Building upon the success of New York Film Academy’s (NYFA) 1-Year and 2-Year Musical Theatre Conservatory programs and its short-term workshops, the school launched a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre degree program offered at the New York City campus. NYFA’s Conservatory Musical Theatre programs have graduated Broadway, movie, musical, and television actors whose credits include Spielberg’s West Side Story, Aladdin, Les Miserable, Beetlejuice, Finding Neverland, the biographical musical The Tina Turner Musical, as well as Brown Nation, New Amsterdam, In the Weeds, and more.
NYFA Musical Theatre students have also put on several fully produced musicals, ranging from popular musicals like Urinetown and Sweeney Todd to musicals based on films, including Addams Family and Legally Blonde. Student work also includes staged readings of fresh works from up-and-coming composers, open mic nights, showcases, and a crafted movie musical project filmed and edited to perfection.
NYFA’s BFA in Musical Theatre: Enter Center Stage With Our New Degree
Located in the hub of the musical theatre industry – NEW YORK CITY – our faculty’s professional credits include over 100 Broadway shows and numerous film and TV appearances. Students in the BFA in Musical Theatre Program will learn in a hands-on classroom setting with access to professional equipment and receive a strong undergraduate foundation in liberal arts to develop critical thinking skills. The curriculum offers a comprehensive education for stage and on-camera acting, solo performances, collaborative showcases, and on-camera content.
Is it Worth Getting a BFA in Musical Theatre? Learn More in This Exclusive Q&A With Kristy Cates, Musical Theatre Chair
We sat down with the remarkable Kristy Cates, the esteemed Musical Theatre Chair at NYFA New York, on our Instagram Live to learn more about the BFA in Musical Theatre. Join us as we delve into the world of NYFA, exploring the intricacies of our programs and the unparalleled experience of studying right in the heart of Broadway. This exclusive Q&A is ideal for discovering your “WHY” regarding our exceptional Musical Theatre program.
“Graduates of our program will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the ever-evolving world of the performing arts. We offer exciting and challenging courses covering the fundamentals of musical theatre as well as on-camera, voiceover, audition technique, and business classes. These courses, combined with our Broadway faculty, industry masterclasses, and extensive performance opportunities, will prepare our graduates to take on the exhilarating and competitive world of musical theatre and beyond.
At the end of the degree program, students will participate in an Industry Showcase for casting directors, agents, and managers who provide invaluable feedback as they progress into their professional careers. Read more examples of the type of projects BFA students complete on our Musical Theatre projects page.
Explore a Future in the Performing Arts at NYFA
Prospective students also have the opportunity to learn more about our Musical Theatre program and ask any questions at our in-person Open House September 23, 2023. If this event has passed, contact NYFA to schedule a tour today! Eligible students can apply now.
Please note: NYFA does not represent that these are typical or guaranteed career outcomes. The success of our graduates in any chosen professional pathway depends on multiple factors, and the achievements of NYFA alumni are the result of their hard work, perseverance, talent and circumstances.
With filmmaking, aspiring visual storytellers can embark on a unique journey. From the formative experiences of early life to the continuous growth, filmmakers are presented with endless opportunities to learn and evolve. An inspiring example of this are the stories of Adedamola Akapo and Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga, who ventured into the world of cinema through the NYFA and MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy’s unique and impactful partnership.
“These talented individuals harnessed the power of their personal experiences to ignite a passionate drive towards realizing their dreams of becoming remarkable storytellers in their own right,” says Jim Miller, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at NYFA.
NYFA Students Awarded “Top of the Class” in MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy
The MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy is a multi-disciplinary training program whose mission is to develop the next generation of storytellers in Africa. Students are given the opportunity to partake in a year-long program that provides them with a multitude of knowledge about filmmaking and the industry as a whole. Along with being a member of the Class of 2022, NYFA Filmmaking students Adedamola Akapo and Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga were chosen as “top of the class.” They even received scholarships to participate in the program!
NYFA sat down with Adedamola and Victor (pictured above), who attended an 8-Week Filmmaking Workshop at NYFA, to discuss the experiences that shaped them into the Filmmakers they are today. In this Q&A, they discuss how these experiences still influence not only their filmmaking journeys but their perspectives overall. We specifically touch on their experiences within the MultiChoice Foundation’s Talent Factory Academy.
Adedamola Akapo on Directing, Acting, and Collaborating with Peers
New York Film Academy (NYFA): How did you feel when you heard that you were selected to attend the MultiChoice Foundation’s Talent Factory Academy?
Adedamola Akapo: I was very shocked, to be honest. This is because the list of selected students was already published, and I had given up on getting in, but fortunately, I got a call a week before classes started, and I was so excited.
NYFA: Please tell us about your experience in that year-long program and what proficiencies you learned.
