I've been enveloped by film for my entire life, the dynamics behind each

individual scene and how one simple idea can turn into a two-hour production.
My time at Henley college has taught me that surrounding myself by other
enthusiastic creatives is extremely important and made me look at film
production as a whole; the significance of every camera, microphone placement,
lighting and editing technique. To study this subject further means developing
every aspect, so I can achieve my goal of becoming a director whilst respecting
each important role in the process.

For my final production in the first year of college, I looked more into expressing
myself, showing my struggles of anxiety and body image and relaying that back
to the audience, in hopes to spread awareness as it's important to encourage
others to have acceptance of self. This specific project helped me understand
what I most enjoy and that is directing. I learnt that going out with just my
camera, a light and microphone, creating this project with only a few actors gave
me a new perspective on film that I never had before. This was something I
could be proud of, showing my family, friends and teachers. In my next few
years of further education, I want to refine my leadership skill and really
understand what my audience want.

In my creative media course, I developed a keen interest in production and

especially the role of directing. I began listening to the 'slashfilmcast' podcast to
explore more developed critiques. I learnt of the in-depth response an audience
must film, further than just evoking emotion but the often-hidden
representation of ideologies, philosophies, and politics. To understand this
further I decided that I would change my research methods to learn more about
my audience. So, in my last project I spoke directly to the age range I had
chosen; I knew I wanted to make an awareness film and after speaking to peers,
friends and family I really grasped the importance of talking to everyone. From
this research I was able to make a short film which represented a character who
had body dysmorphia and an eating disorder, like two of the girls I had
interviewed. Pushing myself in this project lead me to really understand why it is
I want to be a director, so that I can connect with the audience, to make them
feel represented so that they know they are not alone.
I am currently doing a virtual work experience through Springpod in TV and Film.
I have attended three webinars by, Film Critic Damon Smith, Bianca Gavin Head
of Production and Tom Morgan Head of Client Services. They all talked about the
importance of perseverance, experiencing creative burnout and the pressure of
meeting deadlines. In my studies at university, I will practice this further, by
planning thoroughly and always being on time, like I have done in my education
and work. To balance college, this experience and my part time job has given me
the chance to refine my time management, whilst also keeping to my
responsibilities at home. In the past years I have volunteered for charity events
held by my local scouts where I worked in a team to raise money by selling
donations. I learnt that placing these products to make them visually pleasing,
organising them depending on the demographic and talking to customers about
each item helped me to sell more. This experience is exactly like the production
of a film, to achieve your idea you need to understand what the audience wants
and how you can give that to them.

I currently work at my local Greggs store as a team member, which involves

serving customers and preparing food. In my free time I enjoy painting and
drawing, another way to express my creativity. In this degree, I am most looking
forward to using professional equipment and working with other like minded
individuals. I am ready to take this next step and direct many great films.