AGENT MANUAL
AN INTRODUCTION TO MET FILM SCHOOL Met Film School is London’s leading provider of practical filmmaking courses, based at the world famous home of British Cinema, Ealing Studios. We deliver a range of full and part-time programmes which offer the most practical, vocational training in film, by not only providing hands-on training in all craft areas, but also by creating an environment in which students are encouraged to build lasting relationships with filmmaking professionals. This year, we have also introduced specialist six-month programmes in Practical Filmmaking, Visual Effects for Film, Digital Animation and Applied Visual Effects and Animation. Met Film School is part of the Met Film group, a unique organisation that comprises the UK’s fastest growing film school, an award-winning feature film production company, a cutting-edge post-production facility, a highly successful creative agency and an innovative distribution arm. The group has created a pioneering approach of exploiting synergies in the film business to address issues of working in a changing digital age and thus enable students to dive right into the heart of the working film industry from day one of their training. From day one of their course, Met students are focused equally on developing their creative and technical skills to the highest standard as well as carving a career in this notoriously competitive industry. Met Film School is the only film school in the UK to benefit from such close industry relationships that our Ealing Studios location and level of industry professional tutors provide. Recently, for example, the school has helped graduates into work with two leading production companies – Ealing Studios’ own production company, Fragile Films, and micro-budget feature film production company, Slingshot Studios, who are in pre-production on their second feature. All students on our practical filmmaking courses will write, direct and edit their own short films during the programme and will each have a show reel of their own work upon graduating, which they are encouraged to use to assist them in finding work in the industry. Each year, we have a Graduate Showcase of the best student films, which are put onto a show reel and we also support the best students by supporting them in the submission of their films to festivals.
CONTENTS
An Introduction to Met Film School PG 1 Ten Good Reasons to choose the Met PG 2 Our Facilities PG 3 Met Film School Programmes PG 4–5 Admission Entry Requirements PG 6–7 Application Process PG 9 Agent Information PG 10–11 Frequently Asked Questions PG 12
The passion, drive and commitment of all of our staff, tutors and students is what sets Met Film School apart as the only place for filmmakers to train in the challenging craft of film and media and embark on a lifelong career in this industry.
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OUR FACILITIES
CAMPUS
The main Met Film School campus is located on-site at Ealing Studios. Lessons take place in our teaching rooms or, if they include shooting exercises, around campus. Aside from scheduled teaching sessions, students have access to the school to continue working on their projects independently. Students are given their own portable hard-drive to store their rushes and they can use one of our 100+ Apple workstations to edit whenever the school is open.
SHOOTING LOCATIONS
The Met Film School has its own sound stage located within the Ealing Studios lot which is used for various practical workshops and teaching sessions; a multicamera studio and gallery; and a separate studio with multiple varied shooting spaces for filmmaking, camera workshops and production. In addition to the sound stage, students at the Met Film School will experience a range of shooting environments. As well as our Ealing Studios campus, students also have access to our smaller studio located near our main site - the space offers a number of shooting possibilities and is used for teaching and practical exercises.
CAMERAS
We have a wide range of camera facilities, which are available for students to hire for shoots using their production credits. The JVC HM700E is a great starter camera with full, industry standard functions laid out exactly as you would find on the full range of high end HD camcorders. The Sony EX3 is an industry standard workhorse, capable of stunning pictures. Students on our one and two year courses will also receive training on the latest large sensor cameras, such as the Red One and Sony F3, and students on our specialist courses are able to liaise with our dedicated production team if they need additional kit hired in.
LIGHTING AND SOUND Our kit room offers all the facilities students require to set up the basics for their shoot. This includes threepoint lighting systems, sound kits and grips. Our kit room also holds boom poles, zeppelins, radio mics, hard drive sound recorders, mixers, dedo lights, flo lights, 1k and 2k fresnel lights and a range of simple dollies. A complement of lighting grip equipment (c-stands, magic arms, flags and polyboard) is also available to help students learn the craft of lighting. Additional HMIs and other extended lighting kit can be brought in for relevant courses. More information and pictures of our facilities can be found on our website www.metfilmschool.co.uk.