AA: The period of learning at the factory afforded me the chance to connect with other filmmakers in a demanding space, creatives are very personal with their decisions, and it was a great learning curve to learn to mix in my thought process with others.
I was able to DP an entire feature film for the first time and also do lighting design on two projects. This was my biggest take from the program.
NYFA: What ran through your mind when you learned that you were chosen ‘top of the class’ and were awarded the MTF scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy?
AA: I was over the moon; I felt a sense of fulfillment. I had always dreamed of attending the New York Film Academy, and truth be told, I was just glad to be at the academy. I just wanted to be myself, but I am very grateful that being myself was exactly what was needed, and it got me into NYFA.
NYFA: What projects have you worked on before coming to NYFA?
AA: After college, where I studied Theatre Arts, I got a role as an actor in the movie Idahosa Trails by Stanlee Ohikhuare, where I played Young Benson Idahosa. After that, I decided to go behind the camera to see how things work, as I really wanted to be a director. I have since worked as an AD, Gaffer, and AC on different projects, and most recently worked as the DP for a short horror film “Dreams” by Chioma Paul-Dike.
NYFA: What have you learned at NYFA so far that you can apply directly to your short film and other projects?
Directing Actors has been the most rewarding for me. I have already gained valuable techniques that have so far helped me on in-class projects and would come in handy in future projects.
NYFA:What have been your favorite things about living in New York City so far?
AA: The diversity of cultures. It’s been great learning a few things about other cultures and coming across other languages.
NYFA: In your country (Nigeria/or/Zambia), what are the biggest career challenges?
AA: The biggest challenge for me is access to funds to shoot films and also equipment. Having access to equipment still comes down to funds, though.
NYFA:What advice do you have for other young creatives in your home country who are considering careers in filmmaking?
AA: Never stop learning, and start from learning by yourself.
NYFA:Do you have any final words of wisdom to impart to others about success in the industry?
AA: This industry is one of constant learning; the day you stop being receptive to new ideas, that is the end of your career.
Image via AfricanBusiness.com.
Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga on Producing, Cinematography, and Post-Production
New York Film Academy (NYFA): How did you feel when you heard that you were selected to attend the MultiChoice Foundation’s Talent Factory Academy?
Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga: When I got the phone call from Multichoice Talent Factory informing me that I was selected, I felt an array of emotions. I felt ecstatic, a bit nervous, and grateful.
NYFA: Please tell us a bit about your experience in that yearlong program and what proficiencies you learned.
VLK: My experience with the yearlong program was life-changing, honestly. Among the many filmmaking skills taught, I found a lot of value in learning sound for film and television, both on location and in post-production. Being a producer on a feature film is no minor task, but Multichoice Talent Factory gave me the necessary skills to see a production through from pre-production to distribution.
NYFA: What ran through your mind when you learned that you were chosen ‘top of the class’ and were awarded the MTF scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy?
VLK: When I learned that I was awarded the MTF scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy, I was astonished; the moment didn’t feel real. My background is that of having no proper training; I started out watching scattered YouTube videos, so to learn that I was going to learn from the best- come on, that is a dream come true moment- shifting my course entirely.
NYFA: What projects have you worked on before coming to NYFA?
VLK: Before coming to NYFA,, I worked as a final mixer (audio post-production) for the Zambezi Magic show ‘Mpali’ (which recently picked up an award for being the Best Original Telenovela on the African Continent at the AMVCA). Other projects include a commercial for Californian Beverages and a 13-episode comedy show for Zambezi Magic.
NYFA: What have you learned at NYFA so far that you can apply directly to your short film and other projects?
VLK: At NYFA, I’ve learned and intend to use the skills of motivated cinematography, editing, and directing in my short film and all other projects after. Learning the nuance of how to work with actors, the impact of production design, and the power of editing to influence emotion, perspective, tone, and time in a story are things I’m really looking forward to implementing.
NYFA:What have been your favorite things about living in New York City so far?
VLK: Some of my favorite things about living in New York have been meeting people from all over the world (it’s a very diverse city), trying different foods, and exploring different parts. There is so much to see and learn about this city; I now get why it is so famous.
NYFA: In your country (Nigeria/or/Zambia), what are the biggest career challenges?
VLK: In Zambia, my view is that the biggest career challenge is making it a financially sustainable line of work. To solely make a living in film or television is possible, but it is not easy.
NYFA:What advice do you have for other young creatives in your home country who are considering careers in filmmaking?
VLK: My advice to other creatives in Zambia considering careers in filmmaking is twofold. Firstly, we should go for it, approaching it with a mindset that treats storytelling as an important part of the global society. Secondly, let us strive to make authentic African stories; Africa needs rebranding, and why not make our input a step in the right direction?
NYFA:Do you have any final words of wisdom to impart to others about success in the industry?
