Writer, Director, Composer, Actor, Artist... overall just a creative person!
Ever since I can remember, I have been a creative child. I remember I used to run around my back garden, playing with imaginary friends - all with their own flaws, quirks and histories. I would act out a variety of plots with perpetually-changing genres — be it the death of a friend, an awkward situation or the search for a monster. And as I grew, my friends grew with me — each of them going through their own individual character arcs that affected the stories I told with them. I was an only child, as I’m sure you may have assumed by now. And if I was not reading a book to beguile the tedious hours of Monday, I was crafting my own tales; building my own worlds; writing my own adventures.
Screenwriting has been my aspiration before I could even spell ‘aspiration’. I got straight A’s in English Literature and Language at School, I enrolled in Creative Writing, Philosophy and English Literacy courses at College; and so Screenwriting seemed like the natural progression. This is why I was able to finish my Secondary and College education so quickly. I knew exactly where I wanted to be in life and I worked as hard as I could to get there. And now here I am. I started university at 16 years old, and have finally now graduated with a degree in Screenwriting And Producing BA (Hons).
You can see more details about my education and achievements in the section below. As for hobbies, creativity is my hobby. I wish that were me self-promoting but it isn’t. I really do this for fun. Do I need a life? No! Who needs a life when I get to spend a great deal of my days off writing screenplays about people with lives way cooler than mine will ever be. Another skill of mine is musical composition using programs such as ‘Logic Pro’. In terms of genre, my music can range from pop and rock music all the way to orchestral and emotional background music that I sometimes am inspired to make by screenplays I write. I can also draw well, and have created several animation projects completely on my own.
Overall, I am an enthusiastic, reliable, driven and approachable person. I have excellent communication skills both written and verbal and can easily follow instructions. I am able to work on own initiative or as part of a team and can deal with leadership duties competently. These are all abilities I have accumulated throughout my education and in my personal life. I am now looking for the next opportunity to use and enhance the skills I have developed during these times in a professional context.
“I hugely enjoyed talking to CJ about writing in general and his own writing in particular. CJ has a highly developed interest in all forms of creative writing and is also quite clearly working on an impressive range of projects. He’s quick, eager to learn and insightful in his approach.”
“CJ is a bright and able student who is a pleasure to have in class. I have taught him on two units as part of his foundation year (Introduction to Music Video Production and Screenwriting and Producing). On both of these units CJ received outstanding grades and I have no doubt that he will be awarded a first upon completion of the course.
I know that one of CJ’s main passions is screenwriting. I have had numerous conversations with him about his own work and work that he has studied either for class, or external viewing he has been doing. I get a real sense that he is beginning to develop both as a gifted writer and a solid academic student.
In class CJ is both studious and hard working. He is always engaged with lectures or the tasks that are set in class and is able to join in with group discussions with articulate points of interest or interesting questions. Frequently I have to remind myself that he is one of the younger members of the group as he is often able to showcase a maturity that is beyond his years. ”
“From the outset CJ was an exemplar student. He never missed a lesson and was always punctual. He contributed to all lessons, questioning, enthusiastic, seriously dedicated to getting the most out of the class. He was always comfortable (and often the first) to pitch and present. He took criticism well and was relentless in trying to improve his work.
His approachable and committed manner, resulted in many students seeking him out for advice. He had tight deadlines of his own but always took time to help contribute critical and intelligent feedback. He was always polite, respectful to colleagues and myself, a pleasant sociable member of the class who helped create a positive learning environment.
He never missed a deadline. His creative work was always excellent. He pushed himself to create a complete filmic work. The script, shot construction, direction and performances were in a different league from his contemporaries; a complete advertising idea, one that would not be out of place in a professional context. Out of my 28 students, he was comfortably at the top of the list.
CJ made use of all the equipment and facilities that Regents provided. He was involved in many extra-curricular activities. He ran a drama group and participated in fundraising and charitable events for the Young Rotarians.
CJ is passionate about a career in film and TV. He loves film art, lives and breathes it. He is initially interested in screenwriting (for which he has natural talents) but I feel he could go on to direct and produce if he so wished. CJ has not only made the most of his time at Regents academically but has produced creative work that has done the university proud.”