A Carer's Journey to Filmmaking: From Dundee to Hollywood

Hi everyone,

I'm incredibly excited to share some life-changing news: I've been accepted to the New York Film Academy (NYFA) in Los Angeles! This acceptance represents a significant step towards realizing my deep passion for the cinematic arts.

My journey to this point has been shaped by personal challenges. As a mature student, navigating life in care during my teenage years and taking on the responsibility of caring for my brother presented significant obstacles. However, these experiences instilled in me resilience and determination, which fueled my academic path. I earned a First-Class Honours Degree in Film Studies and History from the University of Dundee and was subsequently awarded a full scholarship to study the MLitt Film Studies programme at the University of St Andrews. As a mature student who initially studied part-time at undergraduate level, I bring a unique perspective shaped by life's experiences. I've successfully adapted to full-time graduate study, achieving high grades.

My academic work has deepened my fascination with film, particularly exploring the construction of cinematic spaces and how directors create immersive worlds. I'm also deeply intrigued by the phenomenon of cinematic fandom, the transformative power film holds to provide solace, and how enthusiasts connect with their favorite stories through activities like pilgrimage and collecting memorabilia. I'm eager to explore the complex interplay of film, identity, and lived experience.

Beyond academics, I bring practical skills honed through years as a freelance journalist, involving content production and commentary. My experience includes video editing and production, social media management, and live broadcasting and hosting. I also have experience in communications management from my time on various boards. These skills, combined with my research abilities, industry knowledge, and passion, provide a strong foundation for my transition into hands-on filmmaking.

NYFA stands out as an ideal place for this transition. Founded as an alternative to traditional film schools, NYFA aims to demystify and democratize filmmaking by emphasizing a hands-on, project-based approach. Their philosophy is "learn-by-doing", where students actively write, direct, shoot, and edit their own original films, while also crewing on classmates' projects to gain extensive on-set experience. This practical training, combined with mentorship from faculty who are active industry professionals, will provide the technical expertise and creative skills I need to grow as an artist. NYFA also fosters a close-knit community of diverse artists from over 160 countries, a rich environment for collaboration and learning.

While I am actively exploring all avenues for financial support, including scholarships and potential federal aid, attending NYFA involves significant costs. The tuition and associated fees (Equipment & Technology Fee, Wellness Services & Programming Fee) are listed per semester, and an annual increase is expected. Importantly, these costs do not include essential expenses like housing, food, transportation, books, or additional necessary supplies, and students also incur additional costs for their own productions.

I am launching this crowdfunder to help bridge the gap between available financial aid and the actual costs of attending NYFA in Los Angeles. Your support will directly help cover these expenses, allowing me to fully immerse myself in this incredible opportunity to gain the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to pursue my dream of telling stories through film.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a kid from Dundee to pursue filmmaking in the heart of Hollywood.

Thank you for considering supporting my journey from Dundee to LA.