Portfolio Requirements By Program
BFA applicants must demonstrate their aptitude and potential for creative work through the submission of a creative portfolio. The required materials within the portfolio will be based on the discipline, and may include work such writing samples, short films, photographic series, and more. These submissions must include an accompanying description contextualizing the nature and purpose of the project. Throughout the application process, students can work with their admissions counselor for guidance on acceptable formats. All creative portfolio materials must be submitted digitally. Portfolio materials will not be returned. Please review the requirements for each BFA program below.
3D Animation & VFX Portfolio
To apply for NYFA’s BFA in 3D Animation & VFX program, applicants must submit a creative portfolio. These portfolios should consist of 3-5 works, including drawings, paintings, cartoons, comics, conceptual illustrations, graphic renderings, digital images, slides of 3-D models, sculptures, or other visual designs which display the applicant’s creative abilities.
Acting for Film Auditions
The required creative portfolio for NYFA’s Acting for Film BFA must include a selection of filmed monologues that show the breadth and depth of the actor’s abilities. The two contrasting audition pieces must be one dramatic monologue and one comedic monologue that are approximately 60-90 seconds in length each. The monologue requirements should include two contemporary (published after 1960) monologues.
See more on our Audition Requirements page for the Performing Arts.
Entertainment Media Portfolio
Students applying for the BFA in Entertainment Media can choose to submit a writing sample or a visual sample. Prospective students can select from the options for each below.
Writing Sample (choose from below)
- Excerpt: Excerpt from an original screenplay or prose fiction piece (5-10 pages)
- Original Work: Original short story, article or critical studies essay examining a literary or cinematic work (play, screenplay, television series, film, etc.) (3-7 pages)
- Treatment or Outline: Treatment or outline of a film, webisode or television series concept (3-7 pages)
Visual Sample (choose from below)
- Visual Series: Any visual or studio art, including, but not limited to: paintings, drawings, sculptures, set designs, mixed media arts, photographs (3-10 pieces), with an accompanying description contextualizing the submission
- Short Film: Live-action or animated fiction or non-fiction film/video (3-10 minutes in length). Applicants must describe what part they had in creating the project
Filmmaking Portfolio
Students applying for the BFA in filmmaking can choose to submit a writing sample or a visual sample. Prospective students can select from the options for each below.
Writing Sample (choose from below)
- Excerpt: Excerpt from an original screenplay or prose fiction piece (5-10 pages)
- Original Work: Original short story, article or critical studies essay examining a literary or cinematic work (play, screenplay, television series, film, etc.) (3-7 pages)
- Treatment or Outline: Treatment or outline of a film, webisode or television series concept (3-7 pages)
Visual Sample (choose from below)
- Visual Series: Any visual or studio art, including, but not limited to: paintings, drawings, sculptures, set designs, mixed media arts, photographs (3-10 pieces), with an accompanying description contextualizing the submission
- Short Film: Live-action or animated fiction or non-fiction film/video (3-10 minutes in length). Applicants must describe what part they had in creating the project
Game Design Portfolio
To apply for the BFA in Game Design, students must submit a portfolio with one of the following options:
- Drawing Series: 3-5 drawings, paintings, cartoons, comics, conceptual illustrations, graphic renderings, storyboards, digital images, slides of 3-D models, sculptures, character designs, storyboards, 2D art and animation, 3D art and animation or other visual designs which display the applicant’s creative abilities.
- Prototypes: 3-5 Unity prototypes, game modifications, Github profiles, code samples, paper game prototypes, level maps, design documents, skill trees, or system diagrams.
- Business Plan and One Sheet: 1-3 Game business plans and marketing one-sheets.
Musical Theatre Auditions
Prospective BFA musical theatre students must submit an audition and meet the supplemental requirements for acceptance. Audition requirements consist of two musical theatre songs, a one minute contemporary monologue from an American play, a dance audition video, and an optional “wild card” video submission. Prospective students may audition in-person, virtually or through a video submission.
See more on our Audition Requirements page for the Performing Arts.
Photography Portfolio
The required BFA photography portfolio materials must include 10-15 photographs with an accompanying description contextualizing the submission.
Producing Portfolio
To apply for the BFA in Producing, students must choose from:
- Excerpt: Excerpt from an original screenplay or prose fiction piece (5-10 pages)
- Writing Sample: Original short story, article or critical studies essay examining a literary or cinematic work (play, screenplay, television series, film, etc.) (3-7 pages).
- Treatment or Outline: Treatment or outline of a film, webisode or television series concept (3-7 pages).
Screenwriting Portfolio
To apply for the BFA in Screenwriting program, students must prepare a creative portfolio with one of the following materials:
- Excerpt: Excerpt from an original screenplay or prose fiction piece (5-10 pages)Writing Sample: Original short story, article or critical studies essay examining a literary or cinematic work (play, screenplay, television series, film, etc.) (3-7 pages).
- Treatment or Outline: Treatment or outline of a film, webisode or television series concept (3-7 pages).