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MA IN FILMMAKING
17 MONTHS FULL-TIME
The MA in Filmmaking programme, validated by Bournemouth University, consists of a series of units led by experienced filmmaking practitioners. The programme enables students to complete a portfolio of up to six short projects, plus a Masters research or production project accompanied by an exhibition. The course is divided into eight units; Drama Production, Production For The Small Screen, Feature Film Production, Documentary Practice, Thinking Beyond: Experimental Film Conception & Creation, Working With Genre, and the final Masters research or production project followed by the compulsory exhibition. Within each eight-week unit students will develop an individual learning agreement with their tutor that sets out the project objectives they will pursue in a largely selfdirected learning environment, which is combined with two weekend workshops. Where relevant, students will have access to teaching support in disciplines such as editing or directing, whilst they lead the necessary independent research to develop the project. They will also be expected to engage with the postgraduate online forum, which allows them to draw upon and share the expertise and opinions of their tutors and peers.
2 YEARS FULL-TIME
BA (HONS) PRACTICAL FILMMAKING
BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking is designed for those who are looking for an intensive, two-year degree programme. You will gain a comprehensive range of production skills that focus on creative development, writing, directing, producing and editing. In addition, you will develop an understanding of film history, movements, style and associated critical analysis skills, as well as a thorough appreciation of contemporary industry practice. The BA programme offers specialist modules in practical filmmaking, digital cinematography or visual effects and animation, and on completion you will be awarded with a degree qualification that reflects your chosen pathway. However all students, regardless of their study route, take part in modules that cover the fundamentals of filmmaking and complete an individual graduation project.
1 YEAR FULL-TIME
PRACTICAL FILMMAKING DIPLOMA
The Practical Filmmaking Diploma includes all of the areas covered by the One-Year Practical Filmmaking course and gives students the chance to make their own graduation project. Furthermore, students will benefit from additional training across extra modules including analysing film, broadcast and new media, small screen production plus an additional option of their choice. By the end of the programme students will be technically proficient in all aspects of production and post-production for film and related media. This includes writing, directing, producing, camera, sound lighting and editing. In addition, students will be practiced in the creative development and pitching process and the application of postproduction skills.
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE During the Practical Filmmaking Diploma programme students will have been involved in the creation of four films both individually and collaboratively. Modules available on this programme that include practical work are: ąŗŗDigital Fiction Production ąŗŗShort Film Production ąŗŗSmall Screen Production OR Short Film, Big Screen ąŗŗDocumentary: Theory & Practice ąŗŗFilm Lab ąŗŗGraduation project ąŗŗPlus numerous filmed exercises.
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
Students studying on the two-year degree programme will complete at least six short films, both individually and collaboratively, across a range of genres. In addition, you will take part in filmed exercises that reflect the key criteria of the module you are studying. These exercises will demonstrate your acquired understanding of varying visual formats and your ability to take on a range of production roles. The BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking degree allows you to tailor your studies to include specialist training in digital cinematography or visual effects and animation. Those who don’t choose to specialise will continue on the practical filmmaking route and all students will leave with a showreel that demonstrates their acquired filmmaking skills and experience.
ONE-YEAR DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
1 YEAR FULL-TIME
The One-Year Digital Cinematography programme is an intensive, practical study of cinematography for film and television, designed for students who want to work within the world of visual storytelling. You will be taught by industry professionals to develop your expertise and real-world knowledge of crafting images on screen. You will explore and gain experience in a wide range of roles across the camera, lighting and grip departments. You will also be introduced to a range of cameras including the RED, JVC HM700, Sony F3, other professional HD cameras, and 16mm. You will leave equipped with a broad knowledge of digital cinematography, and graduate with a showreel that demonstrates your technical and creative skills.
