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ASSOCIATE OF FINE ARTS DEGREE IN PRODUCING

START DATES FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS:
September 14, 2012

The New York Film Academy Associate of Fine Art degree programs are stand-alone degree programs intended to prepare students for a career in the industry. They are designed to give students the opportunity to focus almost exclusively on the subject in a studio based curriculum without standard distribution requirements. These AFA programs are not intended to be components of longer bachelor's degree programs nor are they structured for transfer.

The New York Film Academy Associate of Fine Art degree programs are stand-alone degree programs intended to prepare students for a career in the industry. They are designed giving students the opportunity to focus almost exclusively on subject in a studio based curriculum without standard distribution requirements. These AFA programs are not intended to be components of longer bachelor's degree programs nor they structured for transfer.

DEGREE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The AFA Degree Program in Producing allows students to focus exclusively on their professional and artistic development. Unlike a standard undergraduate program students are able to focus on the field they wish to pursue immediately and without the usual array of distribution requirements.

The New York Film Academy Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) in Producing is a conservatory-based two year program designed for full-time study over the course of four or five semesters. The New York Film Academy provides a creative setting with which to develop, challenge and inspire the talents of dedicated prospective producers in a total immersion, professional environment. By combining seminars, lectures and intense hands-on film shoots, students acquire a sound understanding and appreciation of motion picture arts and learn to integrate knowledge and professional experience. Our prescribed four semester producing curriculum serves to address the following core competencies:
  • Introduction to the roles, tasks and obstacles faced by film and television producers.
  • Gain understanding of the physical and post production processes.
  • Master storytelling concepts of elements, conventions, structure and style.
  • Understand basic principles of entertainment law.
  • Introduction to filmmaking from the perspective of the screenwriter, director, actor and cinematographer.
  • Develop a foundation in English composition and literature and basic computing.
  • Continue to analyze and master key elements of effective producer's craft.
  • Develop and write original film and television pilot treatments.
  • Introduction and practice of effective pitching and public speaking skills.
  • Learn critical elements of effective feature film business plans and television show bibles.
  • Explore story and storytelling through an in-depth study of the elements, conventions, structure, style and traditional forms of the art.
  • Identify the techniques used by cinematic innovators.
  • Explore the post production process.
  • Case study analysis of successful feature film business plans and television show bibles.
  • Further advanced study of cinematic innovators.
  • Advanced hands-on study in camera, lighting and sound.
  • Undertake a study of basic physical and mental health.
During the first half of the program, students will take a variety of general education courses which focus on communications, analysis and deductive reasoning. Students will practice critical thinking, analysis, scholarly research, writing and reading. These courses will build the foundation for more specialized subjects requiring advanced written and oral communications skills.

Further, students undergo a thorough regimen of class work and film production that lays the groundwork for a professional life in the film arts. The curriculum is extremely comprehensive, teaching students the creative aspects of producing, as well as the more technical side of line producing. Students gain a practical understanding of the entertainment industry and the tools needed to successfully navigate it.

During the second half of the program, AFA in Producing candidates must complete a series of advanced classes and deliver a completed and well-executed Thesis Project in order to successfully complete the program and graduate with an Associate of Fine Arts in Producing. Students are required to pursue one of three thesis options for the remainder of the degree program. While the thesis options differ in length of time for completion, they are equivalent in scope and content. All students are expected to have a role in multiple thesis productions besides their own. Those who select Thesis Option C will also be required to enroll in a paid fifth semester to complete their project.

DEGREE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

In addition to providing a solid foundation of general education and specified upper-level knowledge, the educational objectives of the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Producing Degree Program are to teach students the skills and craft of producing and to instruct students through a strict regimen consisting of lectures, seminars, and total immersion workshops to excel in the art of producing.

