LO4 Being able to prepare content and make a portfolio

This is some of the content that I will be using in my portfolio.

This is my graphics work that I created for 'Unit 32 Graphic Design for Media Products' I produced the artwork in InDesign and for the poster I used Photoshop to compose it I also took the background picture of Sheffield. The font I got of Dafont. I will use this in my portfolio because it shows of my skills using Illustrator and Photoshop, it also shows how creative I am. It is also a original idea so it shows my imagination.

This is a music video that I created for 'Unit 46 Audio Visual Promos'. For this I had work in a group, film and edit and original music video. To film I used a DSLR camera, we also recorded the song with a microphone, we used Premier to edit the footage. This shows my filming skills because I had to frame the shot and to time lapses. The video also shows my editing skills because I had to sync the music with the video and cut at certain points in the rhythm. Also it shows my styling skills because at different points in the video there are different emotions e.g a black and white filter on events that had happened in the past. I also had to work in a team so it shows that I have strong skills in team work. This is why I will add it into my portfolio.

These are collection of photos for my 'Unit 31 Digital Photography of Media Products'. For this we had to create 5 photos on the theme of Identity. For this is decided to photograph homeless people and I used Photoshop to edit them. These photos show my photography skills and my communication skills because I had to ask homeless people if it was alright for me to take pictures of them. It also shows me editing skills using Photoshop because I edited every picture and put the quotes on the photos. This is why these photos will be in my portfolio. 

This is a shot film about Weston Park Museum for 'Unit 41 Pre-Production and Production of Film'. For this I had to work in a group and we decided to make a shot documentary about Weston Park Museum (a popular Museum in Sheffield). For this I had to film with a 4K camera, write the script for the voice over and edit the footage on Premier. This project shows my skills in script writing, filming and editing. It also shows my communication skills because I had to communicate with someone from Weston Park to make sure filming was allowed. For these reasons I will be using this short film in my portfolio.

This a TV show that I have created for 'Unit 43 Production and Post-Production for TV'. Our group created a show called Yorkshire Lasses. This was my original idea from Unit 19. In this production I wrote the script, acted and directed. The fact that I wrote the script shows my creative writing skills and my ability to create a story. The fact that I directed shows that I have strong leadership skills and can organise people. I also had to organise all the actors and made sure people knew what we were doing. Yorkshire Lasses had been very successful and this is why it will be featured in my portfolio.

Finally I had to create a magazine for 'Unit 14 Producing a Print Based Media Product'. For this I had to take photos to be in my magazine, create articles to go in my magazine and design my magazine in InDesign. The making of this magazine shows my photography skills because I had to take photos suitable for the magazine. It also shows my skills in writing because I had to write articles for the magazine. Finally I had to lean and become familiar with InDesign so I could layout and compose my magazine, this is my it will be in my portfolio.  

LO3 Understanding my own potential career/study routes

Career interests
I have always had a keen interest in media from an early age and I always loved producing, wether it was a short story or a short film I liked the idea of creating a product. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in media, I just never knew what I wanted to do specifically. I also have a massive intrest in writing and making up stories I feel it's a really good medium because you cab easily submerge yourself in a story. I have looked into careers that combine my two passions and I think that getting an apprenticeship is the perfect route for me and where I want my career to go. An apprenticeship will also open opportunities for me in the producing world.

Qualifications/Skills Needed for Career Interests
For me to achieve my goal of becoming a short film producer, I must be qualified and have the skills needed. One of the essentials of going into the world of work and going on to university courses is having a minimum grade of C in English Language and Mathematics. For some jobs they require you have a degree in the relevant subject. Although it is more important to show your talents and what you are capable of for a company to decide whether you are right for them. Having an A Level in English Literature and Language will make me a more desirable candidate because it shows I have an excellent knowledge of the English language. It will also show that I can write creatively. Skills that will help me in the working world are my knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and have basic knowledge of Illustrator, Audition and Premiere. I feel knowing these programmes will give me a better chance when applying for a job in media. Another skill that is vital to working in this environment is a good work ethic and I put all my passion into the projects I do so, also I enjoy the work I do so I make sure it is at a high standard.

