No matter how beautiful the cinematography or impressive the special effects in a film, audiences are drawn in by the struggles of the characters on screen. On set, as dozens of crew members whirl about, twelve kilowatt lights bore into the actor's eyes; focus tape is pulled to the actor’s cheek, and "Action!" is finally called, the actor is still expected to give a believable and moving performance.

In acknowledgment of the importance of the film actor’s job, and in support of the skills required to do the job brilliantly, the New York Film Academy is proud to offer its Special Holiday Acting for Film Workshop.

The workshop is comprised of two three-week portions with a two-week break from Dec. 19 - Jan. 3. The first three weeks concentrate on the foundations of acting, using training techniques rooted in the theater but applicable to screen acting. Students participate in a broad array of core classes that introduce them to finding the actor within, while simultaneously training their instrument to do the kind of technical, emotional, and physical work necessary for film acting.

In the second portion the core classes continue as the students’ focus intensifies on applying the techniques they have learned to more elaborate scene work, on-camera exercises, and film shoots — all designed to develop and hone their screen-acting ability. At several points in both portions, each student performs in video shoots. In addition, a variety of classes are given in order to broaden students’ knowledge of acting techniques, the film business, and many different film crafts.

STUDENT BODY

The Holiday Acting for Film Workshop attracts students from all over the world with backgrounds and experiences that are as varied as the countries from which they originate. Each class is limited to an average of twelve students. The compressed length of the course and the focused level of study requires commitment and intensive collaboration. The experience is physically and emotionally demanding, but always rewarding. Graduates of the Eight-Week Workshop oftentimes choose to continue their intensive studies by enrolling in our popular One-Year Acting for Film Program.

CURRICULUM

• Scene Study
• Acting for Film
• Movement
• Voice
• Improvisation
• Monologues
• Open Casting
• Film Craft
• Audition Technique

SCENE STUDY
This class seeks to build a foundation in acting technique with immediate application to scripted material. It starts at a most basic level, usually with silent scenes or short dialogue scenes, before longer dramatic or comedic scenes are explored. All scenes are studied from the vantage point of what specifically makes a successful film performance versus the attributes of a successful stage performance. Working on scenes from published plays and screenplays give actors the opportunity to apply their skills to well-structured stories with authentic dialogue. Actors will become adept at breaking the scene down into beats, defining and pursuing objectives, understanding the character’s arc, thinking character thoughts, playing actions, and working hard to overcome obstacles.

ACTING FOR FILM
The basic tenets of acting translate from stage to screen, but there are skills and knowledge that are specific to the craft of acting for the camera. While the Film Academy explores with students the necessary acting techniques and elements that must be practiced and understood to give a good performance in general, each student is introduced to acting for the camera in the very first week of the program. Students learn the basics of film acting: calibrating performances based upon shot size and angle, hitting marks, emotional and physical continuity, and strength and imagination in acting choices. The class covers how actors must maintain a consistent emotional through-line from scene to scene, even while shooting out of sequence. Other topics addressed include imaginary eye lines, the actor's business in the film world, and understanding the responsibilities and challenges of the crew on set. Exercises on video help students develop techniques for rehearsing, reading, auditioning, and creating a meaningful performance before the camera.

MOVEMENT
An actor’s body is his or her only instrument, therefore it must be tuned to perform expertly whenever and however needed. Movement classes, in addition to expanding body flexibility and developing the actor's ability to relax and tense when needed, will also focus on breaking down inhibitions, building ensemble spirit, and providing the necessary tools to bring physical dimension to all of their roles. These classes focus more specifically on movement as it is applied to the language of film.