YEAR ONE

During their first year, students undergo a thorough regimen of class work and film production that lays the groundwork for a professional life in the film arts. The Year One curriculum is extremely comprehensive, teaching students the creative aspects of producing, as well as the more technical side of line producing. Students gain a practical understanding of the entertainment industry and the tools needed to successfully navigate it.

SEMESTER ONE OBJECTIVES

Producers are confronted with a number of visual, dramatic, financial, legal, logistical, managerial, and technical challenges. From the first day of class, students are immersed in a hands-on education on how to work through these challenges. Through an intensive sequence of classes and workshops, and with encouragement from their instructors, students rapidly learn the fundamental creative and technical skills they need to produce film and television.

Learning Goals:
  • Introduction to the roles, tasks and obstacles faced by film and television producers.
  • Gain understanding of the physical and post production processes.
  • Master storytelling concepts of elements, conventions, structure and style.
  • Understand basic principles of entertainment law.
  • Introduction to filmmaking from the perspective of the screenwriter, director, actor and cinematographer.
Production Goals:
  • In collaborative groups, students develop, prep, shoot and edit a short film on the Universal lot.
  • Each student will write, prep, shoot and edit his or her own short film.
  • In collaborative groups, students develop, prep, shoot and edit a reality television segment.

SEMESTER TWO OBJECTIVES

The second semester challenges students to develop their production abilities artistically and technically. Producing students are instructed in the craft of writing and championing dramatic treatments; in pitching story ideas to a variety of audiences; and presenting industry-standard written proposals in support of the feasibility of their projects. This semester culminates in each student pitching and presenting a film or television project at the Producers Pitch Fest.

Learning Goals:
  • Continue to analyze and master key elements of effective producer's craft.
  • Develop and write original film and television pilot treatments.
  • Introduction and practice of effective pitching skills.
  • Learn critical elements of effective feature film business plans and television show bibles.
Production Goals:
  • In collaborative groups, produce a short documentary or news segment.
  • Produce a short film for a NYFA filmmaker.
  • Develop an effective pitch and business plan or TV show bible.

YEAR TWO

AFA in Producing candidates must complete a series of advanced classes and deliver a completed and well-executed Thesis Project in order to successfully complete the program and graduate with a Associate of Fine Arts in Producing. Students are required to pursue one of three thesis options for the remainder of the degree program. While the thesis options differ in length of time for completion, they are equivalent in scope and content. All students are expected to have a role in multiple thesis productions besides their own. Those who select Thesis Option C will also be required to enroll in a paid fifth semester to complete their project.

Prior to entering into thesis production all candidates, regardless of thesis option, must pass a final evaluation by the thesis committee and faculty chair, ensuring that all academic requirements and standards for the previous semesters have been achieved.

SEMESTER THREE OBJECTIVES

Semester Three focuses on perfecting craft, exposing students to emerging media and technology, and exposing them to the realities of the film industry and the business of filmmaking. Emphasizing professionalism, the third semester is designed to prepare AFA students for their thesis projects as well as for a life in the industry after graduation. Throughout this semester, students meet individually with their Thesis Advisor, as well as the Faculty Chair of the Producing Department to discuss the progress of their thesis projects.

Learning Goals:
  • Explore story and storytelling through an in-depth study of the elements, conventions, structure, style and traditional forms of the art.
  • Identify the techniques used by cinematic innovators.
  • Explore the post production process.
  • Case study analysis of successful feature film business plans and television show bibles.
Production Goals:
  • Develop and write a first draft feature screenplay.
  • Develop and write a TV pilot episode.
  • Introduction to the production demands of web episodes, commercials and music videos.
  • Begin in-depth research and development of the AFA Thesis Project.

SEMESTER FOUR OBJECTIVES

In Semester Four, students devote much of their time to their AFA Thesis Projects and thesis requirements. Throughout this semester, the Thesis Committee, chaired by the Producing Department Faculty Chair, meets with students and advises them through the successful completion and final presentation of their AFA Thesis Projects.

