After graduating from sixth form with a QCF Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Media Studies, I may decide that I want to further my experiences and studies in this field by taking up a course, or an apprenticeship or an internship. In this essay I will research three main types of routes available to students wanting a career in the media industry and in particular the TV and Film industries. Then I can consider which route I would potentially take if I wanted to continue learning about media.
University
Firstly, one route into the media industry is through academic courses which are usually found or taught in institutes of higher education such as a university. These will usually last for a period of 3 years, however this may vary depending on the course structure.
Above is a screen grab of the media course in Bournemouth University. This course is open to all students who have an interest in media or media production, and is tailored to giving students the text book knowledge they need through an academic procedure. This is done by developing the students in each year of study. For example, on the first year of the media production course at Bournemouth University, some of the units include: Developing Arguments which is an introduction into the critical thinking and learning processes involved in studying media at academic level and beyond. Another unit called Digital Film helps learners ''explore the principles and practice of digital film production and workflows, including pre-production, production and post-production considerations''. Moving on to the next two years of studying for a media production degree, the core units include Fictional Production which is meant to ''extend both your practical skills and your critical understanding of fictional forms and content, examining the similarities and differences in practice across media''. Finally, the last year (year 3) gives you the option of either completing a 4-week or 30-week work placement during the course.
| Bournemouth University - Media Production Course |
Above is a screen grab of the media course in Bournemouth University. This course is open to all students who have an interest in media or media production, and is tailored to giving students the text book knowledge they need through an academic procedure. This is done by developing the students in each year of study. For example, on the first year of the media production course at Bournemouth University, some of the units include: Developing Arguments which is an introduction into the critical thinking and learning processes involved in studying media at academic level and beyond. Another unit called Digital Film helps learners ''explore the principles and practice of digital film production and workflows, including pre-production, production and post-production considerations''. Moving on to the next two years of studying for a media production degree, the core units include Fictional Production which is meant to ''extend both your practical skills and your critical understanding of fictional forms and content, examining the similarities and differences in practice across media''. Finally, the last year (year 3) gives you the option of either completing a 4-week or 30-week work placement during the course.
From looking into the university course, I have found that this route into the media industry can be quite rigorous as it involves a heavy work load in terms of coursework and exams. Each year is slowly moulding you into the perfect candidate for a media company. It does this by allowing you to build up your knowledge and understanding of what it takes for a professional life as a media guru. As a student you'd want to present yourself to future employers as a fit, eligible candidate who is keen and has ambitions to become a successful person in the media industry. This can be shown through the degree, where students who have taken up an apprenticeship or work experience would not have. You're also showing the prospective employer that you're well equipped academically to start a career in the media industry , whether that be in TV , Film, Radio, News print etc.
Apprenticeships / Internships
Another path into the media industry is through gaining experience on the job through an internship or an apprenticeship. These courses are designed to give students the ability to become more employable through showing that they already have experience, and are not just coming into the industry as a university student might do for example. The apprenticeship I am going to be looking at is with the media organisation called 'Met Film School'. This is the leading provider of film training in London. The Met School is well known for its successful programmes which they provide for students who are looking to work for a media company one day. They also have masterclasses from industry professionals who act as mentors for the students, this is a huge benefit to a student wanting to learn and develop their understanding of the ins and outs of the media profession.
Another path into the media industry is through gaining experience on the job through an internship or an apprenticeship. These courses are designed to give students the ability to become more employable through showing that they already have experience, and are not just coming into the industry as a university student might do for example. The apprenticeship I am going to be looking at is with the media organisation called 'Met Film School'. This is the leading provider of film training in London. The Met School is well known for its successful programmes which they provide for students who are looking to work for a media company one day. They also have masterclasses from industry professionals who act as mentors for the students, this is a huge benefit to a student wanting to learn and develop their understanding of the ins and outs of the media profession.
Work Experience Programmes
Another route into the media industry is through taking up a work experience programme and gaining knowledge through that. One experience I took up was during my time with Creative Sparkworks a media charity where I took up a film course, where I was given the task to go out and film someone else's film. As part of the crew my job was to unpack all cameras + tripods, lights and lens's. The location was an old warehouse owned by the famous Freddie Notes & The Rudies.
Here I am holding the black magic camera, filming Prince who is playing the role of a homeless teenager, who has reached this stage due to difficulties at home and getting kicked out of school. The work experience programme allowed me to develop an idea for a short film, be able to pitch it to a pool of 10-15 students and tutors and then film and edit it.
I was assigned to the steadicam , which I was satisfied with because I feel much more better using it in terms of positioning it correctly to get the best shots. I reckon I got some really successful shots,
making sure that I went along with what the actor wanted, whether that be angles or shot types. Again, I gained hands-on experience through taking up a work experience with a media company. This has given me the confidence in handling and operating a camera and other various pieces of equipment, which is a positive because it means that I can go out into the media industry with good experience in using professional equipment.
making sure that I went along with what the actor wanted, whether that be angles or shot types. Again, I gained hands-on experience through taking up a work experience with a media company. This has given me the confidence in handling and operating a camera and other various pieces of equipment, which is a positive because it means that I can go out into the media industry with good experience in using professional equipment.
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