National Film and Television School (NFTS)

[Emily Laura NFTS]

This thread is for the general discussion of the Film School National Film and Television School (NTFS). Please add to the discussion here.

 

[Cora]

Hey guys, I was invited to the Selection Interview and Workshop for the MA in Composing for Film (yay ).

Does anyone have an idea what to expect? Are we going to do analysis, write something on the spot? Should I brush up on particular software?

Do you think that they are keeping us in the dark as part of their selection strategy? Or do you think that they'll send more info later on (although to be honest there isn't that much time left)?

 

[LWright]

Hey guys, I was invited to the Selection Interview and Workshop for the MA in Composing for Film (yay ).

Does anyone have an idea what to expect? Are we going to do analysis, write something on the spot? Should I brush up on particular software?

Do you think that they are keeping us in the dark as part of their selection strategy? Or do you think that they'll send more info later on (although to be honest there isn't that much time left)?

Hey guys, I was invited to the Selection Interview and Workshop for the MA in Composing for Film (yay ).

Does anyone have an idea what to expect? Are we going to do analysis, write something on the spot? Should I brush up on particular software?

Do you think that they are keeping us in the dark as part of their selection strategy? Or do you think that they'll send more info later on (although to be honest there isn't that much time left)?

Hey, I just graduated from the Composing course so happy to answer any questions you might have. The school's studios use Logic (though you can request Pro Tools if you like using that for audio) but one of the guys in my year worked from home on Cubase. I think the application process has changed a bit, but when I applied the interview was like others have said, preparing your thoughts on the first ten minutes of a film and then a general chat about you and your work. I'm pretty sure they do a good cop/bad cop thing on purpose to see how you handle criticism etc. For my selection workshop we were given a workstation and three clips to score, but like I said before, not really sure what it is now. Hope this helps!

 

[LMTD92]

Hey guys, I was invited to the Selection Interview and Workshop for the MA in Composing for Film (yay ).

Does anyone have an idea what to expect? Are we going to do analysis, write something on the spot? Should I brush up on particular software?

Do you think that they are keeping us in the dark as part of their selection strategy? Or do you think that they'll send more info later on (although to be honest there isn't that much time left)?

Hi,

Chris W requested that I give you some info. I graduated the composing course this year so I'm happy to any questions you might have. I'm quite certain that they've changed the process slightly since I did it in 2014, but I can tell you what we had to do as it probably won't vary too much.

We went for an interview where we were given a choice of 3 films to watch and analyse for about 30 minutes, then we went straight into the interview where we had a short 10 minute discussion about the film and what we thought about it (not necessarily in musical terms). Then the rest of the interview is just questions about yourself and a few music related things - don't be intimidated as they may seem strict, but it's more of a good cop bad cop scenario. After that we were done and we had to wait several weeks before being selected for a workshop where we came and worked at the school for 5 days. In this time we were given one of the composers studios, and we had the 5 days to score 3 short sections from films/animations. We were visited twice a day by the tutors to check in and have a listen, but aside from that we were essentially just there on our own working (although you will meet all the others there on the workshop too). At the end of the 5 days we all gathered in the cinema and watched/reviewed each others work. Remember this is part of the interview too, as they will be interested to what you have to say about others work. We then had to wait another few weeks before finding out when we got in, which I think was in August.

From what I know about how it works now, you will probably have an interview and then be sent a few clips to score at home instead. What I would recommend to prepare is to make sure that you know Logic Pro X and Kontakt 5 well enough so that you can work there either on an interview or if you get a place at the school. The school in general are more interested in what you are like as a person and what you say about film than they are about things like music theory etc. If i were you I would avoid any music theory talk unless they ask you. Before I interviewed I practiced writing a lot just incase they wanted stuff done whilst we were there, so I think that is a good idea if you're not already doing so. Being good at mockups is very important in my opinion as you won't always be able to record live for your project and your teams will expect good work from you. I should mention however that there are 2 (or 3) recording sessions at a studio in London with a small orchestral ensemble, so if the timing is right then you can use this for projects.

I think overall the school is a great way to meet people and work in real life scenarios, and I can't deny that it's helped me get work during and since leaving. The 2 years is a lot of work and requires a ton of effort and patience, but I think you get out what you put in.

I should say that as a composer, it may not be exactly as you expect (depending on what you are expecting). You have to remember that many of these films are not Hollywood style and therefore don't require massive scores. Of course some do, and myself and others that I know have had the chance to do bigger scores on the projects that need it, but a lot of what you do may be be quite minimal. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as it is definitely good to learn how to work with different people and cater for what they need, but naturally most composers are looking to inject as much musicality into whatever they do.

Hope this has helped and good luck!

 

[Cora]

Thanks Siskata and LWright, this is really helpfull.