VLK: Final words of wisdom to impart to others? I don’t consider myself wise or successful in the industry, but I do hope what I have shared is helpful to someone out there.
Thank you, NYFA, for this platform to share; the collaboration between MTF & NYFA is incredible. You’ve truly impacted my career positively, and I am grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to Jim and Jonathan too!
Pursue Your Passion at New York Film Academy
When it comes to expanding on our crafts, there is always room for more and more knowledge. Both Adedamola and Victornever gave up on their storytelling and, no matter what were always open to learning more. Much like these two, Storytellers take their passions and use the tools provided at NYFA to reach new heights in their potential. Being able to partake in The MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy provides storytellers the year-long opportunity to truly hone their craft with a multitude of unique resources. Here at NYFA, we are extremely proud of Adedamola Akapo, Victor Lushinjilo Kasanga, and the rest of the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy Class of 2022!
Looking for a way to expand your skills as a storyteller? Take a look at our filmmaking degrees, certificates, and workshops!
NYFA Cinematography instructor Tommy Maddox-Upshaw, ASC grew up in Boston and first became interested in the world of cinematography when his sister Kyla got him a job as a Production Assistant for a Hype Williams music video at 19 years old. “I saw how the Cinematographer worked with everyone and created such beautiful images and I already liked photography,” he shared. “I was like, ‘I want to do what he does’. After this discovery, he set out to learn the art of cinematography even though his college didn’t have a film program. To bridge the gap and begin his studies, Maddox-Upshaw read American Cinematographer Magazine and watched documentaries like Visions of Light – which he cites as a major source of inspiration.
Since then, Tommy Maddox-Upshaw, ASC has worked on ground-breaking shows like Empire, On My Block, worked for commercial clients like Ford, Allstate, HBO and collaborated with visionary giants like Spike Lee and Matthew Libatique, ASC. Most recently, Maddox-Upshaw worked on FX’s Snowfall as Director of Photography.
Snowfall takes place in 80’s Los Angeles during the crack epidemic. The series follows several characters whose lives intersect, showing how a wide array of people were responsible, affected and caught in the middle of the crack epidemic that took the United States by storm in 1980’s. The series has seen great success and its breakout star British actor Damson Idris has become a fan-favorite for his portrayal of Franklin Saint. Snowfall has also received wide acclaim for its cinematography, its use of long takes and its iconic lighting of both Black skin tones and 80’s Los Angeles.
The critically-acclaimed show was renewed for its sixth and final season last week but not before scoring Tommy Maddox-Upshaw, ASC his first American Society of Cinematographer award for “Best Cinematography on a One-Hour TV Series (Commercial)”. Upon receiving this distinction, Maddox-Upshaw said, “Representation matters a lot.”
In 2020, Maddox-Upshaw joined the prestigious ranks of 380 active ASC members. In 2019, only 5% of its members were Latino, 3% were Asian and 2% were black, according to ASC. “Becoming part of the ASC has been a goal of mine since the time I really started to study and read American Cinematographer Magazine and watch Visions of Light when I was about 20 years old,” Maddox-Upshaw told NYFA.
The American Society of Cinematographers was founded over 100 years ago in 1919. The society was formed to advance the art of cinematography and gather cinematographers to discuss ideas and advocate for the art form. Since its inception, ASC has seen less than 800 members. The society has maintained its prestige in part due to a meticulous selection process: only film cinematographers and special effect supervisors can become ASC members, they must be a director of photography for a minimum of five out of the last eight years, have an impeccable professional reputation and be recommended by three active or retired ASC members.
“Congratulations to Tommy Maddox-Upshaw on behalf of the Cinematography faculty and everyone at NYFA,” says Mike Williamson, Associate Chair of the Cinematography Department at the NYFA Los Angeles campus, “He has been doing some amazing work recently, including many episodes of Snowfall, and it’s great to see that he is being recognized with this award. Receiving an award from the ASC means that you’re being honored by your peers, so this is a special honor for a cinematographer.”
Maddox-Upshaw sat with 20/20 series host Liz Hinlein to talk about photography styles, film school and how to light Black and brown skin tones:
On June 15, 2023, New York Film Academy (NYFA) and the Beijing Film Academy (BFA) jointly announced an exciting study abroad program for students in China.
The announcement took place virtually and was attended by faculty and staff members from both institutions. Attendees included Sun Lijun, Vice President of the Beijing Film Academy; Sonny Calderon, Vice President of Academic Affairs at NYFA; Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for the China Region at NYFA; and the NYFA’s China Office team.
A notable highlight of the event was the admission of talented students from the Beijing Film Academy into the program. These students are scheduled to begin their studies in the upcoming Fall 2023 semester.