Learning Goals:
  • Further advanced study of cinematic innovators.
  • Advanced hands-on study in camera, lighting and sound.
  • Further analysis of successful film and television development strategies.
Production Goals:
  • Successfully develop and present the AFA Thesis Project.

SEMESTER FIVE OBJECTIVES

Students who choose to complete Thesis Option C will complete their thesis in a paid fifth semester. During Semester Five, each candidate will produce a feature length film or television show pilot and will navigate each phase—development, prep, shoot and post production—of their selected project. Students will be involved in all aspects of each phase of the film or television pilot's production execution, including development of script, casting and talent negotiations, budgeting, scheduling, locations, hiring of crew, payroll, contracts and deal memos, equipment rentals, applicable Union regulations and contracts, and post production including delivery requirements.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

With the exception of electives and the thesis option, the AFA in Producing does not provide for multiple tracks of study. The AFA is a full-time program only. The degree may not be obtained in less than four semesters for Thesis Option A and B, or less than five semesters for Thesis Option C. Students who elect Thesis Option C are required to register for a paid fifth semester of study in order to complete their thesis requirements. In order to graduate, students must successfully complete each required course for a total of 76 semester credits. Additionally, students must successfully complete and submit all thesis requirements in a timely manner and receive a passing grade for the thesis production requirement. Those pursuing Thesis Option C must enroll in a paid fifth semester to successfully complete all requirements for the AFA degree.

The school Registrar ensures that the student has fulfilled all academic requirements for the entire program, as well as all financial obligations to the school. Student transcripts showing the awarding of the AFA degree will be withheld until the graduate meets all academic and financial obligations.

OTHER COSTS

Film and Video Stock, Processing, Telecine, Art Supplies and other production related expenses are not included in tuition, and vary from student to student. Students must pay a refundable fee of $30 for a magnetized Student ID Badge that is required for access to several areas of the campus.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

The proposed Associate of Fine Arts in Producing (as in the existing Associate of Fine Arts degrees at the New York Film Academy), and is intended as a General Education transfer degree. In spirit with the traditions of the AFA degree, the curricular structure of the proposed degree programs focuses heavily on professional artistic development. Also in line with many AFA degrees, the general education requirements generally incorporated into a traditional AA, BA, or even BFA degree, are not satisfied upon conferral of the degree. Although designed to meet the transfer requirements of many institutions, the AFA degree does not complete the full general education requirements generally accepted by NASAD standards for the successful completion of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. It does, however, provide 10-15 % of the total degree in art history and film studies. The AFA degree allows qualified, career-oriented students to properly focus on their intended majors earlier than the Associate of Arts degree allows.

CREDIT TRANSFER

The New York Film Academy makes no representation whatsoever that credit earned in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Programs or any non-degree program or workshop operated by the New York Film Academy will be accepted or applied toward the completion of any degree or certificate by any other postsecondary institution. The acceptance of transfer credits is always governed by the receiving school.

SEMESTER ONE

Producers Craft I
This core introductory course outlines the essential roles, tasks and obstacles faced by film and television producers. Topics include navigating the studios, television networks and emerging media and the relationship between the producer and the unions, guilds and talent agencies.
Prerequisite: None

Producers Roundtable I
In a roundtable setting and from the producer's perspective, students will discuss and analyze their current projects in development or in production. Current newsworthy events in the entertainment industry will be presented and analyzed.
Prerequisite: None

Line Producing Essentials: EP/Movie Magic Workshop
This workshop introduces students to the industry-standard software used to schedule and budget productions. In a hands-on lab setting, students are instructed in the use of Entertainment Partners (EP) Movie Magic Scheduling and Budgeting software programs, including established scheduling and budgeting techniques.
Prerequisite: None