I'm sorry to hear you felt your interview didn't go as well as you hoped, but stay optimistic . I think there's a good chance the interview went better thank you think, at least that's my experience.

About the workshop, it would be super useful if you could elaborate on the workstation. What software/samples will we use during the workshop? I am a bit worried as I know Cubase A LOT better than Logic or Pro Tools. I want to overcome such a drawback as much as I can before the workshop so that I can focus on the writing.

Thank you

 

[LWright]

It will be Logic on the workshop, and the computers generally all have VSL, EW Hollywood Gold and depending on wether you get a first or second year room, some have stuff like Omnisphere and Broadway Big Band.

 

[Cora]

Thanks guys, this is super helpful and great advice! LMDT92 I missed your post just before so had to go asking again, but thanks for the comprehensive reply! I'll get on it right away!

 

[Alex Rogozea]

Alex Rogozea posted a new review on the Film School National Film and Television School (NTFS)

 

[ConnieKu]

Hi! I'm applying for this MA soon - does anyone have any advice?

 

[ozymandias92]

Hi there!

I've heard that NFTS is one of the best international film schools. Can any alumni of the MA Editing course or similar film school alums talk about how it helped them / or not after graduating. How much of an emphasis does the course place on networking and securing employment? Does the school have connections to studios that benefit its students? I'm having a tough time justifying the tuition cost as an international applicant. Any responses appreciated.

Thanks!
-Eric

 

[RockinCon]

Hi there!

I've heard that NFTS is one of the best international film schools. Can any alumni of the MA Editing course or similar film school alums talk about how it helped them / or not after graduating. How much of an emphasis does the course place on networking and securing employment? Does the school have connections to studios that benefit its students? I'm having a tough time justifying the tuition cost as an international applicant. Any responses appreciated.

Thanks!
-Eric

Hey Eric! I'm not an alumni yet...but I am currently at the school for editing! I can already tell you that the school is a huge help in finding employment. The school 'loans' us out sometimes for paid gigs or networking opportunities. You can pick and chose depending on what you want to do. They have connections with Pine Studios,SKY Studio and the BBC and so many more just from old alumni and the tutors who work there.

Not only that you will come out with a very diverse and impressive portfolio. I'm not even through the first half of the year but I've done more projects than I would have done in a year freelancing.

But you must know that you gotta do some legwork yourself. It can't just be the school handing you things, you must network in the school as well and communicate what you want to do!

I understand the feeling with the tuition cost since I myself am a international student from the US. But with only eight people per course you get some top tier tutoring and they are always on hand for one on one discussion!

Let me know if you need anymore info!

 

[ozymandias92]

Hey Eric! I'm not an alumni yet...but I am currently at the school for editing! I can already tell you that the school is a huge help in finding employment. The school 'loans' us out sometimes for paid gigs or networking opportunities. You can pick and chose depending on what you want to do. They have connections with Pine Studios,SKY Studio and the BBC and so many more just from old alumni and the tutors who work there.

Not only that you will come out with a very diverse and impressive portfolio. I'm not even through the first half of the year but I've done more projects than I would have done in a year freelancing.

But you must know that you gotta do some legwork yourself. It can't just be the school handing you things, you must network in the school as well and communicate what you want to do!

I understand the feeling with the tuition cost since I myself am a international student from the US. But with only eight people per course you get some top tier tutoring and they are always on hand for one on one discussion!

Let me know if you need anymore info!

Thanks for the thoughtful response! It's encouraging to hear about the studio connections, and great that they actively help you find gigs. I've read so many great things about NFTS, and really helpful to hear your first-hand experience. Thanks again!

 

[CptFlau]

Hey Eric! I'm not an alumni yet...but I am currently at the school for editing! I can already tell you that the school is a huge help in finding employment. The school 'loans' us out sometimes for paid gigs or networking opportunities. You can pick and chose depending on what you want to do. They have connections with Pine Studios,SKY Studio and the BBC and so many more just from old alumni and the tutors who work there.

Not only that you will come out with a very diverse and impressive portfolio. I'm not even through the first half of the year but I've done more projects than I would have done in a year freelancing.

But you must know that you gotta do some legwork yourself. It can't just be the school handing you things, you must network in the school as well and communicate what you want to do!

I understand the feeling with the tuition cost since I myself am a international student from the US. But with only eight people per course you get some top tier tutoring and they are always on hand for one on one discussion!

Let me know if you need anymore info!

Hi RockinCon

I've just found out that I've been invited to the workshop at the end of July - I'm excited but also pretty nervous

What you said above is pretty much all the reason I applied to the NFTS so that's encouraging!

I have a couple of questions I hope you may be able to help me with:

- How many people are at this stage?

- I've never used Avid before - I understand that this is what's used on the course but being familiar with the software was not a requirement as part of my application. Will this be a problem at the workshop or will I be able to edit on another software I know such as Final Cut or Premiere?