Work Experience Opportunities
There are many different work experience opportunities in Sheffield that would help me gain the skills I need to follow my dream career path. Many companies such as the British Tinnitus Association and Sheffield 50+ are looking for volunteers to help with their social media accounts. This would be good experience to learn how to promote a company and how to target their target audiences. It would also give me an insight into how important social media is to companies. The Art Works Gallery CIC is looking for a volunteer to run a moving images workshop. This would be a good opportunity because I would be able to teach all the things I have learnt. It would give me great communication skills because I would have to teach people and be coherent. Finally there is Sheffield Live! which is based on volunteers so they are always welcoming new applicants as well.

Apprenticeship Opportunities
https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs#js=on&f=/job-subjects/media-studies&j=/television-presenter
This link is for the UCAS apprenticeship page. This has all the different apprenticeships that are available, these would help me move further in the world of media. I would also gain lots of hands on experience from working in that environment. I would also gain lots of skills an learn more information from working. Also from most apprenticeships you get a qualification which is usually this Level 4, this is really good to have on your CV. 

Higher Education Courses
These are some of the higher education courses that I think would suit me best. I feel that these courses would teach me vital things that would help me when finding a job.  I also have a keen interest in these courses and would like to lean more about them. These are the university coursed I have applied for 

1. Firm Choice - Film Studies and Screenwriting - Sheffield Hallam University-
https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/ba-honours-film-studies-and-screenwriting-fulltime

2. Insurance Choice - Creative Writing - York St Johns University - 
http://www.yorksj.ac.uk/undergraduate/undergraduate-study/our-courses/joint-honours-courses/cw-and-media.aspx

This is the official UCAS website where you can search for media courses and find some basic information.
http://search.ucas.com/search/providers?CountryCode=&RegionCode=&Lat=&Lng=&Feather=&Vac=1&AvailableIn=2015&Query=media&ProviderQuery=&AcpId=&Location=&SubjectCode=

Funding for Higher Education Courses
The university courses above are in the UK but are very local. If I was to attend Sheffield Hallam University I would live at home. Although if I went to York I would have to get student accommodation this on average costs £100 per week. To help pay this off I would get a student loan. I would hopefully receive £9,000 to pay for my tuition as well as up to £5,740 as a maintenance loan which would hopefully cover the costs of living. I can apply for my student loan on the website https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/new-fulltime-students. 

My Personal Plan
I have finished my two years of college so I have applied and received an apprenticeship at the Showroom cinema. I am also hoping to get my predicted grades so I can go to University if I want to. This apprenticeship is 1 year long so in this time I will be learning new skills and improving current ones, I will also doing a Level 4 Business course at the same time. As a cinema apprentice I will have the opportunity to meet may different people and make connections. I am hoping in the year will help me decide what particular sector of film I would like as a career. Also if at the end of the year I decide I need to go to university and learn more I will still be able to. The company I will be working with usually keep their apprentices on and that means that if I enjoy the year then I will do that. So those are the two paths that I will take. In ten years time I would like to be in a film production company working in a creative space and creating short and feature films. In 5 years time I would like to be starting my own production company with all the knowledge I have gained. This company will be quite small but I feel as it's reputation builds up and it becomes more well known the company will grow. In 10 years time I would like to be the owner of a successful production company that does short films and feature films.




 

LO2 Evaluation work, financing and networking

To gain employment or enter higher education in the media industry, it is important to produce a portfolio or showreel to promote relevant work. This is to show potential employers or university course leaders what I am capable of  so they can assess my skills and decide if I am right for the next level. 

