Film School Blog - New York Film Academy

‘Midnight Cowboy’ DP Screens ‘The Panic in Needle Park’

Published on April 10, 2013

NYFA Cinematography Chair John Loughlin with Adam Holender

This Tuesday, the New York Film Academy in Union Square welcomed cinematographer, Adam Holender. His most notable credit is Director of Photography on the 1969 classic, Midnight Cowboy, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. Adam suggested we screen another classic from 1971, starring the then unknown Al Pacino. The Panic in Needle Park is a stark portrayal of life among a group of heroin addicts who hang out in New York City’s “Needle Park.” The film was a part of the early 1970′s cinéma-vérité. Adam’s use of hand-held cameras, real-life urban location, sounds and lack of traditional soundtrack set the tone for a new style of realism. According to Adam, the film was shot primarily on-location in forty-three days.

Living mere blocks away from the main location of the film up on 71st and Broadway, Adam and his director, Jerry Schatzberg, spent months in New York City diligently preparing for production. “Pre-production is the most important part of the process,” said Adam.

Coming up in a time when film was meant to be gritty and real, Adam admits digital filmmaking is the obvious wave of the future. “If people have something to say, it really doesn’t matter if it’s digital or film,” admitted Adam. Though, he does feel a certain loss of intimacy between the cinematographer and the actors’ performance when shooting digitally as opposed to 35mm.

When asked by a student if he typically criticizes his films or often thinks about “going back and making changes,” Adam said, “Your work is really never finished. It’s only abandoned.” Wise words from a DP with a long and successful career in the industry.

‘The Story of Luke’ Opens Today!

Published on April 5, 2013

New York Film Academy instructor Alonso Mayo’s debut feature, The Story of Luke, is in theaters today, as well as On Demand and iTunes. The film stars Lou Taylor Pucci (also starring in Evil Dead, in theaters today!), Seth Green (Austin Powers, Family Guy), Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Saw), and Kristin Bauer (True Blood). After a wildly successful run on the festival circuit, the film won 5 Best Film awards, 5 Audience Awards, and Best Screenplay at film festivals across the country. It has a 100% positive audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and received great reviews from the LA Times, New York Times, and Huffington Post.

Alonso Mayo at a Q&A with NYFA students last night

The film follows Luke, a 25-year-old autistic man who lives a sheltered life with his grandparents. His world is suddenly turned upside down when his grandmother dies and he is forced to live with his dysfunctional relatives who have no patience for him or his senile grandfather, who they quickly force into a nursing home. Luke is left with his grandfather’s final semi-coherent words: “Get a job. Find a girl. Live your own life. Be a man!” For the first time in his life, Luke has a mission. He is about to embark on a quest.

At a sneak preview screening for NYFA students last night, Mayo explained that he was inspired to do a movie about autism based on his friends’ experiences growing up. His mother runs a school for children with developmental disabilities in his native Peru. Mayo explained, “I didn’t want to do some depressing melodrama about autism. It was important to me that the person with the disability was the most normal person in the room.” Aside from garnering praise from critics, it has also received high praise from those in the autism community.

The Story of Luke plays for the next week in Los Angeles and New York, and for select dates in 18 cities, including Boston, DC, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Vancouver, and San Francisco. For a full list of scheduled screenings, click here. Or watch right now on iTunes!

Al Pacino’s Daughter Julie Premieres ‘Billy Bates’

Published on April 2, 2013

billy bates

After forming her own production company, Poverty Row Entertainment, with writer/director Jennifer DeLia, New York native and New York Film Academy alum, Julie Pacino produced the feature film Billy Bates. The film will be premiering at the famous Sunshine Cinema on April 5th. Billy Bates is the story of a young damaged artist who faces his demons, and through perseverance rises from the ashes of a broken soul. Sticking with her roots, Julie’s independent feature was shot primarily in New York City. “I really think its a unique film experience that lends itself well to conversations about the different facets of the process,” says Julie.

The film began as an expansion of Jennifer’s short film I Am An Island and gradually morphed into an exploration of the artist’s process. Billy’s journey is very parallel and at times intertwined with Jennifer’s journey. “This film is very much about art, as well as the psychology of the character,” adds Julie. “This film was quite organic and non-conventional in terms of how it came together.”

