BROADCAST JOURNALIST Graduated from NYFA NYC Campus in 2009
Sergei Ivonin is an Emmy winning journalist and producer who began his career at NBC News, working as a digital journalist and staff producer on Dateline: NBC, and contributing to the network’s coverage of major events such as the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Throughout his career, Ivonin has distinguished himself with significant industry recognition: he has been nominated twice for an Emmy and has won the Alfred I. duPont Award. Notably, he earned an Emmy Award for his role as a field producer on a Dateline: NBC segment featuring former President Barack Obama.
In the previous update, you got to see the New York Film Academy (NYFA) Broadcast Journalism summer students out in the field shooting … but following “production,” there is “post-production.”…
When Sergei Ivonin became a student at the New York Film Academy, he had high career goals but lacked the skills to attain them. Thanks to what he learned at…
BROADCAST JOURNALIST Graduated from NYFA NYC Campus in 2016
Cameron Costa is a broadcast producer and journalist at CNBC, working primarily on the network’s flagship morning show, “Squawk Box,” and the award-winning podcast “Squawk Pod.” Based out of the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in Manhattan, she has contributed to CNBC.com with articles focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), tech startups, and venture capital.
She began as a production assistant and then advanced to Segment Producer in November 2017, and was promoted to Producer in March 2020 — a role she continues to hold.
A number of Broadcast Journalism graduates from the New York Film Academy got in touch with Chair Bill Einreinhofer over the holidays, to inform him of some of the success they’ve…
U.S VETERAN | SCREENWRITER | ACTOR Graduated from NYFA LA Campus in 2014
Wil Willis is a decorated former Air Force pararescueman and Army Ranger, and a well-known actor and writer. He was a host of The History Channel’s competition reality show Forged in Fire. The show pits master blacksmiths against one another in head-to-head competition to forge from scratch a weapon that could win them a $10,000.00 prize. He was previously the host of The American Heroes Channel’s series Special Ops Mission and Triggers: Weapons that Changed the World. Wil joined the Army in 1993 and was assigned to A Co. 3d Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. He carried that post until 1998 when he cross-trained to the Air Force. Wil became an Air Force Pararescue Recovery Specialist. In 2001, he received the Sirkorsky Rescue Award for his actions while stationed in Iceland.He served as a Pararescueman until August 2008.
As a school that prides itself on being a Top Military Friendly School, the New York Film Academy often highlights its veteran and former military students who have shown achievement…
U.S VETERAN | FILMMAKER Graduated from NYFA LA Campus in 2017
Kenny Sheard is a filmmaker, writer, producer, actor, stuntman, and former U.S. Navy SEAL whose industry credits span some of the most high-profile action films and television series of the past decade. As a stunt performer and military advisor, Sheard has contributed to major productions including Avatar: The Way of Water, John Wick: Chapter 2, 13 Hours, 12 Strong, Logan, Bumblebee, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fear the Walking Dead. His acting portfolio continues to expand, with standout appearances such as his role alongside Chris Hemsworth in 12 Strong. His ability to bring authenticity and physical intensity to action-driven projects has made him a sought-after presence both in front of and behind the camera.
Sheard also brings his tactical expertise to storytelling as a writer and producer, with credits on hit series such as SEAL Team (CBS/Paramount+) and The Terminal List (Amazon), where he helps shape narratives rooted in military realism. A former Navy SEAL with 12 years of service, Sheard began his entertainment career while still in the Navy Reserves, landing his first stunt role in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. From battlefield operations to Hollywood sets, Sheard continues to bridge elite military experience with cinematic craft, carving a unique path as a creative force in the action genre.
Few people have the grit and the determination to become a Navy SEAL, but New York Film Academy alum Kenny Sheard has shown that no matter what he sets his…
U.S VETERAN | CINEMATOGRAPHER | PHOTOGRAPHER Graduated from NYFA LA Campus in 2014
Joseph Bornilla is a Manila-born cinematographer and photographer. Bornilla is known for his work on films such as Familiar at Dinner and Alex and His Housekeeper, and has received recognition as an Emerging Photographer of the Year 2014 by the American Aperture Awards. His documentary project on Typhoon Haiyan survivors, Brown Bamboos – Waterproof, received an Honorable Mention at the 2014 Moscow International Foto Awards.