Directing for Producers
Effective producers create a collaborative and artistic production environment that enhances each director's skills and provide the support needed to make the best possible film or television show. In this course, producing students learn to use basic production documents and to audition, cast and work with actors. In hands-on sessions, students will break down a short script into a shooting plan and direct a scene with actors on digital video. Students will work in collaborative groups to develop and shoot a short film.
Prerequisite: None



Cinematography & Lighting for Producers
In a hands-on workshop environment, producing students are instructed in the basic techniques of cinematography and lighting.
Prerequisite: None

Editing for Producers
In a hands-on lab environment, producing students are instructed in the basics techniques of digital editing.
Prerequisite: None

Entertainment Law
This course is an overview of contract law and how it impacts the entertainment industry. Producing students will study legal issues regarding television, films, recordings, live performances and other aspects of the entertainment industry. Topics include copyright law, intellectual property and talent representation.
Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Screenwriting
Producing students will gain firsthand knowledge of fundamental screenwriting techniques and will develop strategies in communicating with the producer's key collaborator in story development, the screenwriter. Each student will develop and write a five-page original script to be produced in the Short Film Production course.
Prerequisite: None

Producing Reality Television
Producing students learn the basics of producing reality television. Working in teams, producing students develop and shoot a reality show teaser episode. They will prep, shoot and edit their reality shows for presentation and critique.
Prerequisite: None

Short Film Production I
Producing students will prep and shoot their own individual short films, using the screenplays each has developed in Introduction to Screenwriting. Working in teams, students will function and crew members on each other's productions. Prerequisite: None

Art History I
This course emphasizes the language of visual culture with a particular focus on the symbols, strategies and messages employed in major works. Incorporating the methods of art analysis, the course introduces students to different forms of visual culture (television, advertising, fashion, gaming, architecture and the media), while comparing and contrasting these within a philosophical and historical setting. Prerequisite: None

SEMESTER TWO

Producers Craft II
This course continues the study of the essential roles of and obstacles faced by film and television producers. Topics include optioning and developing material, film festivals, networks and ratings, studio and independent marketing and distribution and analyzing film tax incentive and rebate programs.
Prerequisite: Producers Craft I

Producers Roundtable II
This course is designed to further facilitate analysis of topics relevant to the students' current coursework and experience at NYFA. Class work and homework assignments are designed with a focus on the students' internship search; producer collaborations with NYFA filmmakers; and Producers Pitch Fest preparation.
Prerequisite: Producers Roundtable I

Pitching for Producers
Through in-class examples, students are exposed to effective pitching styles and instructed on how to develop basic pitching skill. Prerequisite: None

Producing Documentaries & News
This course offers producing students an introductory exposure to documentary filmmaking and news reporting. Working in collaborative teams, students will produce a short documentary or news segment.
Prerequisite: None

Television Producing & Developing the TV Pilot Treatment
Students will learn how the television industry operates and how television programs are pitched and developed. Each student will develop and write a television pilot treatment and the basis outline of a television show bible.
Prerequisite: None

Business Affairs
Students analyze and discuss legal topics such as contract negotiations, marketing projects to financiers and distributors, and audience and research testing.
Prerequisite: None

Short Film Production II
In this course, producing students will further develop critical line producing skills. Working with filmmaking students in the NYFA Filmmaking Program, producing students will line produce a filmmaker's short film.
Prerequisite: None

Industry Speaker Series
These informative sessions feature discussions with producers and other relevant industry professionals. Each session includes a Q&A, providing each student access to firsthand impressions of real-world circumstances faced by working industry professionals.
Prerequisite: None

Developing the Feature Business Plan & TV Show Bible
Through lectures and analysis of case studies, students will learn the critical skills to develop effective feature film business plans and television show bibles. The feature business plan or television show bible developed in this course will be presented at the Producers Pitch Fest.
Prerequisite: Television Producing and Developing the TV Show Bible

