Unit 11 - Progression
In this unit I am going to be exporing different career paths and understand my next steps after college.
Task 1
Possible Paths - Research
University
One path that I could follow is going to University. I could do a specialised Media course involving photoshop, graphic design, marketing and advertising. I have found a course that interests me at Brighton university that covers these topics and more about camerawork and directing. It is a 3 year course but there is also a foundation year that will take it to 4 years. The good thing about going to University is that I will be all rounded. I will have knowledge in almost all media aspects and will not have to limit my profession to an specific area. It would give me freedom to do whatever I want and will give me more time to figure out what I want to do also.
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Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is the option that people have suggested to me whenever I have spoken to them about my goals. I have found an option in Lancing that involves designing website banners, assisting web visuals, researching media opportunities that may benefit the buisness using different forms of media, and creating and uploading images to websites. I will keep looking for more and better apprenticships that are better suited for me and expand on this possible path.
The pros of an apprenticeship are that I will gain real life experience, learning while earning, and it is a good opportunity to gain more confidence. Although it is a lot of pressure and stress and the amount I will get paid might not be enough to justify the work.
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Job/Work
A more difficult option is to go straight into a job. Becoming a runner is the most likely postion. I have seen that ITV are hiring for this position in many cities like Manchester and London. As these are not close to home at all, this path would come with plenty of sacrifies that I would have to take in order to progress in the rankings of ITV starting as a runner. Although being a runner will start with long uncomfortable hours, lots of critisism, and getting told exactly what to do for a living, when progressed through the ranks, it will give complete creative freedom, lots of social opportunities, and an interesting work life that would be worth the work.
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Freelancer
Being self-employed is something that appeals to me and being a freelancer gives me that. A freelancer is somebody or an independent team who finds companies that want graphics, videos, adverts or other types of advertising created for them. They go to freelancers as it is normally cheaper and helps up and coming artists. It gives me most creative freedom as long as the job i'm doing also appeals to the customer. I feel as if this path would be a very low paying and slow process to get started and might not be possible as i would be putting money into it and not getting enough back to make it worth while. This path would give me flexible work hours, a control over my work load, and a good work : life ratio, but the unstable income and competitive industry are negative factors.
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Roadmap
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Stage 1 - Leaving College
I am hoping to leave college with a distinction that will put me on the right path to being employable, noticable, and successful. Working hard to achieve this will give me a good understanding of the media industry as well as skills like camerawork, video editing, photo editing, general creation, and I will be able to use equipment properly. As well as these professional skills, I am hoping to leave college with more confidence, and social involvement to ensure that I am not nervous to talk to people that I will need to talk to.
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Stage 2 - Entering HE
As I am still not sure what aspect I want to specialise in, I think a University course that involves many subjects will be most suited for me. I have found many courses at Universities like Brighton and Chichester that are not specific to a certain job role that appeal to me. If I was to go to University, one of these courses would be sufficient:
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https://www.chi.ac.uk/department-creative-digital-technologies/courses/ba-hons-media-and-communications
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/media-studies-ba-hons.aspx
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/media-production-ba-hons.aspx
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/digital-media-arts-ma.aspx
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However, I think that an apprenticeship is better suited for me as I am eager to get hands on experience in the industry. I have also always planned not to go to University but I have explored my options if I change my mind. My ideal apprenticeship will give me experience and intel into the industry. I want to know what customers want so I can start putting my own creative touch on other peoples ideas to create something effective and that we are both happy with. I have found a very local apprenticeship that includes launching and mangaging social media pages, uploading, creating and amending content for their websites, and creating marketing campaigns and newsletters:
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https://careerfinder.ucas.com/job/396095/digital-marketing-apprentice/?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic\
other options:
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/job/394887/digital-marketing-apprenticeship-in-bath/
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Stage 3 - Entering Media Employment
In order to get an apprenticeship after college, I will need to find many options that I am interested in and apply. Giving information of my GCSE results and qualifications that I will get after college. This will give them a rough idea of my skillset and who they are hiring. In terms of what skills I need, I will have to assume that a basic understanding of the industry, and good understanding of Adobe software and how to use them, and also confidence would be key into doing well during an apprenticeship.
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Stage 4,5,6 - Progressing In Media
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Runner
A runners job entails supporting any and all members of the team by making sure they have what they need. From delivering messages to organising meetings to tidying up and being the last person to leave the site on the day. They also make tea and coffee for the crew. This is an entry level role and is the stepping stone to becoming specialised assistants and the VFX artist roles.
