Screen Arts portfolio

Applying to the Screen Arts program? The program’s admission requirements include a portfolio submission. Your portfolio helps NSCC evaluate your abilities to ensure you have a reasonable probability of success in this program.

Portfolio contents

Your portfolio consists of the following items, to be submitted digitally:

• A letter of intent (minimum of 250 words)
• A photographic story consisting of 24 photos

Letter of intent

Submit a letter of intent (minimum 250 words) detailing your interest in the screen arts industry.

• Describe your interest in this dynamic field, your future career plans within the industry and how you feel our program can help you achieve your goals.
• Describe your personal commitment to our program, emphasizing how your past experiences and any formal training have prepared you to excel academically and creatively.
• Highlight any relevant skills you have acquired, such as camera operation, video editing, scriptwriting, etc., and share insights gained from any prior industry engagements.

Photographic story

Submit a story told through 24 photographs.

• You are behind the camera to demonstrate your skills in capturing and composing images to tell a story. This is an original work created for this portfolio that emphasizes narrative and visual storytelling.
• Carefully consider everything that appears in the photographs you take to tell your story, like physical setting (location), how the action is staged (blocking of actors), how your photos are framed (composition), the order of the photos (the beginning, middle and end of the story) and how they’re photographed (technical).
• The images should be created with a quality camera (DSLR recommended).
• The images should not be digitally manipulated and should not contain written descriptions.

How to submit your portfolio

Before you submit your portfolio, review this checklist to ensure your submission is complete:

Completed	Portfolio components
	A letter of intent
	Photographic story - 24 photographs (numbered 1 through 24)

Submit your portfolio using 1 of the following 4 methods. Note that you may not alter your portfolio once it has been submitted (it will be screen captured to ensure it has not been modified in any way).

File-sharing service

You may use a file-sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. to submit your portfolio for assessment. If using this method:

• Create a main folder using the following name structure: “[Your first and last name] Screen Arts portfolio”, e.g., John Smith Screen Arts portfolio
• Create a folder for each portfolio section within the main folder. Name these folders “Letter of intent” and “Photographic story”.
• Add your assignments to their respective folders.
• Ensure permissions of your folders are set up to allow anybody with the link to view and download the folder contents, and that access to the link will not expire.
• Send us the link to the main folder by email to . Add “Screen Arts portfolio”. Include your name, "W" number, the program you're applying to and the link to the main folder in the body of your email.

Learn how to upload files and folders to Google Drive.
Learn how to add files and folders to your Dropbox account.

Portfolio website

You may create a portfolio website to be shared for assessment. Paid hosting and custom URL aren't necessary. If using free website providers like Wix or Wordpress, your site must be published for the link to be viewable. Note that social media pages are not acceptable portfolio websites.

If using this method:

• Your website must contain separate sections that are clearly labelled to correspond with each portfolio section (letter of intent and photographic story).
• Uploaded images should be in a file format supported on the web - either JPEG or PNG.
• Ensure all the necessary files are uploaded to your site before you submit it.
• Email your portfolio website to . Add “Screen Arts portfolio” in the subject line. Include your name, "W" number, the program you're applying to and the link to your portfolio website in the body of the email.
• Ensure you've included the published link in your email, not a link to the web editor version of your site.

Portfolio slideshow

You may create a portfolio slideshow using an online slide creation tool like Google Slides or Canva. If using this method:

• Your slideshow must contain separate sections that are clearly labelled to correspond with each portfolio section (letter of intent and photographic story).
• Ensure all the necessary files are included in your slideshow before you submit it.
• Ensure the share settings are set so that anyone with the link can view.
• Email the link to your slideshow to . Add “Screen Arts portfolio” in the subject line. Include your name, "W" number, the program you're applying to and the link to your portfolio website in the body of the email.

PDF document

You may save all images/files into 1 PDF file as long as your file doesn't exceed 25MB. If it exceeds the size limit, you'll need to compress it. If it continues to exceed the size limit after compressing it, use 1 of the methods listed above instead:

If using this method:

• Collect all images/files and merge them into 1 PDF document.
• Each portfolio section must be clearly labelled using the titles “Letter of intent” and “Photographic story”.
• Your assignments must be added under their respective titles.
• Send your PDF as an attachment to . Add “Screen Arts portfolio” in the subject line. Include your name, "W" number and the program you're applying to in the body of the email.

	4 to 5 points	3 points	1 to 2 points	0 points
Letter of intent (max. score 15 points)
Skills and/or training	Includes relevant skills and/or training related to the film and video industry.	Some skills and background related to the film and video industry.	Basic list of skills and/or education.	No information on related skills / training included in letter.
Interest in Industry	Articulates a passion for the film and video industry and the filmmaking process.	Some specifics on interest in the film / video production field.	Limited commentary on interest in film / video production	No interest in the film / video industry noted in letter.
Personal commitment	Letter highlights applicant’s personal commitment to the program, learning and experience.	Some detail about applicant and their commitment to studying filmmaking.	Letter lacks detail about applicant’s personal commitment.	No personal commitment noted in letter.
Photographic story (max. score 15 points)
Presentation and organization	Photos are clean, organized, labelled and follow guidelines.	Photos are mostly organized and presented well.	Photos are not organized or labeled well.	Missing or mislabeled photos.
Creativity and initiative	Photos illustrate original ideas and approaches, strong storytelling skills, and a personal aesthetic and vision.	Some original ideas demonstrating some storytelling skills, and vision.	Derivative ideas or lacking a story or personal vision.	Photos do not tell a story.
Technical ability	Technical competence in composition, framing, camera work and lighting.	Not all photos are well-composed, framed or properly exposed.	Many photos out of focus, not exposed properly or with inconsistent aspect ratios.	Most photos are out of focus, over or under-exposed or in a non-standard format.
Total /30

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