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2017-2018: What Did I Learn?

[A 500 word Critical and Reflective Evaluation of what you have learned regarding your personal and professional development this year, and how you plan to build on it next year.] This academic year has been highly eye opening and full of creativity. From university films, to historical musical pre-production, I have been involved in all sorts of projects, and I intend to continue this pattern through the rest of the year, both in and out of my academic life. Before the start of the academic year, I had not properly explored exactly what pre-production entails. I now know that it isn't always as practical filmmaking based as you might think. Whilst this is where the ideas are formulated, changed and edited into something possible, it is also financing, location scouting, shot lists, casting and so much more, all under the general umbrella of 'pre-production'. I spent a vast amount of time writing, conversing and educating. Working with non-filmmakers on multiple occasi...

A Reflection on: "The Shape of Water"

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[A minimum of two x 200 word reflections on critically acclaimed films  (#2)  ] The Shape of Water film poster The Shape of Water (2017, dir. Guillermo Del Toro) is the 2018 Oscar winning film for Best Picture. Being an avid Del Toro fan, I instantly knew I'd be straight to see TSOW. Del Toro has a method of unshackling himself from the limits of reality, ever adjusting the rules of what can and cannot be done with moving image. Renowned for his worlds of fantasy, The Shape of Water was undoubtedly deserving of the Best Picture Oscar. I've always been slightly hesitant about the idea of working on films in the style of Del Toro's. Like Miyazaki, he isn't afraid of boundaries, and whilst I admire and gain inspiration from this, I've always felt too afraid to do this myself. However, I've readjusted my thoughts on this after watching TSOW, leaving myself eager to become surrounded by filmmakers with a similar thought process and inspiration to mine....

A Reflection on - "Dunkirk"

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[A minimum of two x 200 word reflections on critically acclaimed films (#1) ] Dunkirk (2017, dir. Christopher Nolan) is the Oscar nominated, critically acclaimed film, shedding light on the real life happenings at Dunkirk. Not usually being drawn to films that focus on real life events, I didn't expect much from this film, due to my own personal tastes. However, thirty seconds in, I was in complete awe of the quality Nolan has given us all.  I rarely would leave the cinema or finish watching a film and mention sound design as my first compliment. Dunkirk was the first film I have ever done this for. Sound has always been a focus of interest for me, however more often than not, I find myself finishing a film without inspiration in the field of sound. Sound editor Richard King had so carefully thought about his sounds, and how they could apply to the moving image at that time. Often, composers and Sound Editors will just fit in with the moving image, rather than stand out,...

Inspiration from Guest Speakers - Hwa Young

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[A minimum of two x 200 word reflections on what you have learnt from any of the Media Talks Guest Speakers (#2) ] During the Academic year, there were two talks in particular that have inspired me to either try something new, and to continue doing my best to make it into the industry. A guest talk I more recently attended at the University was with Hwa Young. Hwa Young is an award-winning artist, who specialises in bringing in members of the public in unlikely spaces, and creating new pieces of art with them. Be it with children, or with convicts - Hwa Young is no stranger to either end of the spectrum. Hwa Young- left. On project "Northern Powerhouse - Last Towns Standing. Young's method of opting to interact with the public, rather than exclusively other artists, and her keenness to use unconventional spaces for her art greatly inspires me to think outside the box. For example, rather than only working in gallery spaces, she enjoys working in more public area...

Applying for Film Festivals

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[One x 300 word reflection on the process of applying to a minimum of two open calls such as festivals or screening opportunities that you have submitted your film or projects to.] I have so far applied for two Film Festivals.  This is the NYC Mental Health Film Festival. I have applied for this, submitting my film "DEFINITION" - completed by myself alone during the Exploration Unit (link: https://vimeo.com/244385013 ) NYC Mental Health Film Festival Application Page Application Process (NYC Mental Health Film Festival) Application Process (NYC Mental Health Film Festival) Application Process (NYC Mental Health Film Festival) The second open call that I have applied for is the Filmed Up: North West Filmmakers Night at HOME. This process was significantly more simple than the NYC Mental Health Film Festival. I didn't need to wait for any uploading times, as it was a simple URL paste, as represented on the image. The only page for applying...

Example Cover Letter

This is my current 2018 cover letter. I have not included an address, company name or a particular person's name, as this is my standard cover letter I will personalise depending on my application. (The layout has been slightly altered due to Blogger's formatting). Eden Hall Flat 4, 17 Hill Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST41NL Mobile: 07830918818 - Email: edenehall@gmail.com 30 March 2018 Mr/Ms ____________ Company name: Address: City, County, Postcode, Phone Email Dear __________ From your job opening, I understand you’re in need of a dedicated Film Editor with great attention to detail and excellent skills. My education and training make me an ideal candidate for this position. My educational background has prepared me for the role of _______. In particular, my study of Filmmaking at Manchester Metropolitan University has given me a solid background so that I can edit to a high level. I am eager to contribute not only my enthu...

CV

Pasted below is my 2018 CV. This is targeted towards working within the Film industry, ideally. (Blogger has changed the format - it doesn't usually look quite like this.) Eden Elise Hall   Flat 4, 17 Hill Street, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST41NL • 01782768862 • 07830918818 • edenehall@gmail.com   Personal statement   I am a conscientious and hardworking student who strives for success in everything I do. I am enthused by working in a team, be it in a workplace or on a film set, and am eager to be involved within a likeminded group of people. Going above and beyond for the consumer/customer is my main goal, and I will strive to ensure not only the customer’s needs, but beyond their expectations.. My most recent employment experience taught me a strong element of working within a team, and I am confident that I can strive when working with others in order to complete whichever goal we face.   I am currently studying at Manchester Metropolitan Un...