MFA photography student, Joseph Bornilla, exhibited his work last weekend at Photo Independent in Los Angeles. Joseph’s final New York Film Academy thesis project entitled, Chaotic Beauty, is a series of…
Photography students from the Los Angeles campus were on hand as the exclusive event photographers for the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles German Currents 7th Annual Film Festival, held last weekend at…
U.S VETERAN | BROADCAST JOURNALIST Graduated from NYFA NYC Campus in 2009
Lea Gabrielle is a U.S. Navy Veteran known for her multifaceted career as a naval aviator, intelligence officer, journalist, and executive. She served in the military in Afghanistan and Iraq. After her decade of service in the military Gabrielle transitioned to journalism. She went on to work as a digital journalist for NBC News, as well as a writer and editor for NBC Nightly News. She also worked for Fox News Channel. Later, Gabrielle served as the Special Envoy and Coordinator of the Global Engagement Center in the U.S. Department of State.
Each year, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) community–including our students, alumni, and faculty–find a great deal of success on the film festival circuit, including fests around the globe like…
UPDATE: In May 2023, the Los Angeles-based filmmaker and NYFA alum received the ‘Auteur Filmmaker Award’ at the Roots of Europe International Film Festival. The festival screened Ambros’ films Son…
For the 95th Academy Awards in March 2023, Saudi Arabia nominated a coming-of-age comedy to represent the Kingdom. The feature film Raven Song (2023), directed and written by NYFA 1-Year Filmmaking program alum Mohamed…
Years ago, Mohamed Diab was a 1-Year Screenwriting program student studying at the NYFA Los Angeles campus. Today, he is the lead director and executive producer of Marvel Studios’ Emmy Award-winning series Moon Knight, available to…
You’ve probably heard of the name Charlotte Dobre from the popular YouTube channel of the same name that features hundreds of videos where she reacts to current events and social media posts in ways…
You’re stuck on a cruise ship for fourteen days. A mysterious illness is spreading as fast as the Motaba virus in the movie Outbreak (1995). Sounds like a nightmare–except it…
Paul Hutchens, Producer, and Writer is known for his film and television work, including Coconut Cowboys, A Football Fantasy, Loco, The Other Side of Normal, Rabid Love, and Mamma Mia!…
Since graduating from New York Film Academy (NYFA), Acting for Film alum Eve Hewson has been making a name for herself in the world of TV and film. Hewson has appeared with Sean Penn…
New York Film Academy (NYFA) 1-Year Filmmaking alum Florian Gunzenhauser is a filmmaker and assistant director from Switzerland. His directing, writing, and filmmaking credits include the television shows Voice of…
NYFA alum Nathan Hale is an award-winning filmmaker, best-selling author and entertainment attorney. Hale is a two-time NAACP Image Award® nominee, the recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Prestige Award for…
U.S VETERAN | PHOTOGRAPHER Graduated from NYFA LA Campus in 2021
Joseph Ford is a beauty and fashion photographer and former Marine. His work has been featured on the covers and inside the pages of Vogue, People Magazine, Hype Hair, Alpha Magazine, and Sheen. His portfolio also includes standout cover art for acclaimed music artists such as Dua Lipa, Yo Gotti, Blac Chyna, and Shy Glizzy.
Currently serving as the Head Photographer for Harlowe Studios, Ford leads creative direction for high-impact photoshoots. He is also the Director of Photography for Yagi World, and leads campaigns for brands like Lashed Cosmetics, Ellaè Lisquè, and RareFit. With a background in commissioned travel photography across destinations including London, Dubai, Greece, China, and Turks & Caicos, Ford brings a global perspective to his portrait and editorial work.