Resources Available 
In terms of what I could include in my portfolio, I have a variety of work from the last 2 years at college as well as some personal work that I have done outside of college.
At college I have studied 12 different units all for Creative and Digital Media. One of the units I have done is Unit 43, in this unit I had to plan and create a TV show. Our group decided to create Yorkshire Lasses, ( a concept created in Unit 20) the show is about 4 girls from Yorkshire and the show follows their lives. I will defiantly include this in my portfolio because it shows my creative skills in script writing and my editing skills using Adobe Premiere. I have also studied Unit 31 which was about creating a collection of photos around the concept of identity. I chose to photograph homeless people and reflect them in a different light than the media does. I created and edited 5 photographs and I feel they reflect my photography skills and my Photoshop skills. So I will defiantly include the photos in my portfolio. Another unit I have done is Unit 32, in this unit I had to create graphic designs for media products. I created 5 pieces of graphic design work including a poster, wristband and hat, for a Sheffield music festival called 'Hub Fest'. I am very proud of this work because I feel it represented the festival well, I will also be using this in my portfolio. I also study A Level English Literature and Language. I feel this subject compliments Creative and Digital Media because it enables me to write creatively when I am doing a specific brief and talk about it coherently. It also helps my technical writing skills such as grammar and spelling. 

Finance
If I was to go to university I would have to look at the way I would finance it. This would include applying for a student and maintenance loan where hopefully I would receive £9,000 to pay for my tuition fee and then up to £5,740 as a maintenance loan which would cover the costs of my student living. If I was sure about going to uni I would apply for my student finances via the website https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/overview by the 31st May in order to receive my loan before I start my university course. 
If I was to go straight into employment, I would get paid for my work and the cost of this can vary. When I found out how much I roughly get paid, I would work out how much I could spend each week and use this as a budget guideline to discover my disposable income.
If I wanted to set up my own business, in terms of finance I would first of all have to save up some money for set up costs, however on a part time job whilst at college this would take a while so it would be a good idea to go to a bank and have a business plan set up and wrote out ready to present to the bank to see if they would be willing to give me a loan so that I could set up a Media Business.
Finally if i was to get an apprenticeship i would get paid £3.30 an hour. With this money I would budget how much money I can spend each week on essentials with a small amount for my disposable income. 

Contacts
It is very important to create contacts in the media industry and one way I can do that is attend many of Sheffield's events and festivals and talk to creators and people who work in the industry. We can discuss what will help me to get a job in the industry and find out if there are any opportunities they know about that I could be a part of. Last year I attended 'Tramlines' which is a music festival and this was a great opportunity to speak to creators about what they need to improve their presence online and what media they do use. 
There is also a huge local event 'Doc Fest' which is a film festival, that I could volunteer at. This means I can gain experience to put on my CV as well as meet other people working for the events and make contacts with industry professionals, meaning I am showing interest and getting my name out there. 
Another way that I have made industry contacts is though going to UTC Sheffield. I have presented to Sheffield Live! with an original radio drama. Presenting this to members of Sheffield Live! gave me the opportunity to see what companies want and it was very useful to get constructive criticism from them. Another reason this was a good opportunity was because it gave me a chance to introduce myself and if I every apply for a job in their company they will recognise me and that will put me above the other candidates. I have also presented my graphics work to Nick Bax who founded the Human Studio which is a creative agency with global credentials in design, digital and moving image. So it was very useful to get feedback off of him because he knows the industry well and understands what works well. 

Networking Opportunities
From meeting these people it has created a fantastic networking opportunity for me. Sheffield also has lots of different events going on all year round, this also creates more networking opportunities for me. Doc Fest is a international acclaimed documentary film festival based in Sheffield and it is on every year and many people from around the world come to show there work and visit the festival. I could volunteer for it and this would give me useful work experience and a chance to work with people that I usually wouldn't in every day life. Another reason for me to volunteer at Doc Fest is because I could make contacts with companies and this would give me a better chance to enter the media industry.  The website for Doc Fest is https://sheffdocfest.com/

Help, Support and Advice
For advice about going to University there are many people that I am able to talk to. If I had concerns and questions about a university or a course I could call the university and ask them questions. My CDM teachers Ms Allen and Mr Helliwell would give me guidance about which is the right university course for me as well as which universities will suit me and insure that I excel in my corse. They could also help me look into apprenticeships and write application forms. Another person that can help and support me is my head of year Mrs Khan as she has contacts that could help me get in touch with these people and find out more information. I can always talk to my parents about what they think the best thing for me to do next year would be. 

