As far back as I can remember I have always had an interest in Film and Television,

whether it has been watching it or taking part. This is an interest that not only has
helped to fuel my work at school but has led me to work hard outside the classroom in
order to gain a greater understanding of the subject.

My interest in film began at an early age when I watched the Marx Brothers’ films
and big Hollywood epics such with my dad. From there my taste in film has widened
hugely and I know enjoy everything from ‘Grindhouse’ cinema to Woody Allen to the
films of Akira Kurosawa. I have also worked on my own projects, scripting, filming
and editing several short films one of which was shown at the Notting Hill Gate.
Some of these can be found on my YouTube page under the username ‘MIKEXEL’,
where I showcase my work and talk with other student film-makers.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my student life at Latymer and have gained much from my
experiences. I was voted to be the house officer, which involves holding meetings,
taking assemblies and organising house events. I also run the schools film society,
where we try and deconstruct certain genres and directors to gain a greater
understanding of their style and history. My ability to work with others has been
tested during voluntary schemes such as mentoring pupils in lower years and also
helping out at a special needs school working with pupils who were performing a
school play in a drama programme. Last year I also had a role in my school’s
production of the ‘Pajama Game’, which helped me obtain a greater knowledge of
what it is like to perform rather than be directing. My debating skills were also tested
in the last year, being a member of my schools Model United Nations, where I got to

Last year I had a week’s work experience I had at the local paper, ‘The Enfield
Independent’, which taught me a lot about working efficiently in a team as well how
to conduct an interview. It also helped to boost my self confidence as I had to voxpop
on the streets on a few occasions as well as make several important phone calls for the
paper.

Outside of school I am a member of a kickboxing club. This not only helps me to

keep fit, but also aids concentration and self motivation. I enjoy reading, especially
modern classics such as Antony Burgess’ ‘A Clockwork Orange’, modern crime
fiction by authors such as Elmore Leonard, as well as autobiographies/biographies of
people I admire which I find very inspirational. I am also a subscriber to Movie maker
magazine, which allows me to keep up to date on what’s going on currently in the
world of film and film makers.

This year I went on a trip to Hollywood where I was fortunate enough to tour the film
studios here. This further reinforced my desire to wok in the film industry and gave
me a greater understanding of the studio system.

The subjects I have studied at A-level will greatly help me with the course I wish to
study. Both English and History has helped me to deconstruct various texts, as well as
to be more critical and dig deeper into the meanings of content. Media has helped me
to not only understand the basics of film studies, but has also helped me to develop
my skills on programmes such as Premiere and photoshop. I have also improved with
both my camerawork as well as my lighting skills.
I am really looking forward to the new challenges that await me, experiencing a
different way of life and meeting new people at university.