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE Our one-year courses offer students the chance to gain experience across a diverse range of production roles and film genres. Students will fulfill the roles of writer, director and editor - working on projects either individually or collaboratively. They will have been involved in the production of three films plus a number of filmed exercises, equipping them with an impressive showreel. Modules available on this programme that include practical work are: ąŗŗDigital Fiction Production ąŗŗShort Film Production ąŗŗSmall Screen Production OR Short Film, Big Screen PAGE 4 | MET FILM SCHOOL AGENT MANUAL
ONE-YEAR PRACTICAL FILMMAKING
1 YEAR FULL-TIME
Our one-year programmes are intensive, highly practical courses for individuals looking to gain the latest, most relevant skills. The courses are taught by industry professionals ensuring that only the most up-to-date practices are passed on to students. Students will acquire a deep understanding of visual storytelling and will leave with a show reel that demonstrates their skills to future employers. Students will undertake three major productions, including a documentary, and develop their skills in: writing for the screen, directing, camera, lighting, sound, and editing.
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE Our one-year courses offer students the chance to gain experience across a diverse range of production roles and film genres. Students will fulfill the roles of writer, director and editor – working on projects either individually or collaboratively. Students will have been involved in the production of three films plus a number of filmed exercises, equipping them with an impressive showreel. Modules available on this programme that include practical work are: ąŗŗDigital Fiction Production ąŗŗShort Film Production ąŗŗSmall Screen Production OR Short Film, Big Screen ąŗŗDocumentary: Theory & Practice ąŗŗFilm Lab ąŗŗPlus numerous filmed exercises.
ąŗŗDocumentary: Theory & Practice ąŗŗFilm Lab ąŗŗPlus numerous filmed exercises METFILMSCHOOL.CO.UK
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ADMISSIONS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ADMISSIONS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Met Film School has a dedicated Enrolments Team to process student applications. The standard minimum requirements for our programmes are listed below. Note that some programmes have additional requirements that vary depending upon the programme. These additional requirements can be found on our website. Additional requirements may change at any time and we recommend that agents review the Met Film School website frequently for the most current information.
PRACTICAL FILMMAKING DIPLOMA (DIPLOMA IN HIGHER EDUCATION)
MA IN FILMMAKING ąŗThe MA in Filmmaking typically has a number of entry points through the year. These dates are available on our website. ąŗStudents will be required to provide evidence of either a degree qualification in a relevant subject or substantial previous professional experience. Due to the highly independent form of study and the amount of physical production, candidates will be required to prove that they have relevant experience in film production techniques. A portfolio will be a requisite part of the application. ąŗEnglish Language Requirements – Students who are not from UKBA listed English speaking countries, will be required to show they have English language ability equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any components). Students who require a Tier 4 (General) Student visa to study in the UK will be required to submit a result from an approved English language test to check that he/she is competent in English language at a minimum of CEFR level B2 in each of the four components. A list of the approved English language tests for Tier 4, including the time period for which tests are valid, and the scores a Tier 4 (General) must achieve, is available on the UK Border Agency website via this link: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf. The student must include his/her test certificate with his/her application.
BA (HONS) PRACTICAL FILMMAKING ąŗ160 UCAS points for students who are 18 – 20 years old ąŗNo formal academic requirements are require for applicants who are 21+ ąŗEnglish Language Requirements – Students who are not from UKBA listed English speaking countries, will be required to show they have English language ability equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any components). Students who require a Tier 4 (General) Student visa to study in the UK will be required to submit a result from an approved English language test to check that he/she is competent in English language at a minimum of CEFR level B2 in each of the four components. A list of the approved English language tests for Tier 4, including the time period for which tests are valid, and the scores a Tier 4 (General) must achieve, is available on the UK Border Agency website via this link: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf. The student must include his/her test certificate with his/her application.
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ąŗ100 UCAS points for students who are 18 – 20 years old ąŗNo formal academic requirements are require for applicants who are 21+ ąŗEnglish Language Requirements – Students who are not from UKBA listed English speaking countries, will be required to show they have English language ability equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any components). Students who require a Tier 4 (General) Student visa to study in the UK will be required to submit a result from an approved English language test to check that he/she is competent in English language at a minimum of CEFR level B1 in each of the four components. A list of the approved English language tests for Tier 4, including the time period for which tests are valid, and the scores a Tier 4 (General) must achieve, is available on the UK Border Agency website via this link: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf. The student must include his/her test certificate with his/her application.
