Acting for Film Projects

Build Your Acting Reel at NYFA

At NYFA’s Acting for Film School, students complete a variety of hands-on projects that mirror the real-life work within the film, media, and entertainment industries. These projects are designed to give students the opportunity to explore the craft of film acting, as well as stage acting and filmmaking, helping them build their confidence as performers and visual storytellers.

Our Acting for Film degree, certificate, and workshops are available at multiple campuses, and projects and assignments will vary by location. Prospective students should also consider that the projects listed below are examples of the type of work they will complete, and not an all-encompassing list. Please note that projects are subject to change. For more information, please see the course catalog.

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Acting for Film
Degree Projects

Acting Demo Reel

During their time at NYFA, long-term acting for film students create a reel with their own original material. Depending on the duration of their program or workshop, work may include material from their Thesis Film, Original Script, and/or Screen Project. Students are encouraged to include projects that reflect their strengths, not including silent films or montages. A completed reel will not exceed 2.5 to three minutes.

Audition Cold Readings

In the weekly on-camera audition drills, aspiring performers learn how to go beyond the script and make quick and strong choices. The drills take place in the business of acting and audition classes, and are held in the last semesters of the long-term and short-term programs.

Play Production Workshop

The Play Production Workshop is a filmed play presentation where aspiring actors perform. During the workshop, actors practice professionalism and how to work in an ensemble, learning to sustain a performance, use their voice and body for the stage, and perform in front of a live audience.

Final Film Shoots and Screenings

Similar to the in-class shoots, during the Final Film Shoots, Acting for Film students shoot a scene together, working to create a polished scene. During these shoots, students work collaboratively with peers in a professional environment. The scenes are selected by the faculty.

Scripted TV Shoots

In our Scripted TV Shoots, students learn the technical aspects of working on a set with single and multiple camera set ups. During this hands-on project, students master the pacing and timing for Drama and Sit com television scripts, participating in both a sitcom shoot and a drama shoot.

Motion-Capture Project

In the voice and movement course, students create a motion-capture project. Students explore the theory and technical methodology of how Mocap works, and learn the process of using movement and technology to create computer images for film. This project is exclusively at our Los Angeles campus.

New Media Project

During the New Media Project, students create, pitch, write, produce, and perform in an original webisode pilot or several short-form media pieces. Depending on the campus, students may also learn the various forms of creating an online presence including sketch comedy, character driven pieces, and solo performances or create a blueprint or “bible” for the webisode series. Throughout this project, filmcraft instructors work directly with the students, teaching them how to shoot with materials and master the fundamentals of narrative storytelling.

Script to Screen Shoot

During the Script to Screen Shoot, students complete a fully-produced, original short film. Throughout this project, students learn how to be a part of the development of an original script. They learn how to take new changes and incorporate them into their work. Students also practice acting on location with the rigor of a longer shoot. Finally, students learn how to develop a character and score their script so that they can shoot out of sequence across several days.

Voiceover Demo Reels

For the Voiceover Demo Reels project, aspiring actors record original voiceover material in a recording studio. Students learn the practical skills on how to approach voiceover copy, how to audition and will be able to share their reel.

Business Plan and Professional Portfolio

Throughout their time at NYFA, aspiring acting for film students build practical skills in film, television, and entertainment. In some of our acting courses, students create a business plan and final portfolio, which include a headshot, resume, and demo reel.

Industry Showcase Performance

The Final Industry Showcase Performance is a showcase held live in front of an invited audience, instructors, and classmates. For this showcase, students get a chance to begin building their network outside of school, show their work, and practice interviewing with agents, casting directors, and industry professionals.

Capstone Project/Thesis Project

For their Capstone/Thesis Film Project, actors write, produce and perform in their own original film expressing their voice as an artist. The capstone includes a performance on film and a 20-page written thesis paper minimum.


Acting for Film
Certificate Projects

Audition Cold Readings

In the weekly on-camera audition drills, aspiring performers learn how to go beyond the script and make quick and strong choices. The drills take place in the business of acting and audition classes, and are held in the last semesters of the long-term and short-term programs.

Acting Demo Reel

During their time at NYFA, long-term acting for film students create a reel with their own original material. Depending on the duration of their program or workshop, work may include material from their Thesis Film, Original Script, and/or Screen Project. Students are encouraged to include projects that reflect their strengths, not including silent films or montages. A completed reel will not exceed 2.5 to three minutes.

Semester Presentations

During the scene presentation, students perform for a live audience. Held at the end of the semester, the presentation is an opportunity for acting students to demonstrate their growing performance skills. This is recorded and edited by NYFA faculty and staff.

Final Film Shoots and Screenings

Similar to the in-class shoots, during the Final Film Shoots, Acting for Film students shoot a scene together, working to create a polished scene. During these shoots, students work collaboratively with peers in a professional environment. The scenes are selected by the faculty.

Industry Showcase Performance

The Final Industry Showcase Performance is a showcase held live in front of an invited audience, instructors, and classmates. For this showcase, students get a chance to begin building their network outside of school, show their work, and practice interviewing with agents, casting directors, and industry professionals.


Acting for Film
Workshop Projects

In-Class Film Shoots

In the in-class film shoots, students shoot a scene that they have chosen and pitched. Acting for film students work collaboratively with their peers, learning to work in a professional environment.

Audition Workshop with Film Students

Every first semester includes a planned audition workshop in collaboration with students in the filmmaking program. This may result in acting students being cast in student films and production workshops.

In-Class Film Shoots

In the in-class film shoots, students shoot a scene that they have chosen and pitched. Acting for film students work collaboratively with their peers, learning to work in a professional environment.

Audition Workshop with Film Students

Every first semester includes a planned audition workshop in collaboration with students in the filmmaking program. This may result in acting students being cast in student films and production workshops.

Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.