Can I mention an ongoing project on my personal statement?

8

I'm applying for Film Studies, and am currently working on a series of short films with friends. We've filmed several scenes, but they aren't finished yet. They will likely not be done until after the UCAS deadline. Can I still mention it in question 3? Since I'm doing film studies and not film production it's not necessary to put it in, but I thought it might be nice to show that I'm keen to take my learning outside of the classroom if that makes sense. Any thoughts? Thank you!

Reply 1

vchang

2

I think absolutely it would be great to add, it always doesn't really matter necessarily what you've done or if you've finished something, but more what you've learned from the process of doing it which links to Film Studies.
Working on short films is definitely great to add on its own, but even more so if you can link it to things specific to the course.

Reply 2

YourLocalNerd

OP

8

Original post

by vchang

I think absolutely it would be great to add, it always doesn't really matter necessarily what you've done or if you've finished something, but more what you've learned from the process of doing it which links to Film Studies.
Working on short films is definitely great to add on its own, but even more so if you can link it to things specific to the course.

Thank you for your reply!

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Just be aware that there is a big difference between 'Film Studies 'and practical Film production courses. Film Studies is an academic degree course about the theory behind different genres of film etc, and wont teach-you-to-make-films. Make sure you know what you are applying for. If its a heavy theory course then they will not be interested in your film-making, and it may work against you if they think you are confused about the difference between the two types of course.

Read the course descriptions for these two degrees as examples of the different emphasis :
Film & TV Studies - academic course - BA Film and Television | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
Film Studies and Production - more practical course - Film Studies and Production | Courses | Queen's University Belfast

Reply 4

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

9

Original post

by YourLocalNerd

I'm applying for Film Studies, and am currently working on a series of short films with friends. We've filmed several scenes, but they aren't finished yet. They will likely not be done until after the UCAS deadline. Can I still mention it in question 3? Since I'm doing film studies and not film production it's not necessary to put it in, but I thought it might be nice to show that I'm keen to take my learning outside of the classroom if that makes sense. Any thoughts? Thank you!

Hey @YourLocalNerd

Yes, you can absolutely mention the short films you’re working on, even if they’re not finished yet. Question 3 is about what you’ve done outside of formal education to prepare, and this experience shows initiative, creativity, and genuine interest in film all of which are valuable for Film Studies.

You don’t need to go into technical production details instead, focus on what the process has taught you so far—such as understanding narrative structure, visual storytelling, or collaboration/working with others. These are skills and insights that will support your academic study, even if the course isn’t production-focused.

McGinger also made a good point, just make sure you're aware about which side of film you'd like to go into. Is it production you're interested in (very practical) or is it theory (film studies?) Lots of universities offer taster days(even as part of open days) so I'd recommend going to one for each if you're still deciding.

Mandi - The Uni Of Law

Can I mention an ongoing project on my personal statement?

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