When asked about the process of raising funds for an independent feature such as this, Julie had some great advice. “It’s important not to be afraid to discuss funding with anyone who may be a candidate, whether inside or outside the film industry. I find it also important to really believe in the content a filmmaker is working on, so that the passion is something investors can really get behind – since there really are no guarantees of a return. Offering investors an experience can be priceless. Transparency has also been key for us to in terms of relationship-building.”

Julie is currently in talks with a couple companies, weighing options in terms of digital, VOD, and theatrical distribution. She is also producing another project with Jennifer called The First, which is the story of Hollywood pioneer and silent screen legend, Mary Pickford.

Be sure to check out the premiere of Billy Bates this Friday, April 5th at Sunshine Cinema at 8:30pm. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

NYFA Grad Fundraising for ‘Nick & Al Meet the Devil’

Published on April 2, 2013

Filmmaking graduate Vinny Sisson is currently working on fundraising for a new indie feature called Nick & Al Meet the Devil. In the slapstick comedy, two friends throw an epic Halloween party – a party so big that the Devil himself shows up. The next day, the Devil is passed out in their backyard, and it’s up to Nick and Al to wake him up in order to save the world!

Originally from Ohio, Vinny grew up surrounded by filmmaking, as his father was a video producer who worked on commercials throughout Vinny’s childhood. By age 10 he was making movies with friends after school. In the eighth grade, he learned about New York Film Academy and decided that’s what he wanted to do. “I started researching film schools and realized they had a really hands-on program,” he says.

After high school, he saved money for tuition, and moved to Los Angeles to attend the school’s 1-Year Filmmaking Conservatory. “I knew a lot about video production, and knew the basics of it, but what I really needed was the industry and on-set training,” says Vinny. “I really learned a lot. The instructors were really amazing. “One of the biggest draws was learning film in addition to digital.”

Since graduation, Vinny founded his own production company, Nine22Ideas LLC, and has written, directed and produced over 30 film/video projects, shot over 60 film/video projects, and crewed on over 200 film/video projects. Last year he co-directed the feature documentary, My Way, with New York Film Academy Cinematography grad Dominique Mollee. It went on to win 3 awards and was selected in over 15 festivals for Best Documentary.

With Nick & Al Meet the Devil, Vinny hopes to bring some intelligence to the slapstick-buddy-film genre and “entertain people in a way that doesn’t make them feel dumber.” With a hilarious script and a solid cast and crew, Vinny and director Logan Boettcher are hoping you’ll help support their Kickstarter campaign, and help make the film a reality. Check out the promo trailer below!

NYFA Returning to South Africa

Published on April 1, 2013

South-Africa-Cape-Town

The New York Film Academy is thrilled to return to South Africa this April and May! We’re never disappointed in the talent and enthusiasm that the country has to offer. So, if you’re interested in learning more about NYFA’s hands-on intensive programs and you live in the area, you will not want to miss this event!

Check out the schedule below to see when and where exactly we’ll be in your area.

Private Auditions for Acting and Musical Theatre Programs

When: Sunday, April 28th 2013
Where: Johannesburg, South Africa

You must contact Blake Babbitt at Blake@nyfa.edu to confirm time slot, instructions, and location.

NYFA Information Session (Information for all NYFA programs)
When: Sunday, April 28th
Where: Johannesburg, South Africa
Location: Mannah Lodge- 39 Pomona Road, Pomona, Kempton Park
Time: Info Session Starts Promptly at 3:00 PM or 15:00

Private Auditions for Acting and Musical Theatre Programs
When: Friday, May 3rd 2013
Where: Cape Town, South Africa

You must contact Blake Babbitt at Blake@nyfa.edu to confirm time slot, instructions, and location

NYFA Information Session (Information for all NYFA programs)

When: Friday, May 3rd 2013

Where: Cape Town, South Africa

Location: Lagoon Beach Hotel - Milnerton, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Time: Info Session Starts Promptly at 5:00 PM or 17:00

Please RSVP to all South Africa events by emailing, Blake Babbitt- blake@nyfa.edu.

