Back in November 2014, the New York Film Academy collaborated with Nigerian R&B sensation, Banky W, to film his largest music video production to date for his latest single, Unborn Child featuring hip hop artist, Lynxxx. Today, Banky W officially released the video on his Youtube channel, which has close to 38,000 subscribers.
Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Banky enrolled in NYFA’s 8-week Filmmaking course where he was able to develop his skills to co-produce and co-direct his music video alongside Jonathan Whittaker, Chair of Short-Term Filmmaking Program at NYFA.
With a NYFA crew comprised of former students, assistants and faculty, Unborn Child was shot in two days on the Red Epic at Gary’s Loft in Midtown and just off Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx. The video stars Banky, Lynxxx, and 8-week Acting for Film student Aminat Ayinde. “Til was absolutely phenomenal as well, and I can’t say enough about the alumni like Matthia Palombi and Philipp Pchelin, who I also worked with on the other films I shot, as well as the rest of the NYFA team. The videos I got to make wouldn’t be what they are without their invaluable help and expertise.”
In the video, Banky plays the role of an NYPD officer that finds out the exciting news of his girlfriend’s pregnancy. As he departs with his partner Lynxxx for what should be another day on the job, tragedy strikes.
“Being on set with Jonathan, Til Neumann [NYFA Instructor] and the NYFA team, provided me with a priceless learning experience,” added Banky W. “I was fortunate enough to have Jonathan as a teacher in my cinematography class, and then again as a collaborator when we co-directed my Unborn Child video. I feel blessed to have learned so much from him, in and outside of the classroom. I can’t thank NYFA enough for helping me begin to make this dream a reality.”