Unifrog

Unifrog is a website for finishing sixth form and college students who are deciding further education options, this being short courses, university or an apprenticeship. 

The mediums I would choose to study for university would be film production or photography, finding a course that has more practical than theory. 

As I am a practical person, I feel an apprenticeship is better suited, however I found there was not a specific film or specific photography course, more revolved around digital and marketing. Though the case, learning about a separate thing, being marketing would be beneficial as a backup if going into the film industry was unfortunate, along with exploring a wider theme that can cater for separate parts of the industry, such as location managing and production. 

Still exploring my options, university is still an open route, though an idea gateway would be a paid trainee-ship on set, or role of camera trainee on set to get a further feel of on set settings.  

Unifrog further has a activities and completions to ensure you make the right decision -

Courses and options I have explored -

London south bank: A university I have a keen interest in after looking through their given information book and after speaking about during a careers day is London South Bank. The course's information is mostly practical work, including learning the foundation skills of cinematography, directing, producing and editing. Key points stood out to me such as the fact that the university are equipped - the use of 2 and 4k cameras in the course, for example.  They also work alongside ScreenSkills, a company I have found myself researching thoroughly. 

University of Roehamption:

Another course I have researched is at the University of Roehampton. I would like to visit the university to have a feel of the environment, but I feel both the film and photography course have advantaged points. Photography summary shown:

University of Westminister:

After speaking to on careers day and searching through information booklets, I found that university of Westminster has a excellent photographic course, and have heard through reputation that the university also has engaging film courses. The area of the university is a prime location for myself. The university have a open day in which I would like to attend, again for the idea of feeling as though there is film and photographic equipment. Going to Westminster would also however mean I am more likely to study photography. 

https://www.westminster.ac.uk/photography-courses/2020-21/september/full-time/photography-ba-honours

Screenskills - 

Screenskills is board and team of media professionals helping develop skills of the new generation of filmmakers, gamers, vfx producers, etc. by providing opportunities for training, obtaining a job by partaking in a short course under the selected medium. 

The website has similar training schemes to a school called NFTS, where there are short  courses requiring payment that are insightful and intense to gain knowledge on specific media roles.

Screenskills also has a trainee finder programme, something in which I feel positively towards. The scheme gets you an opportunity to become a trainee on a film production or set, then making your individual way upwards from that point. A disadvantage however, is that placements are not guaranteed and entries are competitive. The fact that you may be waiting and freelancing in the mean time, which can be difficult. https://www.screenskills.com/education-training/trainee-finder/become-a-trainee/

NFTS:

NFTS (National Film and Television School) is a film and television school specialising in short courses, MA, Diploma and Certificate courses and specialise in specific skills needed under the media medium. Based in Glasgow and Beaconsfield, the school has the suitable equipment for the production of film with industry professional teachers providing students with masterclasses.

Short courses consist of a 3-5 day duration, and are under genres such as VFX, filming, screenwriting, production and documentary making.  

Courses I have looked at include 'Self shooting' and 'Introduction to VFX.' The courses have in-depth, specific information as to what participants will technically create as shown below.

The self camera shooting course intrigues me as I would like to pursue a role under the cinematography medium such as 1st assistant camera, clapper loader, etc. The duration being 2 days, the course is intensive and would also require me to accommodate in Glasgow.  

The VFX course is also based in Glasgow, however has a duration on 5 days. The course information intrigued me, and may be something I apply for to attend before starting university. Editing and visual effects being plan B from camera work, having knowledge about the post production art would be useful, along with the fact that the population of those practising visual effects is low, this making it less competitive, and easier to study into. 

Self shooting:

VFX: