Film School Blog - New York Film Academy

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

On Becoming a Man Wins Best Comedic Short

Published on March 22, 2013

MFA Filmmaking student Kevin Resnick’s first year film, On Becoming a Man, is currently making the rounds on the festival circuit. It already won Best Comedic Short at the IFS Film Festival, and is a finalist for Best Short Film at the Athens Jewish Film Festival. The coming-of-age comedy follows young Jacob Schneidelman in the days leading up to his Bar Mitzvah. Jacob’s overbearing mother is on a Bar Mitzvah planning warpath, involving a personalized oil-on-canvas portrait and a handcrafted chocolate Moses fountain. To top it all off, she won’t let Jacob’s gentile neighbor (and secret crush), Sally, take part in the festivities! Jacob must choose: bow down to his mother like his father does, or stand up to her and finally become a man?

Growing up in Toronto and Los Angeles, Kevin says he always wanted to see the world. He got to do so during his 13 years on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, where he logged over 2,000 flight hours. After leaving the military, Kevin started getting acting work in New York. Though he had acted in numerous short films, he always dreamed of writing and directing his own films. He decided to earn his MFA in Filmmaking at New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus. He says, “It’s been fantastic. The thing that really attracted me was that it’s so hands-on. In this business, it’s all about experience.”

People in the Los Angeles area will have a chance to see On Becoming a Man when it plays the IFS Film Festival. The film plays in the Comedic Shorts Block B4 at 4:30 p.m. at the Laemmle’s Music Hall in Beverly Hills on Thursday, March 28, with an encore screening on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Check out the website for full details.

NYFA Welcomes New Musical Theatre Chair

Published on March 22, 2013

Mark in Times Square

The New York Film Academy is proud to announce the new Chair of Musical Theatre and Film Conservatory Program, Mark Olsen! Mark currently teaches at the Juilliard School and Columbia University; and is the former Head of Graduate Acting at Penn State University. He is a professional actor, author, and director – currently working as a movement consultant on two Broadway shows. His students are working on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in major films, television shows, and in regional theatres, both here and abroad.

Mark brings his own brand of dedication and expertise to the Musical Theatre program and is focused on building upon the energy and programming, established by VP Boyle, to help evolve the conservatory to the next “octave” of training. To those students who are currently enrolled, he looks forward to meeting you and hearing from you in the coming weeks. To those hopefuls who have fallen in love with the musical theatre but have yet to apply to the program, he would like to extend a welcome hand.

NYFA’s Musical Theatre Program is poised to become a major force in the field. If you’re interested in embarking on this new and exciting journey, click here to learn more!

Royal Pains Director Speaks at NYFA

Published on March 20, 2013

Michael Rauch speaking to NYFA students.

Michael Rauch, director of USA’s hit TV show Royal Pains, recently came to the New York Film Academy to teach a Masterclass Workshop.

Michael discussed how to break in to the TV industry as a writer, director, and producer. He also talked about the responsibilities of being a TV show runner and discussed opportunities for non-writing producers in TV.

The students, who were comprised of 2nd year filmmakers, 1st year screenwriters, and 1st year producers, experienced a “Mock Writers’ Room,” where Michael took them through the process of developing a student’s idea for a TV series.

Why SXSW May Be The Coolest Festival Out There

Published on March 18, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-03-18 at 11.08.33 AM After being at SXSW Film Festival last week, I couldn’t bear to write something about how cool this festival is and how it differs from the rest I’ve been to. It is ironic to notice how movies are not always the best thing about film festivals. Here we go.

Watching a film in a movie theater is a great experience. You have a big screen, good sound, darkness, and you have people around you. There is a sense of purpose in the room, because everyone wants to see the same film you want to see. But seeing a film in a movie theater on a Friday night in Los Angeles is extremely different from seeing a film at a film festival. The community built around film festivals is unique and the audiences are just different – it is a very particular culture.

You have to wait in line. You don’t see everything you want to see. There are just as many bad films as there are good ones, and there’s no transportation after midnight. But of course none of that is what makes a festival worth the trip; it is the people, the faces, the clothes, the conversations, and the bus shuttles. Those are the reasons why film festivals deserve your time. There is something I call “the five minute friend.” After being at Sundance, SXSW and other smaller festivals, the short conversations you get to have with people can be some of the most amazing moments. Nobody is forced to talk to you in line or in the theater once you are sitting down, but it just happens. It is beautiful to see how everyone’s excitement about the films is evident and in need to be expressed. It is not only the interesting conversations that arise; it is the mixture in the personalities, cultures and taste.

Sundance is amazing, but it is awfully cold, so you’re not always in the best mood. The quality of the work is great as well as the diversity of the films chosen, but the atmosphere in the streets is not as appealing as SXSW. I arrived from SXSW last week and it has been one of the best experiences in my career. It is a festival completely devoted to the public. The sense of involvement is extraordinary and the atmosphere is fresh and authentic. Austin is a city full of tiny details that make it appealing and a pleasure to visit. It is full of small bars, theaters, college students, music, lights, and a wave of charisma within locals. People often refer to Austin as being the city where every day they celebrate “Being Weird Day.” Everyone is outspoken, but generous and helpful.

Exchanging thoughts and ideas about film as freely as you can do so in the streets of the SXSW film festival is truly an incomparable experience. You get to know how the industry works, network possibilities are endless, and you get free drinks at most parties. Of course the films are great, the shorts, the documentaries, the narratives, all of them. But it is the community and the many faces you see and talk to that make the festival involvement not only an important experience professionally, but personally. Let’s see how Tribeca treats us in April.

-Guest Post by Enrique Pedraza, The Rolling Can

New York Film Academy graduate Enrique Pedraza is the Main Editor and CEO of The Rolling Can, an online blog dedicated to the exploration of cinema with a deep focus on independent film. The publication writes articles based on fresh, new narratives and engaging stories. The Rolling Can is “the voice of a new generation.” Enrique believes it is important for younger filmmakers to express their knowledge, where honest opinions are valuable.

IPhone Acting Competition for NYFA Scholarship

Published on March 15, 2013

nyfa-competition

The New York Film Academy is proud to present an interactive movie scene reenactment contest on the exciting new iPhone app, Shortwave! We’re always on the lookout for talent and now we’re hoping to discover him or her through a new wave of technology. Participants will pick a movie of their choice and reenact their favorite scene in under 30 seconds. Simply record the video on your iPhone and upload it the #NYFA thread on the Shortwave app!

The winners are determined by our unique community voting process – the users decide the winner! The entree with the most votes wins a 1-Week Acting Scholarship to the New York Film Academy!

Submissions begin on March 15, 2013 and end on March 31, 2013. Voting will continue until April 7 to give a fair chance to the later submissions.

You can CLICK HERE to get started!

Instructions:
1. Download Shortwave to your iPhone: appstore.com/shortwave
2. From the Explore page, search #NYFA to find the reenactment competition thread
3. Reply to the original clip with a reenactment of a scene from the film of your choice

Rules:
a. One submission per person (acting in another person’s entry is allowed)
b. 30 seconds max
c. Winner will receive a 1-Week Acting Scholarship to NYFA NYC or LA. This does not include flight and housing

Good luck and have fun!

If you have any questions regarding the contest, please email adi@shortwave.co.

Happy Pi Day

Published on March 14, 2013

The New Normal? Lessons Learned from Toronto, Sundance & More

Published on March 14, 2013

nyfaeventemail

The New York Film Academy recently invited Esq. Productions to a discussion called “The New Normal? Lessons Learned from Toronto, Sundance & More.” The panel examined the current state of independent film production and distribution, the continuing evolution of multi-platforming, and provided students with practical tools they can use to capitalize on a resurgent indie film marketplace. The symposium, co-sponsored by RAW: Natural Born Artists and Backstage, featured guest speakers Steven Beer (Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo, PC), Jerry Dasti (Sloss Eckhouse Law Co), and Emma Marie Riley (Creative Director, RAW: Natural Born Artists Brooklyn).

Empowering creative artists. That is the mission at the heart of the 501(c)(3) non-profit Esq. Productions. Co-founded in 2010 by then-first year law student Latha Duncan, the company’s goal is simple: to provide creative artists across the various entertainment industries with the tools they need in order to successfully manage their careers from a commercial perspective while simultaneously protecting their artistic integrity.

Esq. Productions puts together educational programming that focuses specifically on the business and legal aspects of entertainment. Motivated by the realization that many indie filmmakers don’t have the benefit of exposure to business and legal counsel, Latha sought to fill the void. “Many filmmakers get caught in a Catch-22 situation,” Latha said. “Before you’ve made a name for yourself, it’s often difficult to secure representation, whether that means an agent or an attorney. But when faced with the spectre of truly independent film production, it can be just as difficult to make a name for yourself without the help of those business and legal counterparts. I wanted to break that cycle.”

Latha Duncan

The company, now run by Latha and his law school roommate, Brett Deacon, encourages artists to get involved in their own business affairs. “The reality is that there is a lot the artist can do him- or herself to secure their position,” said Latha. “A foundational understanding of relevant legal principles, knowing when and where to look out for red flags, and recognizing where you have leverage in different transactional settings can all go a long way. We’re not trying to turn artists into attorneys or to stifle creativity. But the nature of the marketplace is such that the days of a one-size-fits-all approach are long gone. Our goal is to get artists – whether filmmakers, fashion designers, musicians – to incorporate what they learn from our programming into a holistic approach to their careers.”

Before approaching the New York Film Academy, Esq. Productions has worked with the Art Center College of Design, the DePaul University School of Cinema & Interactive Media, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Always looking to provide attendees with the broadest perspective possible on the issues addressed, they brought together entertainment attorneys from Lionsgate, UTA, and Weintraub Tobin. “Entertainment attorneys play very different roles depending on where they work,” Latha said. “Bringing together people with different backgrounds and who represent different interests helps to hammer home that very point – that within the structure of any given deal, there are multiple competing interests at play. Politics can be just as important – and often is more important – than the black letter law.”

Having focused exclusively on the film industry to date, Latha and Brett are excited to be moving into both fashion and art in 2013. “We have a number of partnerships that we’re excited about,” said Brett. “Not only RAW Artists and Backstage, but also top law firms in LA and NYC. As the scope of the services we provide continues to expand, we’ll continue to focus on quality. These new partnerships will help us take our programming to the next level.”

Porcella to Screen at Cannes Short Film Corner

Published on March 12, 2013

New York Film Academy 1-Year Filmmaking graduate Natalia Chinchilla will be screening her thesis film Porcella at Cannes Short Film Corner. The film surrounds a woman, Lucia, who has kept a secret from her husband for ten years. After the husband invites their close friend Porcella to celebrate their anniversary, Lucia builds up the courage to confess her secret and finally free herself once and for all. The title, Porcella, comes from the Italian word for “porcelain.” As Natalia says, “Porcelain can be broken at anytime and that is very symbolic to the character.”

Natalia is now working on a web series with Paola Mathé, who plays the role of Porcella in her thesis film. The series, Finding Paola, revolves around the underground movement of Latin Americans in New York City. “New York makes you grow confident as a human being,” says Natalia.

While Natalia eventually intends to move back to her hometown of Colombia, she feels her training at NYFA was necessary. “I definitely recommend the hands-on training. It’s also great to shoot films with filmmakers from many different cultures.”

For more information on Porcella, visit the Facebook site!