In relation to my future career path I want to work within the film/entertainment industries. As a result I have identified a number of job roles that provide oppertunity to work with and talk about both the film and entertainment industries and give me the chance to put my knowledge of film and entertainment into practice within the print based media industries. I feel that my education in these subjects will allow me to be useful and write effective pieces on a number of occasions to the highest standard possible.
Journalistic film critic
Film critics working for newspapers or magazines will review films whether they are new or old. Usually they give a plot summary and/or description of the overall plot (sometimes including spoilers) however a review from a professional and well known critic can influence whether people go and see a film. In a way by writing a movie review it is a form of publicity for the film whether the overall opinion of the film is good or bad.
Celebrity/gossip columnist for a magazine or a Show business Reporter for a newspaper
This type of work would have a light and informal style which relates the opinions of the columnist to the personal lives of celebrities or showbiz icons- it might be movie stars, theatre stars or TV actors. It can also be about other celebrities such as sports stars, politicians or other famous/wealthy figures such as CEOs or high profile people. Often these types of columnists might spread rumours or news about these people. Hearing about celebrities like this will attract readers as they will likely enjoy finding out 'private' information about their favourite stars through these columns.
Film/TV Show Reporter
In terms of this job role the reporter could be invited to the set of a TV show or film or at the same time write about rumours or news they may have heard regarding upcoming films and TV shows. We might see articles such as the ones this person might write within TV and movie magazines. By writing the articles about potential news and rumours regarding upcoming TV shows or films they will be able to attract an audience by generating excitement and they will be able to retain them by continuously providing this information in future issues. Reporters/journalists may also be able to get exclusive interviews with actors and stars.
Newspaper Columnist
Often people may be given columns within Newspapers where they can write their thoughts and feelings about a number of topics which would mainly be about current events or other public figures. We see this in The Sun newspaper with Jeremy Clarkson and his weekly column on Saturdays. Newspaper columnists will be allowed to talk about a number of things, they are given a set amount of topics and space on the page per week and usually have more freedom of what they want to talk about and how they want to say things in comparison to a journalist or reporter. This is because a columnist might be biased bout things whereas reporters are more likely to be a bit more impartial.
TV Guide Article Writer
People who write for a TV guide will talk about upcoming shows or episodes that are going to be aired on TV during the upcoming week(s). When writing articles the journalist may just write information regarding upcoming shows based upon things that are confirmed. Journalists may also get the oppertunity to interview stars of upcoming TV shows in order to promote the show by getting that persons thoughts and feelings. Articles about upcoming TV shows may include a synopsis as well as the opinion of the article writer and articles featuring interviews with stars or articles about stars may talk about their personal lives and personal history as well as what the upcoming show would mean for them.
Identification of skills gaps and skills development plan
These are images of the skills audit I have created for myself as well as the development plan for how I feel I would like to improve my skills for the foreseeable future in order to become an effective asset within the print based media industry.
CV
Here is a link to a CV that I have created:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_4lfFO92DuxZXlrUmZ6OWlWNkU/view?usp=sharing
Letters of Application for potential jobs
4th May 2017
29 Fortford Close
East Finchley N99 1JS
Mr Oliver McDonald
51 Castleoak Avenue
Old Barnet EN14 9CS
To Mr McDonald
I have noticed there is a job vacancy for a role as a Film Critic at your newspaper and I am writing to you to express interest in filling this space. I found the listing on your website and it seems like an interesting oppertunity that fits in well with my previous interests, education and experience. I believe that I would be an excellent fit for the position given my education in Film and the degree I obtained studying it at A-Level and Undergraduate level.
I have a number of different skills that I feel would be useful to me within this role. I am competent with technology having gained a qualification in ICT and have a knowledgable understanding of a variety of Hardware and Software that would allow me to be efficient within a journalistic writing role such as this one. Also having gained a degree in Film Studies at the University of Kent this gives me an increased understanding of films as well as highlights my interest and passion for the subject.
As part of the role I understand that I may well have to submit several pieces a week and be available to attend festivals, screenings and premieres. I am hard- working and enthusiastic which I will put towards all of these responsibilities. I have also gained qualifications in english literature and english language which have allowed me to develop my writing skills in order to be able to apply it to my general work today. This will be highly useful working in the role you are offering.
Thank you for considering me for this job role. I would like the oppertunity to meet with you and discuss further why I feel I am suited for this role as well as what I will be able to offer the company. I feel that my skills and training will allow me to make a valuable contribution to the company.
I look forward to hearing from you soon
Sincerely
Daniel Gould
07123456789
danielgould@jcossmail.co.uk
A spreadsheet of contacts and employers in the industry
