#uni interview

but um i have no idea what to expect- do any of you have any college interview tips or know some of the questions i’ll probably be asked?

Today’s lessons were good, my politics class did a timed 12 marker for the first time so i’m hoping i did well in that one.

Ahhh film portfolio’s are tricky things to master. I will say I didn’t have one because I went into University through Clearing and therefore was not asked for one. But since then I’ve curated my professional portfolio and worked at my University helping people with theirs.

1) Keep all your work    Even if it’s stuff from GCSE or middle school keep it, it’s not about only showing your best work. It’s a chance to show were you started and where you are now, therefore showing lecturers what potential you have. Also stuff you’ve made outside of school shows enthusiasm and that’s what people want to see!

2) It doesn’t just have to be films (most of the time)   Most lectures won’t expect you to come in with fully formed films ready to show, they will expect some, but what you see on screen is only 10% of what filmmakers actually do. Show production work such as treatments/scripts/drafts/storyboards and be about to talk about those just as much as you can talk about the film.

3) Be able to talk about your work    Don’t put something in there just because it looks cool, be prepared to talk about it in detail as 9/10 that’s what you’ll be talking about in your interview.

4) Show things that didn’t work as well    People are so hard on themselves that sometimes they forget that failing is the best way to learn. Bring somethings that didn’t work, explain why it didn’t work and what you’ve learnt from that project. Experimenting is a huge part of filmmaking.

5) Read the University guidelines    If you’re required to send a portfolio the University will give you guidelines as to what to bring/send. Read them carefully as they are there for a reason and not abiding by them could cost you an interview/place. Time limits especially as if everyone submits 10 minute showreels that’s 10x1500 potential students - lectures will not be too happy about that.

I hope that helps - my old University made a video about this which could be useful also. I always say that I didn’t get onto my course because of my experience I got on because of my enthusiasm and willingness to work, show that through you’re portfolio and you’ll be fine.

If you have any questions just drop me a message!