Friars Club Comedy Film Festival

Published on March 28, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-03-28 at 12.46.53 PM The Friars Club Comedy Film Festival is offering FREE tickets to NYFA students, faculty and alumni for their upcoming festival in NYC, April 1-6. The Friars Club Comedy Film Festival is the premiere comedy film festival in the US, offering films from Sundance, SXSW, Cannes and other top festivals, as well as World, US and Regional premieres. Most screenings have talent on hand for post-screening Q&As. The following is a list of films with free tickets available to NYFA students:

* = filmmaker attending screening

4/2 – DISCOVERDALE* (East Coast Premiere)
4/3 – ROAD COMICS: BIG WORK ON SMALL STAGES w/ JUSTIN WILLIAMS: BLACK AND COMFORTABLY MIDDLE CLASS*
4/3 – WOMEN AREN’T FUNNY*
4/3 – THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER ROLLED* (East Coast Premiere)
4/4 – ONE SMALL HITCH* (East Coast Premiere)
4/4 – ALL FOR TWO* (North American Premiere)
4/4 – FEEDING MR. BALDWIN* (World Premiere)
4/5 – ALMOST PERFECT* (North American Premiere)
4/5 – NIGHT OF THE CHIHUAHUA* (North American Premiere)
4/5 – SAKE-BOMB* (East Coast Premiere)
4/6 – XMAS WITHOUT CHINA* (East Coast Premiere)
4/6 – ZERO CHARISMA* (East Coast Premiere)
4/6 – AWFUL NICE* (East Coast Premiere)

Instructions for accessing free tickets to these films using the NYFA code:

Go to the Friars Club Comedy Film Festival website – http://friarsclub.festivalgenius.com/2013/schedule/week
Next to the film you wish to see from the list above, click on ‘BUY TICKETS’ – a new ticket window will appear.
In the ticket window, just below the price, there is a link that says ‘ENTER A PASSWORD OR DISCOUNT CODE’ – click this link
Enter the password: NYFA into the box that appears
Click ‘Show Available Tickets’ – the free ticket price of $0.00 will appear up top.
Use the drop down box next to the free ticket price to select the number of tickets desired.
At the bottom of the screen select ticket delivery method – Will Call, Print at Home or Mobile Delivery
Click the orange ‘ADD TO CART’ button on the lower right portion of the screen. Your order will appear for verification purposes. Fill in the needed information and click COMPLETE ORDER.

Jamie Foxx Introduces ‘White House Down’ to Students

Published on March 27, 2013

Jamie Foxx with Roland Emmerich

Sony Pictures invited New York Film Academy students to an exclusive first look at their upcoming action film, White House Down, at Regal Cinemas in Union Square. Director Roland Emmerich was nervous at first, admitting this was the first live audience to see his first nine minutes of footage. Joining Roland was actor Jamie Foxx - who was entertaining from the get-go – showing off his hilarious President Obama impersonation. Not only that, Channing Tatum was live via satellite from London to discuss his experience on set and working with Jamie, Roland, and the rest of the cast.

The action thriller from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich and The Amazing Spider-Man’s writer James Vanderbilt, revolves around Capitol Policeman John Cale, (Channing Tatum) who has just been denied his dream job of protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx) in the Secret Service. Not wanting to let his daughter down with the news, Cale takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation’s government falling into chaos and time running out, it’s up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.

The action-packed film is expected to be released this summer, June 28th.

NYFA On the Lot: Paramount Studios

Published on March 27, 2013

New York Film Academy Acting for Film students on the Paramount Studios backlot

New York Film Academy Acting for Film students were recently invited to tour Paramount Studios, and visit the set of NCIS: Los Angeles, the popular television drama starring Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J.

In the conference room with Erik Whitmyre, Co-Producer for NCIS: Los Angeles

Paramount Studios, the last major studio in Hollywood proper, moved into its current home in 1927. Paramount built its legacy as the home to legendary actors and directors including Mae West, W.C. Fields, D.W. Griffith, Cecil B. DeMille, the Marx Brothers, and Claudette Colbert. Students entered the historic lot, walking past trailers and crew working on the hit TV show, Glee, before moving onto the Technicolor building. Working on projects for HBO and Marvel, Technicolor has the highest security for any post-production building in the world.

