Help Milly get to the NFTS
Donation protected
Hi! I'm Milly, and I've been accepted as one of only 8 people from around the world, to study Production Design at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) starting in January 2019.
Whether you know me, or you only know of me, something has brought you to my page and so I'd like to take the time to share my story with you and how your potential donation could impact my career; the future of film & television; the representation of women in the film & TV industry and the representation and growth of Yorkshire & Northern England film production.
What is Production Design and why am I doing it?
For those who don't know, here's a short description of the role of a Production Designer: "Production Designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They identify a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, costumes, hair & makeup, SFX and VFX while working closely with the director, producer and cinematographer."
But why...
My love for storytelling began at a young age when I would watch the original Star Wars and Lord of the Rings series with my Dad, or attend an after-school musical theatre group; but I thought that a trip to the cinema or theatre was as close as I’d get to telling stories for a living. I have always found a way to tell a story; whether it was creative writing as a child, performing on the stage as a teenager or designing products for my undergrad degree - I have always been driven to do things that have meaning. When I realised that production design was an actual job, I assumed it would be as hard to get into as it would be to become the star of the movies themselves - and I wasn't wrong! After finding the NFTS course online a few years ago, I convinced myself very quickly that this wasn't something that someone like me could go and do - not only the sheer cost of the course, but the slim chance I'd ever be chosen as one of the 8. After graduating university in Summer 2017, I had a 'grad-life crisis' and decided that I was going to apply and give it everything I had, so that I could never say "what if?"... a year on and I actually pulled it off! And that's why I've brought you to this page.
My background:
Education
Born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, I pursued a career in design after studying a GSCE in design technology on a fast-track programme at school, continuing on to study product design at A-Level whilst only being of GCSE age. I then went on to study an Industrial Design & Technology Honours degree at Loughborough University. Throughout all of my studies, I also pursued a love for performing arts. Naturally, my dreams developed into a combination of the two; storytelling through design... and this is why you're here.
Work
After graduating university in 2017, I began freelancing as a Creative Designer in Nottingham working for several clients on branding and graphic design projects, whilst starting a career in the media industry on the side. I've worked 5 full days and nights a week, often weekends too, since early 2018 in order to further my career and earn the money I needed to keep doing so. In July 2018 I left my partner of 3 years (geographically!), my friends and my freelancing career in Nottingham, to move back to my parents and save money toward my future. I got a full-time job in Leeds as a Graphic Designer in August and complete freelance work on my hour long commute there and back each day, continuing late into every evening when I get home.
Film & TV Experience
In early 2018 I took on my first media projects; a short film (Make Do Or Mend), theatre set design (Fiddler on the Roof) and music video (Joey Costello - We Get So High). My first ever short film, Make Do Or Mend, was part of the Sci-Fi London 48hr Film Challenge, whereby all writing, shooting and editing of the film had to be done within 48hrs and submitted to the competition. As Production Designer on the project, I was first and foremost responsible for the design of the film. With two weeks of preparation time before our 48 hours began, I designed the concept for the set, characters, costume, hair, makeup & Special FX, and was responsible for the sourcing of props, costume and set pieces (managing a small team to do so)... all of which I did whilst juggling my busy 'day job'. Then, when the 48 hours began, it was my job to build and dress the set, dress the actors, instruct hair, makeup & SFX and bring the film to life.
This film has been collecting festival recognitions and screenings since completion and I have just been nominated for Best Production Design at the Birmingham International Film Festival 2018, as well as the film receiving nominations for Best Micro Short and Best Costume.
To see more on this project and all of my other experience, head to my website: millywhite.net. Alternatively, you can view my portfolio that resulted in my successful application to the NFTS, here: Milly White NFTS Portfolio (best viewed as double page spreads!). My portfolio features work from my entire design background.
Why donate? The money part
With this fantastic opportunity, comes a fantastic fee... It feels wrong to ask for money when there are so many other worthy causes and organisations out there who need your help. However, I simply do not know how I will achieve my dream of going to the NFTS to study Production Design, without this kind of generosity - from people like you. Should you not feel the urge to donate to me today, organisations close to my heart are; Mind , Cancer Research UK and the RSPCA - why not donate to them instead?