Developing the Pitch
Through rigorous in-class exercises, students will develop a brief and effective pitch of the material they choose to pitch at the Producers Pitch Fest. Each student will practice and gain critical and fundamental pitching skills.
Prerequisite: Pitching for Producers, Television Producing & Developing the TV Show Bible

Internship
This practicum gives students hands-on experience in the entertainment industry. Typical internship areas include literary and talent management, development, production, casting, post production and marketing and distribution. An alternate research assignment is available for students who opt not to undertake an internship.
Prerequisite: None

Art History II
An introduction to the art and architecture of various geographical areas around the world from the fifteenth century through the present. The course will provide foundational skills (tools of analysis and interpretation) as well as general, historical understanding. It will focus on a select number of major developments in a range of media and cultures, emphasizing the way that works of art function both as aesthetic and material objects and as cultural artifacts and forces. Issues include, for example, humanist and Reformation redefinitions of art in the Italian and Northern Renaissance, realism, modernity and tradition, the tension between self-expression and the art market, and the use of art for political purposes.
Prerequisite: Art History I

SEMESTER THREE

Thesis Development Workshop I
Students begin to conceptualize and develop a detailed outline of their MFA Thesis projects. Topics include loglines, story and character development, marketing strategy and analyzing comparable films or television shows and developing effective comparisons. Prerequisite: Producers Craft I

Writing the Feature Screenplay
In a workshop setting, each student will develop and write a first draft feature screenplay. Structure, style, character development and arcs are some of the topics that will be discussed and put into practice throughout this course.
Prerequisite: Developing the Feature Film Treatment

Writing the Situational Comedy or Drama for TV
In a collaborative workshop setting, each producing student will develop an original drama or situational comedy pilot.
Prerequisite: Television Producing & Developing the TV Pilot Treatment

Producing Commercials, Webisodes and Music Videos
This course focuses on producing alternate media, including commercials, web episodes and music videos. Through in-class discussion and samples, students will be exposed to trends in these arenas.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Entertainment Accounting
This course provides an overview of the financial, cost and managerial accounting functions specific to the film industry, with application to other areas of media production, including television, commercials, web episodes and music videos. Students analyze techniques and control procedures for accurate preparation and presentation for financial statements. Topics include budgeting, cost reporting and film accounting terminology.
Prerequisite: Line Producing

Cinema Studies I
This course is an intense film studies seminar in which students are taught to identify the techniques used by cinematic innovators throughout the history of filmmaking. The course explores ways hat the craft of directing (particularly shot construction), cinematography, acting and editing have developed. Through screenings and discussions, students grow to understand how filmmakers have approached the great challenge of telling stories with moving images from silent films to the digital age.
Prerequisite: Producers Craft I

Post Production for Producers
This course explores the entire post production workflow for both film and digital formats. In addition to the technical aspects of physical post production, the artistic and managerial aspects are also addressed. Post production for all current exhibition venues, including DVD, theatrical, cable and satellite will be reviewed.
Prerequisite: Editing for Producers

Acting for Producers
In a workshop setting, students will develop a critical understanding of the acting process and what each actor brings to the collaborative process of filmmaking.
Prerequisite: None

The Production Crafts: A Deeper Look
This course offers an in-depth look into the production crafts such as production design and art direction, wardrobe design and make-up.
Prerequisite: Producers Craft I and II

Advanced Pitching Workshop I
This course exposes students to a variety of successful pitch styles and formats in a workshop setting. Students will acquire techniques to develop and execute.
Prerequisite: Pitching for Producers

Internship II
This practicum gives students hands-on experience in the entertainment industry. Typical internship areas include literary and talent management, development, production, casting, post-production and marketing and distribution. Students may choose an alternate research project in order to meet this course requirement.
Prerequisite: Internship I

Elective: New Media
It is essential for producers to keep abreast of evolutions in new media technology and the many new media outlets for distribution that continually emerge on an increasingly rapid basis. In addition to instruction in these areas, each student will develop and produce his or her own new media project.
Prerequisite: None