Inside the conference room, Erik Whitmyre, Co-Producer for NCIS: Los Angeles, spoke to excited students about all aspects of filming and post-production. He spoke about what makes an actor great, the importance of physical continuity (while being able to alter the emotional performance of his/her character), attitude on set, how the voice translates on film, and what makes a great close-up.

On the set of NCIS: Los Angeles

Students then visited the editing team, where Assistant Editor Eric Wilson showed them the latest episodes they were working on. Whitmyre explained the evolution of technology, the systems that editors had worked on in the past, and what they are working with now. Students also spoke with VFX Supervisor Robert Konuch. Along with Russell Welch and James Olney, the team had overseen the effects on CSI: Miami, and are now working with the NCIS: Los Angeles crew. Robert and the team were busy at work, adding snow to a winter scene shot in the desert. Before leaving the NCIS set, students got to take a visit to the set of NCIS headquarters.

The students ended their tour at the studio’s Bronson Gate, where Norma Desmond entered the lot in Sunset Blvd. Legend has it that the upper filigree was added to the gate after a throng of adoring female fans swarmed security and climbed the gate, trying to chase silent film star Rudolph Valentino!

NYFA Tours Brazil with ‘Rambo’ Director

Published on March 26, 2013

Ted Kotcheff and Tova Laiter

The New York Film Academy recently had a special presentation in Rio and São Paulo, Brazil: Directing and Producing for the Big and Small Screen: Q&A with Ted Kotcheff. Ted was the director of the iconic Rambo and Executive Producer of the hugely successful series LAW & ORDER: SVU. Moderating the event was Tova Laiter, Hollywood Guest Speaker program, New York Film Academy. Ted went into detail about his work and answered questions about his long film and television career.

“The events with Mr. Kotcheff were amazing,” said Director of Acting Admissions, Roger Del Pozo. “It was incredibly inspiring to hear from someone who has had so much success in all aspects of the industry.”

In São Paulo, Ted spoke with students at Mackenzie Presbyterian University and Belas Artes. Overall, the crowd was very entertained and Ted had a wonderful rapport with the students.

In Rio de Janeiro, NYFA visited the Brazilian television station, GLOBO, which gave us a tour of their facilities, followed by a discussion with Ted to about 200+ attendees. Among the crowd were fellow writers, directors, and producers. The final stop in Rio was at the beautiful Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras, where NYFA held its 4-Week Filmmaking and Musical Theatre Workshop this past January.

Thanks to all who joined us down in Brazil. We hope to see many of you again soon!

NYFABR10

NYFA Instructor’s Film, ‘Detour’ in Theaters Friday!

Published on March 25, 2013

NYFA instructor William Dickerson, left, on the set of ‘Detour’

New York Film Academy instructor William Dickerson’s new film, Detour, opens Friday in theaters across the United States and Canada, and On Demand. The thriller follows the smooth-talking Jackson Alder, who finds himself trapped in his car after a landslide. With no hope of rescue, he must defy the odds: battling Mother Nature for his survival.

“My writing partner, Dwight, and I wanted to make a thriller with limited set pieces, limited cast, and that was an original idea,” says William. “These constraints would allow us to make a film within a reasonable budget, which is important for independent filmmakers. I am a firm believer in the concept of ‘limitations breed creativity.’”

William Dickerson currently teaches courses in Director’s Craft at New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus. “I feel extremely lucky to be able to work as a filmmaker and then bring my experience into the classroom and share my insights – both the successes and the failures – with my students,” says William. “Life is one big learning process, and as such, I will never stop learning, and to be able to foster the love of learning in others, specifically others who were in the same shoes I was in only a handful of years ago, is fantastic.”

Dickerson is in post-production on his next feature film, The Mirror, and is also in the midst of a promotional tour for his novel, No Alternative, which was published last year. You can catch Detour in the following cities this Friday, and check out the trailer below!

Los Angeles, CA - Chinese Theater
New York, NY - Cinema Village
Columbus, OH - Gateway Film Center  
Detroit, MI - Cass City Cinema  
Ft. Wayne, IN - Cinema Center  
Portland, OR - Clinton Street Theater  
Eugene, OR - Bijou Art Theatre
Columbus, IN - Yes Theater  
Tucson, AZ - Grand Cinemas: Crossroads 6  
Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Cinema Paradiso