I love watching films and I want to make them; from the narrative brilliance of Scorsese in Good Fellas where the characters narrate the story to the viewer; to the sci-fi brilliance of Villeneuve in Blade Runner 2049; to the epic high budget CGI masterpieces created by Nolan such as Interstellar. I want to study film making to understand the broad canvas of opportunities and ways of working so I can decide where I'd like to start my journey in this amazing industry.

 

I have been analysing film scripts, screen plays, filming techniques and camera shots for my sixth form studies. I have written a script, screenplay, storyboard, shot list, shooting script and call sheet. I've created an animatic and utilised my interest in music and guitar to compose a soundtrack for my recent short film Blood Trail which I edited to its final cut. I learnt a lot in the making of this short film: including the 30 degree rule for jump cuts, how to edit on adobe premier pro, continuity of lighting and the importance of feeding the crew amongst many other things. I have learned and experienced in Media has strengthened the film making passion in me and made me even more determined to pursue film making as a career.

 

Recently I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work as a runner for Stink Films, on an advert for the Home Office. A film for Police Recruitment shot in Hertfordshire. I learnt what it is to be a runner and how many different jobs are involved in making an advert. I saw lots of high end equipment such as full format cameras, heavy lift drone, steady cam & movi rigs. I saw what is involved in making a high end, big budget advert, from morning prep/set up to the night shoot. I was enthralled by the energy and skill that goes into making these mini movies, how everything is planned and executed, the unexpected issues that can happen and speed with which the are dealt with. Seeing the scale of the production, the equipment used, hierarchy of personnel and professionalism and the sheer number of people was a fantastic experience for me. I was able to talk to the team and came away with a greater understanding of what goes into such a production and how a director works a professional set. 

 

I have excelled on the rugby pitch playing for the first team at school, training with Bristol Bears DPP and UR7s (Ultimate Rugby 7s). My experience doing DofE Scheme and Army Cadet camps and sailing on Exmoor where I have gained RYA stages including seamanship and racing has cemented my love of the great outdoors, action and adventure and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. These activities have also helped me develop the skills needed to motivate and support others in my team and taught me to be resilient.

 

I play the guitar, both electric and classical, the ukulele, and am teaching myself the piano and enjoy playing both on my own and jamming with bands. I compose my own music which I upload to Soundcloud. I intend to continue to use my own compositions as much as possible in my future film making. My part time job in the kitchen of our village's community pub has also helped develop my commitment to others in a working environment, my time management, my punctuality, and the knowledge that I can learn new skills. I am hoping to get lots more filmmaking work experience during my gap year, as well as some travelling. I'm keen to see the world and share my experiences through film.

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Joe Eakhurst 18yrs old