- I'm based in North London - is it normal for students to commute to the school from London or is it a better idea to find a place in Beaconsfield for the week?

- Finally what can I expect in general from the workshop? Further editing tests? Discussions?

Thanks for any help you may be able to give

Oli

 

[RockinCon]

Hi RockinCon

I've just found out that I've been invited to the workshop at the end of July - I'm excited but also pretty nervous

What you said above is pretty much all the reason I applied to the NFTS so that's encouraging!

I have a couple of questions I hope you may be able to help me with:

- How many people are at this stage?

- I've never used Avid before - I understand that this is what's used on the course but being familiar with the software was not a requirement as part of my application. Will this be a problem at the workshop or will I be able to edit on another software I know such as Final Cut or Premiere?

- I'm based in North London - is it normal for students to commute to the school from London or is it a better idea to find a place in Beaconsfield for the week?

- Finally what can I expect in general from the workshop? Further editing tests? Discussions?

Thanks for any help you may be able to give

Oli

Hey!

First off congrats you made it to the workshop!

Only 16 people are at the workshop and after that only 8 go through!

You can use AVID but they also offer Premiere for the workshop. (delete final cut from your memory) Even though I'm confident in AVID I still used premiere in the workshop and it was fine. They'll ask you about it at a later date.

Don't be nervous! This is fun! The workshop is designed to throw everything at you all at once and they want to see how you manage it! You do 3 edits in 3 days and can't start a new one till the other one is done. You get reviewed everyday on the edits. That's the basic workshop info I can give you. You also watch a film on the first day and discuss it after lunch with other applicants from different departments.

Since you'll be in the Post production You'll pull a few late nights and early mornings but I know a few editors who commute in everyday from North London and they're fine. So you should be too!

If I had any advice to give I would say defend your cuts. Don't make them at random, have a reason for why you did it.
They want to see what your thought process.

Hope that's enough info!

Any more questions I'll happily ask! I think you guys come the day after the end of term.

 

[CptFlau]

Hey!

First off congrats you made it to the workshop!

Only 16 people are at the workshop and after that only 8 go through!

You can use AVID but they also offer Premiere for the workshop. (delete final cut from your memory) Even though I'm confident in AVID I still used premiere in the workshop and it was fine. They'll ask you about it at a later date.

Don't be nervous! This is fun! The workshop is designed to throw everything at you all at once and they want to see how you manage it! You do 3 edits in 3 days and can't start a new one till the other one is done. You get reviewed everyday on the edits. That's the basic workshop info I can give you. You also watch a film on the first day and discuss it after lunch with other applicants from different departments.

Since you'll be in the Post production You'll pull a few late nights and early mornings but I know a few editors who commute in everyday from North London and they're fine. So you should be too!

If I had any advice to give I would say defend your cuts. Don't make them at random, have a reason for why you did it.
They want to see what your thought process.

Hope that's enough info!

Any more questions I'll happily ask! I think you guys come the day after the end of term.

Thanks mate - that's super helpful! Hopefully I'll be able to meet you in January

 

[Siddharth Menon]

This thread is for the general discussion of the Film School National Film and Television School (NTFS). Please add to the discussion here.

So at the outset, I just want to state that I'm a complete outsider to the World of Showbiz! Being a Certified Management Accountant and Bachelors in Commerce, I have not had any professional training nor any insight into the educational aspect of film making.

However, what I do possess is an undying desire to tell stories and bring stories around the world to life and thereby create a lasting impact on people and their lives. Anyhoo, this year ( at the age of 27) I took the call of calling it quits from the Corporate Industry and purse my passion of direction and film making. However, my knowledge in the sphere of film schools and film education is limited. It is now, that I am researching more about it. I'm currently looking at NFTS & LFS (in UK) and AFI, Columbia and UCLA in the US.

So that brings me to my question; how credible is NFTS for Film Direction? What is the possibility of a complete external person ( such as yours truly) to get into such film schools? How is the alumni network of NFTS? Any and every answer is welcome. Whatever little input would give me a great impetus! Thanks a ton people!

 

[VDW]

VDW posted a new review on the film school National Film and Television School (NFTS)

 

[Acelya]

Hello everyone,
I have applied for NFTS Editing and my interview is next week. I was wondering if anyone is remembering some of the interview questions? It would help me prepare for it and take some of the pressure off.
Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[Jack_C]

Hello everyone,
I have applied for NFTS Editing and my interview is next week. I was wondering if anyone is remembering some of the interview questions? It would help me prepare for it and take some of the pressure off.
Thanks in advance for your replies.

Hey Acelya,
I'm also interviewing for the Editing MA, but yet to find out the exact date. Good luck with it!

 

[Acelya]

Hey Acelya,
I'm also interviewing for the Editing MA, but yet to find out the exact date. Good luck with it!

Good luck to you too