HI MARTA!
I saw on instagram that you were looking for a Copywriter and I reckon I could be a perfect fit for the role.
I realise that sounds a bit arrogant...
But hopefully, after having a look through my stuff, you’ll think “Wow. He’s a perfect fit for the role!”
I thought I’d begin my story in May of 2020.
I was graduating from university (Royal Holloway, studying Film and TV) and was looking for my next venture in life.
I had always been keen to work in advertising. I had a fondness for creative adverts that tell a great story and stick in your mind; I even have a playlist of some of my favourites.
Unfortunately, there was a global pandemic happening, which made finding work a little bit tricky… so I thought I’d carry on my education saga.
I‘d always dreamt of attending The National Film and Television School (aka. The NFTS). They’re one of the top film schools in the world, with one of the highest rejection rates… so I was going to have to do some serious convincing.
MY NFTS APPLICATION
The NFTS had a ‘Directing Commercials’ course, which sounded right up my street. To demonstrate that I was a good fit for the course, I put together a couple of examples of the kind of stuff I would do.
On the right is a crapamatic (like an anamatic… but a bit crap) for a Specsavers advert. Considering we were in the early stages of covid, my idea was to make something playful and relatable around this new idea of wearing masks - playing off their previous comedy spots (like this and this).
Additionally, I put together a one-page script for a 30 second Subway commercial, using their previously playful tone to create something with a deadpan, wacky sense of humour (like this and this). You can see that spec here.
I submitted my application, crossed my fingers and anxiously waited.
Then, one fateful day I received an email - I wasn’t in…
But I was adamant. I bombarded them with emails; asking for advice, vying for feedback, hammering home that I was passionate about following a creative path. Finally, they agreed to interview me.
One week later, another email came my way - I was in!
ADVENTURE 001 - A BIT ABOUT BIRDS
I had made my way onto the NFTS course (yay!) and my first brief was for Adventure 001 - a company that offers a number of experiences and days out.
They wanted an advert promoting the Falconry experience at Moore Grange Farm, focusing on being ‘direct and up close with birds of prey’, the ‘stunning location’ and the experience being ‘fun and informative’. After chatting with the clients, they also emphasised that the experience had a focus on being family-friendly.
I focused on ‘family friendly’ and ‘fun and informative’ and thought of children’s educational programmes from the 70’s. Often led by a charming British fellow, on location, up and close with the subject, providing plenty of facts. (Budget £500)
Here’s links to the treatment and storyboards. (I was new to treatments, so it looks a bit rubbish. My apologies.
After graduating from the course, this film went on to win a Young British Arrow and Porsche Award (humble brag).
EVENT CINEMA ASSOCIATION - IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The next brief that came our way was for Event Cinema Association - a non-profit organisation that focuses on bringing live events to the big screen like Ballet, e-Sports, Boxing, Theatre and Opera.
They wanted a commercial that was ‘cinematic’ and ‘emotive’ that would ‘convey the immersive experience’ to convince ‘cinema goers’ that it was ‘as good as being there live’; including this advert as their favourite reference.
I decided the best approach was to go for a more serious, cinematic tone - focusing on creating an intimate and immersive film that would captivate viewers. We also made sure to utilise the 5.4 surround sound in cinemas to make the advert feel even more immersive. (Budget £700)
Here’s a link to the treatment. (Again, I was still new to the whole treatment thing).
SHEA CREAMS - FEEL SHEA SMOOTH
The third and final brief came from a company called Shea Creams - an organic skin moisturiser.
They wanted their product to be ‘promoted with fun and energy’. Something ‘light-hearted (…) with a laugh at the end’. After a chat with the client they also made it clear that the product was intended for ‘everybody’ and ‘suitable for all skin types’.
You can check out their brief here.
My idea was to begin the advert like a serious, sexy beauty advert (referencing adverts like this or even this) then pulling the rug from the viewer, revealing that it’s not who you’d expect to use it - after all, Shea Creams for any body. (Budget £300)
Here are links to the treatment and storyboards. (As you know by now… they’re a bit shit).
This film was also shortlisted for the Young British Arrow.
LIFE AFTER THE NFTS - AKA. THE DARK AGES
I graduated from the course in March of 2022; a greater knowledge of the advertising industry and 3 commercials under my belt.
So what have I been up to since then?
… well …
I worked a lot of different jobs:
Anything I could do to get by: editing, gardening, graphic design, catering, treatment designing, image researching, floor running (on film sets), location marshalling (also on film sets), picking tomatoes (not on film sets, in Guernsey on a farm). If they were willing to throw some money my way, I was willing to do it.
I self-funded a couple of passion projects:
A short film called Sidewalk Shuffle (that went to 12 festivals and won a couple of awards) .
…and a music video called Dolphin Park (that got a very nice review on DavidReviews)
I wrote a lot of scripts and spec adverts:
Just to keep the creative juices flowing (and because I enjoy it). Most recently I co-wrote a script about a politician fighting a bear, a spec ad about a small beer and another spec advert for a beer company.
But mainly, looking for my next venture…
Something creative where I can thrive using my learned experiences to help create great pieces of work - so maybe… this could be it?
IN SUMMARY
I feel like I have a great deal of relevant experience; having pitched and developed ideas from concept through to delivery. I feel like I know how to make words land, get a laugh, and bring ideas to life. Heck - I’ve even won awards for it!
So, hopefully I might’ve convinced you that I’m a perfect fit (or atleast a good fit) for the role.
Hope you might consider me! :)
All the best -