A break down of the cost:
+ 2 year course = £14,300 per year tuition fee = £28,600 total tuition fees
+ Living costs in Beaconsfield, London = (est) £12,000 per year = £24,000 total living costs
= £52,600 TOTAL COST
Here's what I've done so far, to support myself:
- £10,690 Student Finance Loan (with an interest rate of 6.3% whilst studying, that will be added on top of my £52,000 student debt from my Undergraduate degree currently accruing interest at a rate of 3.3%)
- £10,000 Professional Career and Development Loan (at an interest rate of 9.9%)
- (est) £5,000 saved from earnings (that has already begun to pay for rent, deposits etc)
- applied to the NFTS's Scholarship Programme (awaiting their decision)
- applied for other schemes for which I am eligible (awaiting their decision)
- approached potential sponspors in the industry ((awaiting their response)
= £26,910 LEFT TO FIND.
Why donate? Women in film and northern talent
"For nearly half a century, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has developed some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent – for which we were honoured to receive both the 2018 BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education." - NFTS Website.
NFTS alumni have won 11 Oscars and 138 BAFTAs and been nominated dozens of times for each.
Not only is the NFTS "bringing forward the best film, TV and games design talent and as an essential talent pipeline for the UK’s creative industries", it is committed to supporting diversity in the industry with "43.22% of our MA students are female and 16.85% are BAME".
As a female creative from Yorkshire, I feel that it is crucial that women and people from northern England, are given the opportunity to make their mark on industries such as this. In preparation for my application to the NFTS, I bought a book that featured the work of 21 Production Designers of which only 2 were female, and both of these ladies were British. My aim is to follow in the footsteps of Sarah Greenwood (Beauty and the Beast, Darkest Hour, Anna Karenina) and Eve Stewart (Les Miserables, The King's Speech, The Danish Girl) and make my mark on the industry as a British female filmmaker.
'Up north' is becoming a creative hub for film & tv:
'Channel 4 will be moving its National Headquarters to Leeds'
'£4m funding confirmed for Doncaster based film and TV studio' - 2 minutes from my parents house!
Why donate? What I will do in return
All donations will go toward making sure my tuition fees are paid for, for both years of study, and then toward any living costs that I haven't managed to cover.
Not only will I be so very grateful for any and all donations, but I will put the money to good use by:
- championing the production of British film & TV
- championing the production of film & TV by female filmmakers
- fighting for diversity across the board, within the film & TV industry
- continuing to build the platform for northern film production and filmmakers
- inspiring, entertaining and moving people with my work
If you donate today, I will be one step closer to paying for the course tuition fees, joining the growing population of female and northern filmmakers and truly beginning my dream career as a Production Designer for Film & TV.
With most sincere thanks,
Milly White
Whether you know me, or you only know of me, something has brought you to my page and so I'd like to take the time to share my story with you and how your potential donation could impact my career; the future of film & television; the representation of women in the film & TV industry and the representation and growth of Yorkshire & Northern England film production.
What is Production Design and why am I doing it?
For those who don't know, here's a short description of the role of a Production Designer: "Production Designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They identify a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, costumes, hair & makeup, SFX and VFX while working closely with the director, producer and cinematographer."
But why...
My love for storytelling began at a young age when I would watch the original Star Wars and Lord of the Rings series with my Dad, or attend an after-school musical theatre group; but I thought that a trip to the cinema or theatre was as close as I’d get to telling stories for a living. I have always found a way to tell a story; whether it was creative writing as a child, performing on the stage as a teenager or designing products for my undergrad degree - I have always been driven to do things that have meaning. When I realised that production design was an actual job, I assumed it would be as hard to get into as it would be to become the star of the movies themselves - and I wasn't wrong! After finding the NFTS course online a few years ago, I convinced myself very quickly that this wasn't something that someone like me could go and do - not only the sheer cost of the course, but the slim chance I'd ever be chosen as one of the 8. After graduating university in Summer 2017, I had a 'grad-life crisis' and decided that I was going to apply and give it everything I had, so that I could never say "what if?"... a year on and I actually pulled it off! And that's why I've brought you to this page.
My background:
Education
Born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, I pursued a career in design after studying a GSCE in design technology on a fast-track programme at school, continuing on to study product design at A-Level whilst only being of GCSE age. I then went on to study an Industrial Design & Technology Honours degree at Loughborough University. Throughout all of my studies, I also pursued a love for performing arts. Naturally, my dreams developed into a combination of the two; storytelling through design... and this is why you're here.
Work
After graduating university in 2017, I began freelancing as a Creative Designer in Nottingham working for several clients on branding and graphic design projects, whilst starting a career in the media industry on the side. I've worked 5 full days and nights a week, often weekends too, since early 2018 in order to further my career and earn the money I needed to keep doing so. In July 2018 I left my partner of 3 years (geographically!), my friends and my freelancing career in Nottingham, to move back to my parents and save money toward my future. I got a full-time job in Leeds as a Graphic Designer in August and complete freelance work on my hour long commute there and back each day, continuing late into every evening when I get home.