ONE-YEAR PROGRAMMES (CERTIFICATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION) ąŗ50 UCAS points for students who are 18 – 20 years old ąŗNo formal academic requirements are require for applicants who are 21+ ąŗEnglish Language Requirements – Students who are not from UKBA listed English speaking countries, will be required to show they have English language ability equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any components). Students who require a Tier 4 (General) Student visa to study in the UK will be required to submit a result from an approved English language test to check that he/she is competent in English language at a minimum of CEFR level B1 in each of the four components. A list of the approved English language tests for Tier 4, including the time period for which tests are valid, and the scores a Tier 4 (General) must achieve, is available on the UK Border Agency website via this link: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf. The student must include his/her test certificate with his/her application.
SHORT, PART-TIME AND WEEKEND COURSES Enrolment procedures for our short, part-time and weekend courses can be found on our website www.metfilmschool.co.uk/Admissions/How-to-Enrol.aspx.
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APPLICATION PROCESS INITIAL ENQUIRY Agent introduces student to Admissions team at Met Film School Admissions informs student of entry requirements for the programme of interest
APPLICATION If student wishes to make a formal application, agent guides the student on required documents and verifies qualifications. Application form must be completed and forwarded with supporting documents and ID to Met Film School. Met Film School prefers e-mail submission of application forms and supporting documents but applications can also be sent to: Admission Met Film School Ealing Studios London, W5 5EP United Kingdom
ASSESSMENT Once Met Film School has received the application, it will be assessed as soon as possible. You can expect a turnaround time of 24-48 hours. Admissions will contact the student to arrange an interview if their application has been successful. Students who are overseas will be interviewed via telephone. Enquires regarding the status of an application can be made directly to our Admissions team at info@ metfilmschool.co.uk or on 020 8280 9119. Timelines may vary depending on the application. Students will be notified if we require further information in order to fully assess their application.
DECISIONS After the interview, and if the applicant is successful, the agent and applicant will be notified and an offer letter will be emailed as a PDF attachment together with the acceptance and payment details. Applicants are normally notified of the outcome of their application within 24-48 hours.
ACCEPTANCE AND PAYMENT To accept the offer, the successful applicant must pay a 20% deposit. This payment will secure their place. The applicant can send proof of payment to info@metfilmschool.co.uk making reference to their full name and the course that they have been accepted on to. The fees are to be paid as shown in the offer letter.
IMMIGRATION – TIER 4 (GENERAL) STUDENTS Once Met Film School are in receipt of the first year fee of the BA or fully fees for the One-Year and MA programmes, Met Film School will verify the students financial evidence to ensure they have the necessary maintenance/ funds to maintain themselves whilst they are in the UK. Met Film School will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies to facilitate the student’s visa application at the British Embassy/ Consulate in their home country. We will also email an Immigration Guide and Pre-Arrival Guide to students. METFILMSCHOOL.CO.UK
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AGENT INFORMATION
AGENT INFORMATION
AGENT COMMISSION
AGENT RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED)
You can submit your own company invoice to: jonathan@metfilm.co.uk
ą Submit complete documentation of the student’s application to Met Film School promptly via email, fax or by post. ą The agent shall advise prospective students and parents to ensure they have an understanding of Met Film School before enrolling. Where an agent is unable to advise, they must refer the enquiry to Met Film School Admissions. ą Only introduce and recommend students who are academically and financially qualified for admission to Met Film School.
Commission will only be paid once the students have enrolled on their programme. Commission is paid for the first academic year for the Masters degree, Bachelors degree and One Year programmes and for all of our short, part-time and weekend courses. Invoices will normally be processed within 30 days of the start date, due to withdrawal and processing times. If a student recruited by an agent at any time undertakes any course or courses offered by Met Film School other than those specifically identified in the application for enrolment and for which the student was first recruited by the agent, no fee or other amount will be payable by Met Film School to the agent.