Joseph Ford, current BFA Photography student at New York Film Academy (NYFA), recently captured photo coverage of the Amazon float at the 2019 SF Gay Pride parade, including Amazon founder…
VoyageLA, the flagship publication for Voyage Group of Magazines, is a media and city guide for Los Angeles that aims to authentically represent a wide variety of artists and communities,…
U.S VETERAN | ACTOR Graduated from NYFA LA Campus in 2020
Freddie Basnight is an actor, filmmaker, and U.S. Army veteran who served over 10 years, including deployment during the Iraq War. He is best known for his roles in high-profile television series such as For All Mankind (Apple TV+), The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix), CSI: Vegas (CBS), Coyote (CBS), The Company You Keep (ABC), Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Welcome to Chippendales (Hulu), and American Horror Stories (FX). In addition to his on-screen work, Basnight writes, produces, and directs original content, including the award-winning short Gangsters, demonstrating his creative versatility both in front of and behind the camera.
Each year, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) community–including our students, alumni, and faculty–find a great deal of success on the film festival circuit, including fests around the globe like…
UPDATE: In May 2023, the Los Angeles-based filmmaker and NYFA alum received the ‘Auteur Filmmaker Award’ at the Roots of Europe International Film Festival. The festival screened Ambros’ films Son…
For the 95th Academy Awards in March 2023, Saudi Arabia nominated a coming-of-age comedy to represent the Kingdom. The feature film Raven Song (2023), directed and written by NYFA 1-Year Filmmaking program alum Mohamed…
Years ago, Mohamed Diab was a 1-Year Screenwriting program student studying at the NYFA Los Angeles campus. Today, he is the lead director and executive producer of Marvel Studios’ Emmy Award-winning series Moon Knight, available to…
You’ve probably heard of the name Charlotte Dobre from the popular YouTube channel of the same name that features hundreds of videos where she reacts to current events and social media posts in ways…
You’re stuck on a cruise ship for fourteen days. A mysterious illness is spreading as fast as the Motaba virus in the movie Outbreak (1995). Sounds like a nightmare–except it…
Paul Hutchens, Producer, and Writer is known for his film and television work, including Coconut Cowboys, A Football Fantasy, Loco, The Other Side of Normal, Rabid Love, and Mamma Mia!…
Since graduating from New York Film Academy (NYFA), Acting for Film alum Eve Hewson has been making a name for herself in the world of TV and film. Hewson has appeared with Sean Penn…
New York Film Academy (NYFA) 1-Year Filmmaking alum Florian Gunzenhauser is a filmmaker and assistant director from Switzerland. His directing, writing, and filmmaking credits include the television shows Voice of…
NYFA alum Nathan Hale is an award-winning filmmaker, best-selling author and entertainment attorney. Hale is a two-time NAACP Image Award® nominee, the recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Prestige Award for…
U.S VETERAN Graduated from NYFA MIA Campus in 2021
Cleavandor Wright is a retired Military Army Veteran and actor that has worked on television shows including Star Wars: Gray Trials (2024), Criblore (2023), The Wreck of Echo 10‑4 (2022), and Hawaii Five‑0 (2017).
He has has appeared in a range of commercial campaigns, including Google Cybersecurity, Hard Rock Bet, Keep It Green, Virgin Voyage: Now We’re Voyaging, Husqvarna Power Axe, PSA: Call of Duty – Endowment, Supreme Trimmer, and a COVID-19 PSA.
His film credits include MarY: A Jesus Story (2024), 222_thefilm (2023), and Meeting Juan Jones (2023), Sliver_Mettel (2021), Eddie and Eve (2021), In‑Side (2021), Potato Salad (2020), U‑Turn (2020), True Romance Revamped (2020), Diablo (2019), Zero (2018). Additionally, Cleavandor won the PO’OKELA AWARD for an Ensemble Performance Non-Traditional play by PlayBuilder’s of Hawaii a Theater Company.
New York Film Academy (NYFA) BFA Acting for Film alum Cleavandor Vandorn Wright is a retired Military Army veteran turned actor now working in the film industry. The Florida-based actor…
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