Written by Shaarath Vihari
London Film School is ranked as one of the 15 Best Global Film Schools outside the US by The Hollywood Reporter. It is also the oldest film school in the UK.
So, how can you best prepare to apply? and how do you get in? Below are my top tips, as seen through the lens of an MA Screenwriting student, on how to increase your chances of an successful application and position yourself as an ideal candidate and hopefully receiving the email that says, "Congratulations!"
Passion:
Regardless of what you want to achieve, whether in life or in terms of your career ambition, being passionate about what you do is one of the primary indicators of your success in achieving your goals. And pursuing a Master's degree is no different, especially when you want to progress your career in the film industry. If you're passionate about your craft, and curious to learn from the industry practitioners who teach you to become a better storyteller, and help you find your voice - then you are at the right place.
Eligibility:
LFS offers Master's degree programs in Filmmaking, Screenwriting, and International Film Business. Which means, you need to have a Bachelor's degree, or previous and relevant work experience to be eligible to apply to these programs. However, you do not need a prior degree in the course you are planning to apply for. Though, having prior knowledge in your field works in your favour, it is not essential to your application to have experience in the related field. My cohort boasts a blend of diverse backgrounds and experience levels in the screenwriting sphere.
Application:
LFS uses an online application process to apply to the MA Filmmaking and MA Screenwriting programmes - please note that applications to the MA International Film Business are submitted directly to the University of Exeter. I recommend you read through school's application guidelines to help you in every step of the application process.
Each course has their own entry and portfolio requirements - it's crucial you are familiar with the requirements prior to applying as it is important you can present all of the documentation at point of applying. You can find the entry requirements for MA Filmmaking here, and for MA Screenwriting, here.
You can only apply during the application window, and late applications are not guaranteed!
Applying to MA Screenwriting
Instead of covering the usual aspects, I will focus on addressing the most challenging parts of the application process to MA Screenwriting, such as: Personal statement, A description of your life, A short script, and Feature film ideas.
Personal Statement:
There is no one-size-fit-all solution for crafting the perfect personal statement. Each individual and their journey is unique. Your personal statement for LFS gives you a chance to showcase your passion for storytelling, and your willingness to thrive in a collaborative environment.
Focus on your journey as a filmmaker or writer, highlight projects, specific moments, and your creative influences that shaped your approach to storytelling. And demonstrate why LFS is the right place for you and how the school's approach aligns with your goals. Instead of simply listing accomplishments, illustrate your growth through your experience. Be authentic and concise, showcasing your ambition and vision while ensuring your statement reflects not only your passion but also your ability to learn and grow from your experiences.
A description of your life:
This life description is a unique and deeply personal piece of writing. It is a rare opportunity to reflect on your personal journey that has shaped you into the creative individual you are today. This not only shows the admissions team your lived experiences, and challenges faced, but also the key moments that define your journey and your upbringing. Use this to highlight how your life experiences have prepared you to be successful in the creative and collaborative environment.
Short Script:
The short screenplay allows you to showcase how your life experiences have shaped your craft as a screenwriter. A key piece of advice: adhere to the page limit (12 to 15 pages). Your screenplay should reflect your unique creative voice as a writer. For instance, it could be a self-contained scene from a larger feature film idea or a standalone short; however, it is essential to ensure it has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Telling a story in such a short span is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate your craft. While nobody expects this to be a masterpiece, as long as your work shows promise, authenticity, and a clear voice, you significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.
Feature Ideas:
You are required to develop a synopsis for one original feature film idea, and provide three additional original feature film ideas as part of your portfolio. This is to assess your creativity, and your ability to create compelling story engines. Ensure your ideas are clear, concise and within the page limit specified in the guidelines.
Next Steps:
After successfully completing and submitting your application within the specified timeframe, it will be reviewed by the admissions team. If shortlisted, you will receive an email inviting you to a second round of assessment: an online interview. The best way to prepare for this is to understand yourself as a writer.
Conclusion:
Your application is not just a step to getting admitted at London Film School - it's your journey through growth and self-discovery. Approach every step with authenticity and passion. Remember, this is one small step towards your creativity and one giant leap toward achieving your career goals in the film industry. All the best! :)