Elective: Documentary
Students will delve deeper into the world of documentary filmmaking, with a concentration in analyzing the different filmmaking styles, producing and fundraising strategies, and marketing and distribution paths of successful documentaries. In addition, each student will develop and produce his or her own documentary short film.
Prerequisite: None

SEMESTER FOUR

Thesis Development Workshop II
Students will workshop and critique working drafts of their MFA Thesis projects. Comparable films and television shows are researched and presented, and marketing and distribution strategies are analyzed.
Prerequisite: Thesis Development Workshop I

Finance, Marketing and Distribution II
Focusing on domestic, international and independent marketing and distribution, and using case studies of actual campaigns, this course focuses on successful strategies for each of these vital aspects of producing.
Prerequisite: Finance, Marketing and Distribution I

Branding & Developing a Production Company Website
As students prepare to launch their careers, this workshop offers branding techniques and step-by-step instructions on how to develop a dynamic and innovative production company website.
Prerequisite: None

Entertainment Law II
This course offers a deeper analysis of contract law and critical issues raised in contract negotiations. Copyright law and the protection of intellectual property are further analyzed. Prerequisite: Entertainment Law I

Advanced Pitching Workshop II
Continuing from Semester Three, this course provides further exposure to pitching techniques. Students will practice perfecting their own pitching styles and methods so that they will be comfortable using these skills in a professional environment.
Prerequisite: Advanced Pitching Workshop I

Cinema Studies II
A broad cross-section of the film community is represented in this screening series, including directors, producers, directors of photography, editors, screenwriters, production designers, post-production coordinators and casting directors. Students are exposed to multiple avenues for potential employment in the film industry. All lectures are followed by Question & Answer sessions.
Prerequisite: Cinema Studies I

Directing for Producers II
In a workshop setting, students will analyze a variety of directing styles and techniques. Through examples and in-class exercises, students will gain a deeper understanding of the director's integral creative role.
Prerequisite: Directing for Producers I

Advanced Camera & Lighting for Producers
In a workshop setting, students take a deeper look at the role of the cinematographer and learn advanced camera techniques and lighting concepts.
Prerequisite: Cinematography and lighting for Producers

Sound Workshop for Producers
In a workshop setting, students learn the fundamentals of production sound recording.
Prerequisite: Cinematography and lighting for Producers

Internship III
This practicum gives students hands-on experience in the entertainment industry. Typical internship areas include literary and talent management, development, production, casting, post-production, casting, post-production and marketing and distribution. Students may choose an alternate research project in order to meet this course requirement.
Prerequisite: Internship I and Internship II

Thesis Option A
MFA in Producing candidates choose the Feature Film or Television Track, and based on the chosen track, produce and deliver a complete production element and a complete written proposal of their projects. For the Feature Track, students produce and deliver a film trailer of the feature film project in addition to a full developed business plan. For the Television Track, students produce and deliver a television spot of the television series in addition to a fully developed television show bible.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Thesis Option B
MFA in Producing candidates develops one (1) feature film business plan and pitch, one (1) television show bible and pitch, and a third (3rd) project of the candidate's choosing including the pitch.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Thesis Option C
MFA in Producing candidates produce a feature film or television show pilot. Students choosing this option will be required to enroll in an additional semester to complete their projects. Students will develop and produce in a feature length film or television show pilot. With the guidance of an appointed faculty member, they will enter pre-production of the film or pilot in Semester Four and will produce and deliver their final product in an additional fifth semester.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
QUICK FACTS:
Start Dates:
For Universal Studios:
Sep 14, 2012

Program Requirements: High School Diploma, GED
Fees Per Semester:
Tuition: $19,000 (USD) + Equipment Fee: $1000(USD)
Students will also incur additional expenses on their own productions. This varies depending on how much film they shoot and scale of the projects.

 You Graduate With: Diploma/Certificate, DVD Film Reel
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