!
Original post by galaxie35
Hello!! I have been worrying a bit because I have to submit portfolios for 2 Universities I'm applying to in 2025. I am confused about what I can add to my portfolio and how to structure it. I'm aware that different universities have varying requirements for portfolios, but I'm still confused about what kind of platforms I should be using. I know that both universities want me to submit the portfolios to some websites, but beforehand, do I make them on something like Word or Powerpoint, and how creative can I get? I mean, should the portfolio look formal, or can I be 'artsy' about it?
I'm also struggling with deciding what I should include. I have made lots of photos over the past year as I have become very fascinated with nature; I'm always noticing opportunities to take images. However, I don't have any experience in editing photos, they don't look professional, just pictures I took in-the-moment. I know I'm still a student, but I'm worried everyone else has lots of experience. I also often take videos of animals, or just my surroundings - but I haven't made anything that I can personally call a film, is it possible to add these clips to the portfolio? Can I add music to them and maybe make a music video? (I'm afraid it will just look like an edit). I did GCSE art and have a few pieces I'm proud of, but I don't know how to go about including this, most of my drawings aren't original pieces, but is it okay as long as I declare my intentions? But how does it link to filmmaking?
Sorry this is long. Finally, I have also attempted to write a script and have made somewhat of a storyboard, but they are incomplete, is this okay if maybe I work on a script for a key scene, then improve it, and talk about my progress and inspirations? Can I also mention if I was inspired by cartoons, or anime maybe in character design and creative choices. I also assume it best to include if I've done a film course or read a book on film. Thank you!

Hi @Galaxie35,

First of all, it’s great to see how much thought and effort you’re putting into your portfolio! It’s completely natural to feel a bit overwhelmed at this stage, but Kingston University’s application process is designed to showcase your creativity, passion, and potential, even if you’re still a beginner. Let me walk you through the specifics of what Kingston is looking for in a portfolio and how you can address your concerns.

1. What Kingston is Looking For

Kingston’s Film Portfolio requirements focus on four key values: questioning, curiosity, technical ability, and enthusiasm. Here’s how you can incorporate these:

Questioning: Show your creative process. Include sketches, drafts, or experiments that demonstrate how you developed your ideas. Don’t shy away from showing incomplete work this can highlight your thought process. You can annotate your portfolio to explain what you were thinking and what you learned.

Curiosity: Include work that reflects what inspires you, whether it’s nature, books, films, or cartoons. You can also mention influences in your captions or annotations. This shows how you engage with the world and turn inspiration into creativity.

Technical Ability: Highlight your skills, whether it’s photography, filming, drawing, or editing. Even if your work isn’t “professional,” focus on how it communicates a story or idea. You can also explain what tools or methods you used, like combining photos into a collage or editing a short video.

Enthusiasm: Show your passion for filmmaking by including diverse and personal work. This could be experimenting with a script, making a short montage, or even capturing candid moments. Let your excitement for storytelling shine through!

Check out this video about creating a strong portfolio for more insights directly from Kingston.

2. Portfolio Options

Kingston offers two main submission formats:

1.

An Edited 3-Minute Video:


2.

If you have short clips or projects, compile them into a 3-minute video and upload it to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo. Ensure the video reflects storytelling, composition, and your perspective.

3.

Keep the original audio (no music overlay) and list your role in creating the video (e.g., director, editor).

4.

A Digital Portfolio (15–20 Pages):

A digital portfolio can include photos, sketches, storyboards, or collages that explore visual storytelling. For example:

Use your nature photos to show your eye for composition.

Turn your videos into a storyboard or mood board, explaining how you sequenced the images to tell a story.

Annotate your drawings to explain their connection to character or scene design.

3. Tips for Creating Your Portfolio

Structure Your Work: Use a clear layout with captions or short descriptions for each piece. This can explain what the work represents, your process, and how it connects to filmmaking.

Combine Mediums: You don’t need to stick to one medium. Kingston encourages showing versatility, so combining photography, video clips, and sketches is a great approach.

Ground Your Work in Research: Mention how books, films, or other media have influenced your work. This reflects curiosity and helps bridge the gap between your pieces and filmmaking.

Use a PDF Format: If submitting a portfolio, combine your work into a PDF with working links to any videos or external sources.

4. Tools and Platforms to Use

Beginner-Friendly Editing Tools: For video clips, use tools like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Rush.

Portfolio Platforms: You can use Wix, Behance, or Adobe Portfolio to create a polished digital submission.

For more detailed guidance, visit Kingston’s Film Portfolio Requirements page or contact the admissions team. They can clarify submission specifics or answer questions about what you’re unsure of.

Your nature photos, unfinished storyboard, and script ideas already sound like excellent material. Remember, this is your chance to show your potential and creativity, not perfection. Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

Anushka
Kingston Student Rep
(edited 1 month ago)

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