AGENT RESPONSIBILITIES ą The agent shall advise, evaluate and screen all prospective students and shall collect from the students on Met Film School’s behalf, the necessary application forms, transcripts, references, financial evidence and any other documents requested by Met Film School; these will then be forwarded to Met Film School. ą The agent shall screen all the documents (including academic transcripts) to check for any fake or forged documents before sending these to Met Film School. The agent shall inform Met Film School about any discovery of any such fake or forged document submitted by an applicant.
ą Refrain from engaging in false, misleading or deceptive conduct and understand that any such breaches may result in the termination of the signed agent agreement. ą Ensure that applicants comply with the requirements listed below in order to be considered for entry into programmes: ą Applicants must meet the academic and language requirements as specified for the chosen programme ą Ensure that applicants comply with the requirements listed below in order to be considered for entry into programmes:
MET FILM SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITY
ą The agent shall promote Met Film School, its programmes and services in the most correct and appropriate manner.
ą Applicants must agree to comply with academic and administrative policies of Met Film School, University of West London and Bournemouth University.
ą The agent shall advise prospective students and parents to ensure they have an understanding of Met Film School before enrolling. Where an agent is unable to advise, they must refer the enquiry to Met Film School Admissions.
ą Met Film School aims to provide the agent with complete and up-to-date information on the Met Film School with regards to programmes, course structure, fee schedules, admissions policies and other important related information.
ą In the advising of students and dissemination of information, the agent shall take all reasonable measure to ensure that only factual and up-to-date information is given.
ą Met Film School shall provide the agent with adequate Prospectuses, information leaflets and other related promotional materials.
The agent should:
ą Met Film School shall send all necessary documents to the agent or student directly (if directed by the agent), for visa application once fees are received.
ą Not make the representation that you or your company is the sole representative or an employee of Met Film School ą Avoid actions contrary to UKBA Immigration policies as they relate to student visas, student visitor visas and other relevant immigration areas.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IMPORTANT CONTACTS ADMISSIONS
GENERAL ENQUIRIES Please visit the Met Film School website for detailed information about the school and our courses.
WHEN CAN STUDENTS APPLY? Students can apply at anytime time throughout the year. However, we encourage international students apply at least 3 months before their chosen start date to ensure the necessary immigration paperwork can be completed.
WHAT IS THE TOEFL INSTITUTION CODE? Met Film School www.metfilmschool.co.uk London DI Code: 8359
DO STUDENTS NEED TO SEND A TOEFL, IELTS, PEARSON PTE ACADEMIC SCORE WITH THE APPLICATION? Students who are required to demonstrate their English language ability can either provide us with a current test certificate at the point of application (test must not be more than 2 years old) or where they will need to take a test, provide this to Admissions at a later date. This may mean that the student’s offer will be conditional until the English language requirement is satisfied. Met Film School will not accept any test scores below the level required.
WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS DO IF THE APPLICANT’S ACADEMIC DOCUMENTS ARE NOT IN ENGLISH? When academic documents are not in English, students must provide notarized English translations.
WHAT SHOULD THE INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT WHO REQUIRE A STUDENTS VISA DO AFTER THEY RECEIVE THEIR CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE FOR STUDIES (CAS)? Once the applicant receives their CAS, they will need to contact the nearest British Embassy or Consulate to apply for their visa application. A list of embassies and consulates are available from www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
CAN THE STUDENT WORK IN THE UK WHILE ATTENDING MET FILM SCHOOL? Under the current Immigration rules, students studying at Met Film School on a Tier 4 (General) Student visa or Student Visitor visa are unable to take up employment. Students who do not require a student visa must check their individual study and work entitlements at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
CAN AN APPLICANT APPLY ONLINE? We currently do not support online applications. Application forms and supporting documents can be downloaded from www.metfilmschool.co.uk. We do accept submission by email, fax or through the mail.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A STUDENT PAYS AFTER THE DUE DATE INDICATED IN THEIR OFFER LETTER? Please see our terms and conditions at www.metfilmschool.co.uk/about-schools-website.aspx for specific information on late payments.
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