Equipment
In order to start my own business I would need to but equipment. A lot of the equipment is expensive but what I produce needs to be up to industry standard. Realistically to afford this equipment I will have to save a lot and may need to apply for a loan at the bank.

Video camera - Sony AX53 4K Handycam Camcorer- 
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/sony/ax53-4k-handycam-camcorder-97668/show.html?cm_mmc=td-_-affiliate_name-_-advert_id-_-236543

Tripod - Manfrotto Compact Advanced Aluminium Tripod- 

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/manfrotto/compact-advanced-aluminium-tripod-black-93359/show.html

SD cards - SanDisk Extreme Pro 95MB/s 64GB SDXC Card- 
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/sandisk/extreme-pro-95mb-s-64gb-sdxc-card-82912/show.html

Computer -  21.5- inch iMac with Retina 4K display-
http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/imac?product=MK452B/A&step=config#

Software - Adobe Creative Cloud - https://creative.adobe.com/plans?store_code=gb&promoid=KSPAK

To buy all these items it will roughly cost around £2,193.71. 


Opportunities to showcase my own work
World Skills UK is a huge competition, where  both young people and adults  are encourages to pursuit their skills to the highest possible level. It is a great way for people to show off their work to a large group and get constructive criticism, while also talking part in a renowned competition. This is the link to the website. 
https://www.worldskills.org/what/competitions/
I have also had the opportunity to showcase my work to Sheffield Live by pitching a original radio drama we had to create a 5 minute segment from this to show. I was able so show my presenting skills and creative skills. I was also able to show my script writing skills because I wrote the script for the drama. I have also pitched my graphic design work to Nick Bax where I showed my skills when using InDesign and my creative skills. 


SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)
I feel I have the skills that will help me move up into the next level of my education. I am a very creative person and I try to be creative in the work I produce. I also have a lot of enthusiasm into the work I do. I work very successfully in groups and strive in a creative atmosphere where everyone is working their hardest to fit the brief. I am keen to learn new skills and improve my already existing ones, I am constantly trying to learn more to improve the work I do. I feel I am very versatile and I am able to adapt my skills to different projects. Also I have strong communication skills and this helps me come across confident and friendly in interviews and in presentations. I work best in a hands on environment and this is why I enjoy working in the creative side of media such as scriptwriting, filming and photography. Creating something is very important to me because I enjoy the process of having an idea then making something that I'm proud of. 
One of my main weaknesses is time management and organisation. When I am creating something I like to take my time and not do things in a particular order. At the start I will produce production schedules although I never usually follow them, this is because I will usually do the work at a time that suits me best rather that when I planned. This never usually stops me from getting the project finished although I understand that organisation is very important in industry and deadlines have to be met. This is why I am going to focus on improving my organisational skills so i am able to follow set plans I have made. 
There are many opportunities that are available to me such as university courses, apprenticeships and volunteering. I have been offered and accepted an apprenticeship at the showroom and that will give me so many more opportunities next year. In the apprenticeship I will be meeting film directors and creators where I can make contacts and gain opportunities through them. Through college I have also gained many opportunities.
I believe there is no threat that will stop me from achieving my grades and block me from creating this portfolio.  

LO2 Evaluate personal qualities and resources available

Personal Characteristics 
I am a very creative person and I love expanding my skills to enable me to produce better work. I put all my effort and passion into the work I do. I strive from working in a team and love the feeling in a group project when everyone is fully invested in its success. I like being in a group environment when learning because everyone has different ideas and ways of writing. I also enjoy working independently and I'm very self-motivated to get my set tasks done. When I am set a project I am very committed to it and like to achieve my highest standards of work.

Skills
Digital Media gives me the opportunity to create different types of media products. It has allowed me the opportunity to use and learn different editing software, such as Adobe Premiere, InDesign and Photoshop. On the course we start projects from scratch so I understand how to create something from the start and fit the deadline that I've been set. This has given me skills that will help me in media jobs and the world of work. Another skill this course has given me is pitching my ideas to employers. So from doing these presentations regularly it has made me more confident to talk to companies and helped me understand how to present to them. I have also created a magazine. This enabled me to practice my journalism skills and understand how to aim my product to a certain target audience. The English course I have done has enabled me to improve my writing skills and has helped me understand how to manipulate the English language better.