Film & TV Experience
In early 2018 I took on my first media projects; a short film (Make Do Or Mend), theatre set design (Fiddler on the Roof) and music video (Joey Costello - We Get So High). My first ever short film, Make Do Or Mend, was part of the Sci-Fi London 48hr Film Challenge, whereby all writing, shooting and editing of the film had to be done within 48hrs and submitted to the competition. As Production Designer on the project, I was first and foremost responsible for the design of the film. With two weeks of preparation time before our 48 hours began, I designed the concept for the set, characters, costume, hair, makeup & Special FX, and was responsible for the sourcing of props, costume and set pieces (managing a small team to do so)... all of which I did whilst juggling my busy 'day job'. Then, when the 48 hours began, it was my job to build and dress the set, dress the actors, instruct hair, makeup & SFX and bring the film to life.
This film has been collecting festival recognitions and screenings since completion and I have just been nominated for Best Production Design at the Birmingham International Film Festival 2018, as well as the film receiving nominations for Best Micro Short and Best Costume.
To see more on this project and all of my other experience, head to my website: millywhite.net. Alternatively, you can view my portfolio that resulted in my successful application to the NFTS, here: Milly White NFTS Portfolio (best viewed as double page spreads!). My portfolio features work from my entire design background.
Why donate? The money part
With this fantastic opportunity, comes a fantastic fee... It feels wrong to ask for money when there are so many other worthy causes and organisations out there who need your help. However, I simply do not know how I will achieve my dream of going to the NFTS to study Production Design, without this kind of generosity - from people like you. Should you not feel the urge to donate to me today, organisations close to my heart are; Mind , Cancer Research UK and the RSPCA - why not donate to them instead?
A break down of the cost:
+ 2 year course = £14,300 per year tuition fee = £28,600 total tuition fees
+ Living costs in Beaconsfield, London = (est) £12,000 per year = £24,000 total living costs
= £52,600 TOTAL COST
Here's what I've done so far, to support myself:
- £10,690 Student Finance Loan (with an interest rate of 6.3% whilst studying, that will be added on top of my £52,000 student debt from my Undergraduate degree currently accruing interest at a rate of 3.3%)
- £10,000 Professional Career and Development Loan (at an interest rate of 9.9%)
- (est) £5,000 saved from earnings (that has already begun to pay for rent, deposits etc)
- applied to the NFTS's Scholarship Programme (awaiting their decision)
- applied for other schemes for which I am eligible (awaiting their decision)
- approached potential sponspors in the industry ((awaiting their response)
= £26,910 LEFT TO FIND.
Why donate? Women in film and northern talent
"For nearly half a century, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has developed some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent – for which we were honoured to receive both the 2018 BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education." - NFTS Website.
NFTS alumni have won 11 Oscars and 138 BAFTAs and been nominated dozens of times for each.
Not only is the NFTS "bringing forward the best film, TV and games design talent and as an essential talent pipeline for the UK’s creative industries", it is committed to supporting diversity in the industry with "43.22% of our MA students are female and 16.85% are BAME".
As a female creative from Yorkshire, I feel that it is crucial that women and people from northern England, are given the opportunity to make their mark on industries such as this. In preparation for my application to the NFTS, I bought a book that featured the work of 21 Production Designers of which only 2 were female, and both of these ladies were British. My aim is to follow in the footsteps of Sarah Greenwood (Beauty and the Beast, Darkest Hour, Anna Karenina) and Eve Stewart (Les Miserables, The King's Speech, The Danish Girl) and make my mark on the industry as a British female filmmaker.
'Up north' is becoming a creative hub for film & tv:
'Channel 4 will be moving its National Headquarters to Leeds'
'£4m funding confirmed for Doncaster based film and TV studio' - 2 minutes from my parents house!
Why donate? What I will do in return
All donations will go toward making sure my tuition fees are paid for, for both years of study, and then toward any living costs that I haven't managed to cover.
Not only will I be so very grateful for any and all donations, but I will put the money to good use by:
- championing the production of British film & TV
- championing the production of film & TV by female filmmakers
- fighting for diversity across the board, within the film & TV industry
- continuing to build the platform for northern film production and filmmakers
- inspiring, entertaining and moving people with my work
If you donate today, I will be one step closer to paying for the course tuition fees, joining the growing population of female and northern filmmakers and truly beginning my dream career as a Production Designer for Film & TV.
With most sincere thanks,
Milly White
Organizer
Milly White
Organizer
