Questions 15

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-28, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

Section 1 (Questions 15 - 21)

Have You Considered A Career in Film?

If you ask everyone who works in the film industry how they got there you will find probably as many stories as there are people. There are literally hundreds of different jobs in the film industry, each one requiring a unique combination of specialist skills. You have only to watch the credits at the end of the film to get an idea of how many different types of jobs there are. [Crack IELTS with Rob] The film industry is divided into three key sections: development, production, and post-production. The development stage involves writing, packaging, and financing film ideas and scripts. The production stage is where the majority of the people are employed. This is the process of setting up and shooting each scene in a film. In the post-production phase, all the shots are assembled, treated, and mixed into the final product.

Professional film makers work long hours, sometimes under enormous pressure. Some people in the motion picture industry belong to labor unions, but many others are freelance. Jobs are seldom permanent but begin and end in each production. While movies can be made anywhere, most people in the film business will find they must live close to one of the production centers for the industry.

There is tremendous competition in the film production industry but there is also great shared camaraderie. The nature of the work in some ways sets movie people apart from people who work “nine to five” jobs. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Demand for people in the film-making industry is expected to rise faster than average over the next decade; however, men and women seeking the available jobs in this exciting industry will always exceed the amount of work available.

Film schools are vocational training institutions specializing in courses related to motion pictures. The specific curriculum varies rather widely from school to school but in general, film school teaches the fundamentals of movie-making; the dynamics of storytelling production, and editing. Not only do you study these things in a classroom, but you learn by actually doing them. Making your own movies and helping others making theirs will also reveal your own strengths and weaknesses and will help you discover whether this career is what you really want to have, and if so, what professional path to take.

Most film schools have a 1-year program that is broken into 3 or 4 sections. If you are interested in a specialized 8-week workshop you should expect to pay around $4000. A one-year total immersion program can cost as much as $30,000, not counting supplies and equipment charges. There are even some film schools that charge by the unit ( usually around $1000). [Crack IELTS with Rob] Since most film schools are private institutions they are not eligible for government grants and loans. There are scholarships available for the most deserving students. Nearly all film schools provide a diploma to competing students and some even issue BA degrees.

If you are serious about becoming a practitioner, aim for a hands-on course rather than theory. Computer editing and animation offer exciting creative opportunities in areas that have expanded rapidly in recent years. Do your homework when selecting a school, visit the facilities, see what is on offer and talk to students there. They will give you the best insight into the school.

Section 2 (Questions 22 - 28)

Studio Ten Film School

Application for Admission

Minimum grade 12 to 19 years of age. Copy of high school diploma and/or Birth certificate required.

- A most recent copy of the transcript of marks from High School, college, or university.

- Detailed resume outlining work history and education. Include volunteer work if available. [Crack IELTS with Rob]

- Headshots. Supply two small paragraphs, 2.5 cm x 3 cm approximately, colour or black & white. One will be kept on file and the other used to prepare a student identification card.

- Two references from past employers or instructors. References will be checked. Please supply names and phone numbers. Reference letters are not required, simply the names and phone numbers.

- Typewritten personal statements of goals and objectives. The personal statement should outline the applicant’s background, any acting or film experience aspirations, level of determination, and long-term career goals. Preference will be given to those who are highly motivated with a clear sense of direction.

- Audition tape. One minute minimum rehearsed monologue to be submitted on ½” VHS tape. Applicants introduce themselves, state the full name of the program they are applying for, the start date of the program, and then begin a monologue. Applicants to choose their own material for the monologue.

- Film critique. Applicant to view the film and submit typewritten critique from a technical standpoint. Contact Director for Admissions for film list.

- Advanced level of English for English as a second language student. Minimum IELTS 6, TOEIC 700 score or TOEFL 500 score required. Supply the most recent copy of IELTS, TOEIC or TOEFL score equivalent, if available. [Crack IELTS with Rob]

- Interview(s) with the director of Educational programs. To be arranged once all prerequisites have been submitted. Because of the demands of the program, the applicant’s maturity, self-motivation, and commitment will be considered. Telephone interviews will be arranged for out-of-town applicants.

For more information about how to register and complete the process, please contact our Admission Office.