Relevant Achievements
I created a radio show called Yorkshire Lasses for one of my college units and presented it to a radio producer at Sheffield Live!, because it was so successful I was asked to create more scripts for it to we could turn it into a TV show. Also I was a prefect in secondary school. This shows my ability to work as a team and that I'm able to work well with authority. Another skill I have gained is being a qualified first aider. I used this skill at UK Medical Events Service (UKEMS). At UKEMS  I had to rely on my team and help others.  This job gave me the opportunity to talk to new people and get used to constant changes and I have helped a lot of people that needed medical attention. Also it has helped my ability to work in different environments and under pressure. I have also had a retail assistant job in Matalan. This job really helped me with communicating with people and working is busy hours. I also have 12 GSCE's graded C and B.

Experiences and Interests

From a young age I have always had an avid interest in writing and creating stories. I have always written stories and love to express my creativity. One of my personal goals is to have my own book published, this would be a great achievement and I hope to one day achieve it. I would also like to write scripts for movies, plays and TV shows. As a screenwriter and have my work broadcasted and
recognised. The theatre is also a big influence to me. I enjoy the atmosphere and

the skill of acting. I enjoy the feeling of having my work being produced and seeing my work
being performed gives me a sense of achievement.

LO1 Understand employment and education oppotunites in the media sector

The Film Industry

Local Education Opportunities

1. University Course
Sheffield Hallam University
BA Hons Film Studies and Screenwriting
https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/ba-honours-film-studies-and-screenwriting-fulltime
The course will help me improve my scriptwriting skills, further my knowledge on film studies and gain industry insights into how to sell my screenplay. These skills are needed for me to have a successful career in the creative industry. The course will be located in the centre of Sheffield which has its very own Cultural Industries Quarter close to where I will be studying. This means that I will be working close to industries professionals and be able to get exclusive work experience. The course I will be doing ensures that I will be working with real clientele on industry style briefs. The university has a close relationship with BFI (British Film Institute). So I will be working closely with them and creating concepts and films with them. The university has its own build in cinema 'The Void' that combines new and old technology. This will allow me to test my films on different platforms. There are many opportunities for me to gain valuable experiences with the university's external partners such as Warp. I think this course will allow me to find the specific genres that I like to write for and work on my skills doing that.

2. University Course
Sheffield Hallam University
BA Hons Creative Writing
https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/ba-honours-creative-writing-fulltime
This course offers me a critical and creative engagement with all of the major genres, in forms of creative writing. It will enable me to become a practiced writer and a sophisticated reader. The university has its own library which is open 24 hours a day, so I will always be able to research and improve my skills. There is also a huge amount of internationally-acclaimed writers and tutors. Some of them are TV and radio comedy writer Jonathan Bridle, novelist and scriptwriter Rachel Genn and Forward-Prize nominated poet Chris Jones. These experienced people will support me in my writing and help me understand my future career in writing and what it's like being in the industry.

3. University Course
York St John University
BA Hons Creative Writing and Media
http://www.yorksj.ac.uk/undergraduate/undergraduate-study/our-courses/joint-honours-courses.aspx
This course will allow me to develop my creative and critical skills, I will gain a clear understanding of literature and be able to produce work in a range of genres on the creative writing side. On the media side it will give me a comprehensive understanding of the nature history and power of media. I will be able to further explore the relationships between forms of media. The university has its own magazine and I will be able to participate in the writing, production and marketing of it. This will allow me to transfer the skills I will be learning in the course and see how I can use them when producing something.


National Education Opportunities

1. University Course
University of Central Lancashire
BA Hons Creative Writing and English Language
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ba_hons_creative_writing_english_language.php
On this course I will develop my techniques to produce short stories, poetry, play scripts and I will learn to criticise and dissect writing. I will be able to boost my skills as a writer in a variety of genres. These skills will help me in my future career as a professional writer. The staff includes National Teaching Fellows and industry award winners. The university also funds members of the British Shakespeare Association.

