On February 11, 2026, the New York Film Academy hosted a Lunch and Learn workshop at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for active-duty service members and military families interested in exploring creative careers in film and media.
A total of 76 participants attended the session, titled Introduction to Screenwriting: Telling Your Story for the Screen. The interactive workshop was led by NYFA Screenwriting faculty member Kelly Larson, whose professional credits include writing for the television series Batwoman, development projects with Nickelodeon, and work with DC Comics.
During the session, attendees were introduced to the fundamentals of storytelling for film and television, including narrative structure, character development, and how personal experiences can inspire compelling screen stories. Many participants were particularly interested in how military service experiences, such as leadership, resilience, and transition, can translate into powerful storytelling within the entertainment industry.
In addition to the creative workshop, the event generated strong interest in NYFA’s educational programs. Service members asked questions about admissions, program formats, and how to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits and active-duty Tuition Assistance (TA) to pursue training in areas such as filmmaking, acting, producing, cinematography, and screenwriting.
Events such as the Camp Pendleton Lunch and Learn reflect NYFA’s continued commitment to engaging directly with active-duty service members and military families. By bringing creative workshops directly to military installations, NYFA helps service members explore new educational opportunities and potential career pathways in the film and entertainment industry as they plan their next chapter.