If I was to aim for the runner role, I would have to get used to being told what to do. I would have to gain more confidence to talk to every member of the crew and also to make sure that the messages I am giving and transfering are correct to the best of my knowledge. This would be a challenging role or me.
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Layout Artist
A layout artist determines the position of the characters and choreograph where they will be moving during the duration of the shot. Layout artists must consider framing, composition, camera angle, camera path and movement, and the lighting of each key scene. These variables must keep consistent in each scene to ensure it looks the same after the shot construction in the VFX production. Communication is important in this role to talk to the director about which camera 'language' to use and how they want the scene to look on the screen. A director may sometimes ask the layout artist to make multiple drafts with different compositions so the editors have options to chose from in post. A good skill to have is the knowledge of what creates a mood. For example cold colours mean sadness and warm colours mean happiness. A better understanding of those themes would be needed for tis role. As well as knowledge of 3D Rendering programs such as Cinema 4D and Blender which I currently dont have. However this is also an entry level role so it is possible.
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Marketing Manager
Marketing managers convince the audience that their product is a must-see or a must-have. This role involves identifying audiences and creating a campaign that can attract that target audience. This could be through billboards, posters, through social media such as Instagram, newsletters and trailers. This role depends massively on the budget of the production. Projects with more investments tend to have more marketing funding than small productions. Marketing managers take into consideration preparing a marketing budget with income forcasts, acquisition, costs and contract terms. Also if the film is being screened in different lanaguages, the marketing campaign needs to adapt to the different countries too. Audience awareness and knowing the target is a very useful skill in this role as well as knowledge of the industry and how to market well. Planning and communication are also key skills, as well as confidence is key in most roles too.
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Skills Checklist
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Confidence
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Communication (Verbal)
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Listening/Paying Attention to Detail
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Accept Critisism
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Work Well Under Pressure
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Patience
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Knowledge of Media Production
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Flexible/Open to Change
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Find New Ways of Compelting Tasks
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Carry out Basic Tasks using a Computer or Phone
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Skills Checklist
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Confidence
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Communication (Written and Verbal)
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Knowledge of Publication Industry
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Creativity (Artistic and Original)
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Innovative
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Multi-task and Prioritize
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Staying updated with Trends
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Skills Checklist
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Confidence
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Communication (Written and Verbal)
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Organisation and Planning
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Creativity
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Attenton to detail
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Teamwork
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Adaptability
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Numerical Skills
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Basic IT Skills
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Task 2
Personal Statement Analysis
The first personal statement I have chosen to analyse is from a student submitted in 2009. I have chosen this one as it is titled "Music Video and Short Film Production personal statement"and these are the aspects of media that interest me a lot.
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This statement starts off with a quote from Pablo Picasso saying "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Starting your personal statement with a quote seems very cheesy in my opinion. I think it shows naivety which wont be attractive to UCAS. This student goes on to mention many emotions in a list and then say "these are just some of the emotions I have experienced because of Media". I also infer this as naivety and immature to say in the manner it was written. Its over-flattery. Fawning about media in a personal statement does not show passion for the subject in my opinion. The third paragraph is where the personal statements starts to look like a proper showcase of this students skills. They list experience saying "I have created over 30 short films". This is the knowledge that will stand out. "I have experimented with various types of filming and editing" is another intriguing skillset to mention as it will show your diversity. Listing who inspires you is something I think is useful as it lets an employer or UCAS see what type of style your work is going to be influenced by. This student has said "Chris Cunningham" is their favourite director and also included pieces of work that they enjoy. This is good as it will show knowledge of the industry which is important as this is the first step to understanding the industry as a whole. Aspirations are also another great thing to mention in a personal statement. This student has mentioned that they are "currently waiting on feedback from MTV and Warp Films regarding internships". Aspects like this show that you arent scared to chase what you want, that your networking skills are wise, and that you are motivated to move forwards in this industry. Career paths are a valid piece of information to include and this student does it well saying that they want to "persue a career as a director" and adding that they have and are looking into what course and path is right for them. This shows intuitive. Previous experience is another worth while subject to talk about as experience showcases skills and understanding perfectly. This student spoke about multiple companies they have worked for and they also mentioned their role while working with each company. The outro of this personal statement is effective as it works as a summary of everything mentioned before to further convince an employer or UCAS.
The first personal statement I have chosen to analyse is from a student submitted in 2010. I have chosen this one as it is titled "Film, Cinematography and Media Personal Statement"which are aspects I am interested in within Media.
