UNIT 11 - Personal Statement and CV

Personal Statement.

I believe that every moment counts and the way I make sure these moments are not forgotten is with my camera. Ever since I can remember I have been taking photos of anything and everything. I first got hold of a video camera when I was 7 years old and this ignited a drive inside me to want to create and explore the world of filmmaking. This is why I would like to study film production at university, and develop my knowledge and understanding of the specialism. I used to live in Vancouver - a city where films are created on a daily basis and made me fall in love with the way films were created. Whilst living there , over the course of the year I made a list of 140 films to watch and to rate out of 10.

Studying creative media production at college has given me the opportunity to become a better filmmaker, I have looked at different styles of cinema and had the opportunity to use 16mm film on the Steenbeck. This has given me a fundamental foundation to understanding traditional editing techniques. Directors such as Sofia Coppola have inspired me with films such as Lost in Translation and the Virgin Suicides. Lost in Translation, for its dream like, romantic style and the emphasis on using natural light to create this.

Having had experience using DSLR cameras to film, promo videos and short films. I have a good sense of framing and I understand shot types. I enjoy editing for compiling and seeing the end result that I imagined in the beginning. I have used reflectors and understand three point lighting to enhance my subject and I believe that good quality sound is essential when syncing together audio. I feel that I have a good sense of original ideas when it comes to creating and thinking about content, I like to challenge stereotypes and see what I can make that will get audiences thinking.

Outside of college I run and write my own blog, this focus’ on free events that young people can go to in London. I take pictures, video and write about what is going on and where people can access the best creative outlets for young people. I am also presenting a night life documentary about the London clubbing scene and what direction it is heading in. This has given me the confidence to interview anyone and help me to consider the challenges of working under low light conditions.

I am hardworking, energetic, creative and ambitious.I have excellent communicational skills and I’m able to build rapport with somebody I have never met so that makes me an excellent natural team leader. I am capable of maintaining good relationships with coworkers and friends, and, adapt to new skills very quickly and efficiently without supervision. I am logical and methodological in my approach to problem solving; flexible; able to multitask in a highly demanding, stressful environment and cooperate successfully as a member of a team. This excites me to study a film production course whereby I can confidently say independently I can work by myself alongside with a team.

I also have a keen interest in the spanish language, which I am currently learning in my own time. I have support from external tutors with this, I feel that this will make me more employable in the future as I will be able to communicate and work in Spanish speaking countries.

I enjoy visiting exhibitions such as Carsten Nicolai unicolor installation, Hair by Sam Mcknight and more recently Big Deal 7 which I thoroughly enjoyed. My favourite type of medium is video art Installation, I enjoy contemporary art combined video technology, making use of all aspects of the surrounding environment to engage audiences.

I’m especially proud of my own personal food diary called “Yaa’s escape from the junk” Since working at Whole Foods, I have become health conscious, meaning I have started to cook more on my own, instead of giving my money to fast food chains such as KFC and Mcdonalds. I’ve started to film myself cooking, and uploading the content onto my food blog.

When I moved to Vancouver I volunteered at The Presentation House as a theatre manager due to my acting experience at The Brit School of Performing Arts. I helped design the set and install it and I also recorded the performances.

After completing my course, I would like to continue to develop myself in the creative industries and become successful in the film and TV industry. I want to grow in this industry and make my living doing something that I love.

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Yaa – Asantewaa Koranteng

Email: santesmith.80@gmail.com

Telephone: 07941 571 941 / 0207 018 2536

Profile

I am an aspiring actress who is willing to try out new things. I am confident, hardworking and enthusiastic and also put 100% into everything.

I previously attended The Brit School of Performing Arts and Technology in Croydon, London with a notable alumnus including Amy Winehouse, Adele and Jessie J. I’m looking for part time work and I know I will be an asset to your establishment.

I am reliable, energetic, fun and ambitious. I have various skills in ICT the ability to use Photoshop, Microsoft Access, Word, and PowerPoint. I can speak 3 languages fluently; English, GA & Twi (my native languages) and I am currently learning Spanish and I hope one day I can become a fluent speaker in Spanish, I have good listening and oral communication skills and the ability to multi-task, and work in a fast paced environment, the ability to maintain a pleasant disposition and sense of urgency when helping and supporting clients/customers.

I am capable of maintaining good relationships with co-workers and customers, and, adapt to new skills very quickly and efficiently without supervision. I am logical and methodological in my approach to problem solving; flexible; able to multi-task in a highly demanding, stressful environment and cooperate successfully as a member of a team.

Work Experience

From March – August 2015: I worked as a Sales Assistant in Marks and Spencer where I provided quality customer service to every customer in a dynamic food industry. I was responsible for replenishing and maintaining stocks, operated the self-checkout and till, and managed waste removal from the shelves.

From November – January 2016: I worked as a customer assistant in Clarks shoes (Christmas temp) where I assisted customers in finding the perfect shoe for them, tidied the stockroom and also sorted out deliveries. I learnt about footwear technology which will enable me to help others with my knowledge in the future.

I worked closely with managers to ensure that at least 95% of the stock was on the shop floor in date order to maintain effective rotation of the stock. I also managed the receipt of new product lines and customer orders (including holidays and parties). In addition, I handled administrative responsibilities which included (closing cash up and opening cash in) of the sales floor registers. I also helped raise money for the Tommy Hollis Children’s charity fund where I sold slices of cake in order to get donations for the charity.

I volunteered as a Theatre Assistant in North Vancouver, British Columbia for a few months in 2014 by interacting with audience members, helping take props and furniture on and off the set, handling money and also promoting upcoming theatre shows.

From Feburary – September 2016. I worked as a cashier in Whole Foods Market although I had many other responsibilities apart from being on the tills serving such as : helping out the produce department with cutting fruits and vegetables. Ive also been trained to make Latte’s , Cappuccino’s and Flat whites to name a few.

Education

Burntwood Secondary School (2009-2012)

The Brit School for Performing Arts and Technology (2012-2014)

Richmond Upon Thames College (2015- Present)

References

Ms M O Neil Rizwan

The Brit School Marks & Spencer

60 The Crescent 2A Balham Hill

Croydon London

CR0 2HN SW12 2AE

Tel: 020 8665 5242