2. University Course
Bath Spa University 
BA Hons Creative Writing
http://www.bathspa.ac.uk/schools/humanities-and-cultural-industries/courses/undergraduate/Creative-Writing
This course will allow me to focus on the writing I enjoy most. I will be able to experiment with a wide variety of forms. The university has a clear focus in what students will do after their university course. I will be preparing for my career in my course. The University has state-of-the-art equipment in their Artwork Media facility. Some of the skills I will gain will be clear communication, language kills, sensitivity to different audiences, the ability to organise my own time and ideas and project management skills. The university also is very supportive and understands the importance of work placement. I think through this I will be able to gain industry level skills that will help me after my course

Local Apprenticeship Opportunities

1. Cinema Apprentice 
The Showroom 
I will support the work of the Film Programming and Marketing departments of a busy independent cinema and my  time will be split between both teams.

The work I will be doing will include assisting with the production of the cinema programme and then working on marketing campaigns to promote the programme to different audiences. I will also assist with preparation of Saturday Club craft activities, help to develop the 15-18 membership club, along with making minor updates to the website, and help put together email newsletters to members of the cinema’s loyalty scheme. This varied role which will also involve data entry, financial admin and other general administration. I feel this will be a great opportunity for me to submerge myself in the real media environment. I will also get a level 4 business degree. This apprenticeship was advertised in March and obtained the role with my skill set, the role was very popular and had many applicants.  

Local Business/Companies Job Roles Available

1. Junior Marketing Assistant
Gumball Productions
Sheffield
http://www.indeed.co.uk/cmp/Gumball-Promotions/jobs/Junior-Marketing-Assistant-74ec56f31c70fae1?q=media
Gumball Promotions work alongside well-known clients, and this time of year can be really busy on all campaigns so they are very keen for new members of their team. In the job I will be working in shopping centres and in other venues, promoting productions and services with enthusiasm, successfully acquiring new customers daily and gaining my skills working independently and as part of a team. This job will give me a lot of people skills and help with my interactions with different people. I will also gain strong communication skills. 


2. Digital Media Specialist 
Moss Properties 
Doncaster 
http://www.indeed.co.uk/cmp/Moss-Propertjes/jobs/Digital-Media-Specialist-b2a12c13a581914c?sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3CNX5W-O9jEvZSmGqatVBLCgRaq97B3ZD13NPXKZ6dK4gtEqQEjeVXlvRUITgPoA8X_mUhI0pEWhb7h1V0b1yo23jbD4sw3ExE
In this job I will be developing and implementing Moss Prorperties' marketing strategy primarily using digital media and also adopting conventional techniques as appropriate. I will take full responsibility for the management and development of their WordPress websiteWorking with their SEO partner to ensure that we are achieving top listing for relevant keywords. Optimising back links and content to ensure maximum visibility, keeping the content on the website fresh , relevant and compelling. I will be taking full responsibility for all social media interaction including but not limited to LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and other sites as they become useful or appropriate. This job will push me to meet tight deadlines and gain excellent communication and people skills. 


National Business/Companies Job Roles Available

1. Channel Editor 
BBC 2 
London 
http://careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/jobs/job/Channel-Editor-BBC-Two/16325?jobboard=indeed&c=organic
In this role, some of my responsibilities will be to report to the Controller, TV Channels and iPlayer and work collaboratively with them to shape the editorial strategy for BBC Two. The skills I will gain from this job are experience in creating and aligning people around a creative vision, public service broadcasting experience, an understanding of the UK production business and emerging technologies. I will also gain a strong practical understanding of the BBC's editorial guidelines and polices. 

2.  My First Job In Film
Online
Film Career Help
http://www.myfirstjobinfilm.co.uk/filmcareershomepage.html
This business help people interested in working in the film industry by finding opportunities and job roles within the sector that you want to work in.  The website offers advice on how to apply for jobs and create a portfolio. It also helps you build up your skills and understand what film compaines are looking for in a candidate.