ZARA TROTT

Basildon Cottage, Park Wall Lane,

Lower Basildon, Berkshire, RG8 9PA
07568 327783
zaratrott4@googlemail.com

SUMMARY:
I am a highly conscientious and ambitious film student with a passion for films and a strong desire to work in the
film industry, using film to bring stories to life and challenge people’s perceptions.

EDUCATION:
GCSEs – English Lang, 7; English Lit, 5; Maths, 6; Film Studies A*; History, A*; Drama, A; Geography, A, Ethics
and Philosophy, A; Biology, B; Physics, B; Chemistry, C.
Diploma in Creative Media Production (UAL) - Distinction

HOBBIES
 Films - I am passionate about films. I watch films on a regular basis both at the cinema and at home. My
favourite films are Stand by Me (directed by Rob Reiner) and Trash (directed by Stephen Daldry) because they
are beautifully put together and act as voices for problems in society. My favourite directors are Francis Ford
Coppola and Steven Spielberg because of the way they challenge their actors and crew to fulfil their visions. I
feel this has contributed to the many awards they have won. I subscribe to Empire magazine to keep up to date
with current films and to see how they have been reviewed.
 Reading/Writing – I am an avid reader. I enjoy books that have characters I can relate to as well as an
adventurous plot that keeps me on my toes. My favourite book is The Outsiders as I feel similar in manner and
personality to Ponyboy Curtis. He helped me to understand you can get through anything if you stay gold. I also
enjoy writing and coming up with ideas for new stories and I am helping my mum write a teenage novel.
 Drama – I attended a stage school on Saturdays for three years which has given me a good appreciation of acting
and the mechanics of putting on a live production. Working on a theatre production also demanded me to work
effectively in a team.
 Drumming – I am a competent drummer having studied Rock School Drumming to Grade 5. I have also been in
a couple of bands and performed at school events.
 Rowing – I have rowed for Reading Rowing Club’s Junior Squad.

ACHIEVEMENTS
 Film – I have made a number of films whilst on my creative media course including a documentary, radio
drama, advertisement and short film. I received distinctions for all my production. Prior to my course, I made a
one minute anti-bullying video and entered it into GMTV’s ‘Action Against Bullying’ competition. It was
shortlisted and shown on the ITV website. On the back of this it was then used by a company called Impero
Software as part of a social media promotional campaign against bullying. It received a good level of attention
and was retweeted by Kidscape. My school also showed it in year assemblies.
 Drama – I have performed in several productions including The Odyssey; Mort; Oklahoma; Annie; Fame and
The Wedding Singer. I was also a member of the Reading Hexagon choir for the professional touring production
of Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat.
 Drumming – Achieved grades of distinction and merit.
 Rowing – I was awarded a certificate for ‘Most Improved’ after a summer course last year. This led me to be
selected for Reading Rowing Club’s Junior Squad.
 Other Achievements – D of E, Bronze Award; Theale Green Academic Award for Outstanding Progress and
House Colour Award for Contribution to House Events. GCSE Awards for Best Performances in Film Studies
and History.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
 I recently produced a promotional video for a theatre school. This involved working with a demanding client to
understand and fulfil their needs to a very tight timescale.
 I work as a catering assistant for the National Trust at Basildon Park. This requires me to work effectively in a
team to ensure all necessary jobs are done to prepare for the day; serve customers; keep the environment clean
and tidy.