cinenym
New Member
I've been looking at both MA and MFA directing courses, with a particular focus on two: the NFTS Directing Fiction MA and the AFI Directing MFA and an aim to start in 2026 or 2027 - by then I'll be in my late 20s.
As both courses are highly competitive, I'd really like my application to be as competitive as possible, so below I will break down my current education and experience and it would be beyond helpful if anybody could suggest some 'next steps' for me to take over the next year or so.
Education
I have a first-class BA degree in Art History from Oxford University and whilst there I was president of the filmmaking society where I made several student short films that went on to compete and win in a handful of national and international student film competitions. I was also involved in the theatre scene and directed many plays.
I've completed, as suggested per their website, the six-month NFTS 'Certificate in Filmmaking' course, although I'm not strictly sure how relevant that would be when it comes to gaining a place on one of the mentioned courses.
And, just to add on, I have some background in working with a few acting schools in London (RADA, Lyric Hammersmith, LAMDA) on workshopping and shooting film scenes with acting students.
Short Films
I have been making shorts all my life, as I'm sure most of us here have. Some good, some... not. My new work tends to lean more genre-heavy than my student films, which were mostly dramas due to budget constraints.
But, in terms of more recent work, I had a short film backed and funded by a major UK studio and two film funding bodies in the UK that premiered at the BFI London Film Festival and went on to a handful of BIFA and BAFTA festivals nationally and internationally, won some awards etc. The short was also broadcast on television and streaming.
Another, which I've just completed with the same producer, I'm pretty proud of, and our film festival manager seems pretty adamant we "aim high" with it in terms of festivals (which seems like a good sign).
I am also gearing up to begin production on a longer comedy short (25 minutes) with another major UK studio, too, which should be released on TV and streaming next year.
-- This is not to say that the shorts I made independently are any less valuable, I've just noticed that many of those admitted to the above-mentioned courses seem to enter into them with backing from known studios, production companies and funding bodies.
Expereince
Outside of writing and directing shorts, I've spent the past few years working in various roles on music videos, shorts, commercials, and TV productions. I've worked as an AD and producer for upwards of 30 music videos (some indie, some backed by record labels), I've script edited and script supervised for more shorts (particularly BFI shorts) than I can count, and have spent time as an AC on a small TV series for the BBC.
I have also directed a few minor commercials, mostly Instagram/online stuff - music videos, too, but it's all indie stuff.
And, if it's relevant, I've written articles for major outlets on art and cinema.
Why Apply
I am looking to enter into the next phase of my career and branch off into directing television and, hopefully, feature films in my 30s. I've been told by a bunch of agents and producers that those two courses at those two schools are where I should be looking to bridge the gap and find a way into the more prestigious parts of the industry.
I'd also, honestly, like to take a moment and hone my craft to the highest standard. Although I've made high-budget short films and worked on film sets, it feels like my knowledge is still a little all over the place and filled with little gaps, and I'd like to spend some time filling those in before (hopefully) moving onto larger productions.
Anyway, yes -- I know this is quite hyperspecific in terms of my own personal experience, but I'd love any advice on what to do next to place myself in a good position when applying.
Hope you're all well
As both courses are highly competitive, I'd really like my application to be as competitive as possible, so below I will break down my current education and experience and it would be beyond helpful if anybody could suggest some 'next steps' for me to take over the next year or so.
Education
I have a first-class BA degree in Art History from Oxford University and whilst there I was president of the filmmaking society where I made several student short films that went on to compete and win in a handful of national and international student film competitions. I was also involved in the theatre scene and directed many plays.
I've completed, as suggested per their website, the six-month NFTS 'Certificate in Filmmaking' course, although I'm not strictly sure how relevant that would be when it comes to gaining a place on one of the mentioned courses.
And, just to add on, I have some background in working with a few acting schools in London (RADA, Lyric Hammersmith, LAMDA) on workshopping and shooting film scenes with acting students.
Short Films
I have been making shorts all my life, as I'm sure most of us here have. Some good, some... not. My new work tends to lean more genre-heavy than my student films, which were mostly dramas due to budget constraints.
But, in terms of more recent work, I had a short film backed and funded by a major UK studio and two film funding bodies in the UK that premiered at the BFI London Film Festival and went on to a handful of BIFA and BAFTA festivals nationally and internationally, won some awards etc. The short was also broadcast on television and streaming.
Another, which I've just completed with the same producer, I'm pretty proud of, and our film festival manager seems pretty adamant we "aim high" with it in terms of festivals (which seems like a good sign).
I am also gearing up to begin production on a longer comedy short (25 minutes) with another major UK studio, too, which should be released on TV and streaming next year.
-- This is not to say that the shorts I made independently are any less valuable, I've just noticed that many of those admitted to the above-mentioned courses seem to enter into them with backing from known studios, production companies and funding bodies.
Expereince
Outside of writing and directing shorts, I've spent the past few years working in various roles on music videos, shorts, commercials, and TV productions. I've worked as an AD and producer for upwards of 30 music videos (some indie, some backed by record labels), I've script edited and script supervised for more shorts (particularly BFI shorts) than I can count, and have spent time as an AC on a small TV series for the BBC.
I have also directed a few minor commercials, mostly Instagram/online stuff - music videos, too, but it's all indie stuff.
And, if it's relevant, I've written articles for major outlets on art and cinema.
Why Apply
I am looking to enter into the next phase of my career and branch off into directing television and, hopefully, feature films in my 30s. I've been told by a bunch of agents and producers that those two courses at those two schools are where I should be looking to bridge the gap and find a way into the more prestigious parts of the industry.
I'd also, honestly, like to take a moment and hone my craft to the highest standard. Although I've made high-budget short films and worked on film sets, it feels like my knowledge is still a little all over the place and filled with little gaps, and I'd like to spend some time filling those in before (hopefully) moving onto larger productions.
Anyway, yes -- I know this is quite hyperspecific in terms of my own personal experience, but I'd love any advice on what to do next to place myself in a good position when applying.
Hope you're all well
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