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This statement starts off with a direct statement of "I want to direct films." I like this approach as it shows your end goal, and that you are also not scared of it. The journey doesnt intimidate you. Its mature. This student then briefly explains what a director does and why they are fit for the job. Selling themselves. Education is a key bit of information that this student has included. Not just inside of college and high school, but extra activities outside of the education system. What you have been doing as of extremely recent is a good thing to add into a personal statement as it tells UCAS that you are constantly working towards your goal and you are motivated. Improvements that youve made, I think, are a great thing to add to a personal statement. Being mature enough to acknowledge that once you were not so good at something but with appropriate steps you have improved shows many valuable skills. Hobbies and interests are something that UCAS will be interested in. This student has included their favourite books, what they do in social times, and what social activities they enjoy, and how they help and link to the media industry. Favourite films are also a good one to add as they are a direct link into the industry. This students outro is a more detailed summary explaining further what their apirations are, how they are beginning to make them a reality, and also why they think they are fit for the job.
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The first personal statement I looked at, even though they added a lot of detail and past experience working in media, I feel it sounded quite immature with the quotations and clichés that would turn away UCAS or potential employers. The second statement I feel as if would be more effective as they approached writing it very maturely and added all important aspects including education, hobbies, skills, improvements, and aspirations - with a good, effective summary/outro.
Personally, I will be basing my personal statement on the second example as opposed to the first.
My CV and Personal Statement
A CV is a written overview of ones life work, skills, achievements or showcase of employability. It should show past experience, and all qualifications the person has. These are shown to employers to impress them and give them an idea of your skillset. A CV aims to convince the reader to hire you.
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A personal statement is an opportunity to show off a persons strengths, boast about achievements, and share career aspirations. A personal statement should include experience, ambition and an insight into your personal life. They are used by prospective students when applying for University or Graduate school.
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I went on reed.co.uk and created a CV. I included all the past work experience that I have and also my GCSE qualifications. I added a mini personal statement also, however I will be creating a more in depth statement, using the ones I analysed as a template, to impress UCAS.
UCAS Personal Statement
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Directing, filming, producing, and editing music videos, short videos and advertisements are the aspects of media that interest me the most. I love seeing an idea on a storyboard come to life every step of the way. With this in mind, I am in a position where there are many career paths and job titles that I can strive for. I like to keep my options open.
I have a lot of experience in using Adobe software’s. I have had a plethora of practice by creating everything from silly YouTube videos to creating complex 2D animations using After Effects. I have been using these software’s for around 4 years now so I am familiar with Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro and InDesign – which makes my career aspiration easier to accomplish. I will be able to use my best qualities in the industry as a professional with my desired job path. I am excited to move onto mainstream projects after College where I can have creative freedom, and to transform somebodies vision into a reality.
As well as software, I am very familiar with computer hardware. For work experience, my responsibility included taking apart computer systems, rebuilding systems, unboxing and setting up printers and also working with CCTV cameras and software’s. So I am able to diagnose problems with these electronics and most of the time fix these issues. I know how computers work. This makes me reliable in situations as if there is a technical problem, I can solve it myself instead of waiting for and relying on a technician. I will also be able to help my peers with these problems too.
I am currently in college, enrolled doing Level 3 Creative Media. I chose this course as it is perfect for me to continue using the appropriate software’s and also to develop my skillset and understanding for the industry. I have been given projects that are industry-like, and have completed them with confidence which is shown in my progress. Evidence of these projects can be given in referral. I am not afraid to ask my teachers and professionals for assistance as speaking to them will give me a greater insight into the real life industry and will prepare me for after College.
In my free time, I enjoy playing football. I play for a men’s team in the Littlehampton area. I have been playing for around 13 years so this has become a major part of my life. In this sport, I demonstrate skills such as teamwork, communication, and confidence. There are 30+ members in my team so communication is a huge factor to ensure I stay on everybody’s good side and also to be able to play the game well. Confidence is also a massive aspect that I have improved over the years and it can be quite intimidating when joining a new club – especially when everybody is much older. I have also taken up skateboarding as of recent which has really tested my resilience, persistence, and grit to endure. These skills help my day to day life as when I am focused and passionate about a project, I will go to every length I have to, and won’t give up until the process is complete and I am happy with the outcome.
I would like to continue my studies into the media industry as I am eager to learn new, improved, and effective methods. I want to take my knowledge to the next level by learning new video and photo editing techniques, as well as getting experience with camera work and directing. This course will put me on a great path in the future to strive for a job role leaning anywhere from a director or director’s assistant, to video assisting operators, to editor, VFX editor or layout artist. Keeping my options open is important to me, so I would like to ideally endeavour towards all of these options – and I look forward to the challenges ahead.
Task 3
Task 4
Career Path Presentation
if that video doesn't work : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxVuToAi_To