1.1 Develop your current knowledge, understanding and skills

I have showcased a deep appreciation and love for filmmaking most recently over the last four years. During this period, I have participated in an online Business of Film course by the Open Education University, which gave me a theoretical understanding of the film industry’s business practices. I have also participated in a short film competition called Lizzies, which QEH hosted in Bristol. I won my category for my short film, titled ‘Perception’, about the contrast between reality and social media. Also, I have made other short films regarding important political and social issues such as the black lives matter movement and the culture of sexual assault and abuse. Outside of this, I engage myself further in filmmaking by reading analytical articles on StudioBinder about directing, writing, cinematography etc. and by watching and analysing movies across a range of genres and time decades. I’m also an active member of a Film Analysis club at my school. We review different movie themes, genres and techniques through active discussion.

My main passion for film is directing. I enjoy having the visual power over how a story is told and take pleasure in movies’ details. However, I have yet to have proper experience working in a team as a lead director. Other than directing, I am interested in editing and photography. I study photography at A-levels. The knowledge gained from this has made me more intentional in my filmmaking and allowed me to be more creative and ambitious in my editing choices.

In my Academy Film, since I don’t live in Bristol full-time, I am looking to take on a role in editing. From the Academy, I hope to understand the practical aspects of filmmaking. For example, the planning of production shoots and working with a team to tell the best story. I have had no experience collaborating on a film project with a large group of people. So, gaining skills such as negotiation, compromising, and working with various personalities will be valuable.

I hope to continue to improve my practical understanding of film because it is presently limited. Outside of making my short films, I have not collaborated with large groups of people. I lack the knowledge of the need to work efficiently across production roles. As I want to be a director in the future, understanding the innerworkings of film production is necessary skill. I hope to gain more knowledge about the industry through interactions with people already working in the industry.

As of September 2021, I have received an offer to study filmmaking at the London Film Academy. It is a two-year practical filmmaking course that explores the critical disciplines in film. I have chosen this course because it will encourage me to participate in film production’s primary roles. The second year of the course is dedicated to practical work experience, which will help me make contacts within the industry and gain real-life experience on a production set.

Other information: I have a photography account on Instagram where I post pictures and videos I have worked on. The Instagram handle is @btswithtiwa. There you can find two of the short films I have worked on individually.

Tiwa Oladunmoye (@btswithtiwa) • Instagram photos and videos

Business of Film Course Certificate