Pictured above: Attendees in the conference room at the Beijing Film Academy (BFA)
During his speech, Mr. Calderon emphasized that the program represents the shared vision of both academies in shaping the future generation of global storytellers. He addressed the accepted students and expressed gratitude to the Beijing Film Academy for their invaluable support, particularly during recent challenging times.
Mr. Sun underscored the significance of this unique program, emphasizing its potential to foster academic and cultural exchanges. He also highlighted the program’s role in enhancing the overall educational experience for their students at BFA.
With great shows like Bridgerton and Your Honor in its 2024 library, Netflix has proven itself as a huge contender in the streaming space. If you want to delve into the incredible treasure trove of content currently on the platform and hear more about what’s coming soon, we have a great jumping-off point with a list of must-see Netflix shows and films in 2024.
NYFA’s Must-See Netflix Shows and Films (Updated for Summer 2024)
When we had the honor of interviewing Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, he talked about building the Netflix empire and creating winning content. Judging by the shows we’re planning on watching this year, some of which our talented alumni are working on, his vision is coming to fruition, and we expect that Netflix will only get better.
Here are some of the best new shows and films on Netflix in 2024!
Bridgerton: Season Three
This summer brings viewers into another visit to Bridgerton! With Penelope and Colin as the central love story, fans have been raving about the performance of Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, the debut of Francesca Bridgerton into society, and Colin Bridgerton’s quest to resolve his feelings for everyone’s favorite redhead!
This season also brought a huge surprise with the reveal of an unexpected member of the ‘ton! Played by no other than NYFA alum Masali Baduza, season four will see a departure from the source material. We can’t wait to see what happens next!
The Archies
The Archies is an international rom-com and feature film adaptation of the famous comics. Produced by Tiger Baby and Graphic India, the live-action musical is set in 1960s India and was directed by Zoya Akhtar. At the center of the film is the beloved Archies gang.
This hit four-part docuseries follows the engaging stories of mermaid enthusiasts. While the show sounds magical and whimsical, it tugs at your heartstrings as audiences learn the emotional and physical challenges that professional mermaids go through to make it in a competitive and niche industry.
NYFA Photography Instructor Andreanna Seymore served as an Executive Producer on the series. NYFA alum Odinger Mitchell (Cinematography student and Photography alum), Aashish Chandratreya (NY Photography alum), and Alexandra Schaefer (NY Photography alum) also all worked on MerPeople.
The Sandman: Season Two
Neil Gaiman createdMorpheus as a comic book hero on a mission right the power balance in his realm. While there was speculation on whether this dream team would be back for a Season 2, all signs indicate an announcement soon.
“This is Sandman being made for people who love Sandman, by people who love Sandman, and that is so incredible for me,” said Gaiman in an article with Tudum. “It’s been so special. I feel like I’m on the cusp, and I cannot wait until people see this show.”
Glamorous: Season One
Since the spin-off of Sex and the City, And Just Like That launched, fans have been missing Samantha Jones, played by NYFA Guest Speaker Kim Cattrall. Thankfully, Netflix has given us a lifeline with the charming and delightful series Glamorous, placing Cattrall in the starring role she deserves.
Cattrall, who plays a model turned makeup company entrepreneur, mentors an aspiring influencer.
That 90s Show: Season One
Everybody loves a great comeback sitcom, and That 90s Show does not disappoint. Reprising their roles as Red and Kitty, Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp are the magic that makes this sitcom so loveable. Now, the grandparents, the dynamic duo, find a new purpose in helping shape another rag-tag group of teens. Best of all? That 90s Show takes place in the very same basement where thankfully, nothing has changed. Every episode is dripping with fun-loving humor and come-of-age wisdom. It’s a binge-worthy mood boost waiting for your next free weekend. Watch the trailer to get hooked, or just start streaming it now.
Insecure: All Seasons
All seasons of the Emmy award-winning Insecure are now streaming on Netflix. Starring NYFA alum Issa Rae as “Issa Dee”, the series follows Issa and her friends through their experiences living in Los Angeles.
Image via HBO
The series depicted relatable scenarios such as breakups, career struggles and achievements, featuring complex characters. Issa will be seen next in the 2023 adaptation of Barbie, where she will play one of the Barbies in Barbie Land.
Vikings: Valhalla: Season Two
Historical fiction fans will swoon for the drama and history in Vikings: Valhalla. The series delves into the story of Leif Erikson, a prominent name in any Viking history book worth its salt. Pagan religion goes up against Christianity in a story that toes the line between historical accuracy and dramatic license. It’s violent. It’s bold. It’s ready for your viewing pleasure. Not convinced yet? Take a look at this in-depth review before you commit. Image via Netflix.
Emily in Paris: Season Four
We always enjoy our Parisian virtual holidays with Emily, and in 2023, Netflix teased season four of the hit series. While we’re waiting for another trip abroad, why not seize the opportunity to enhance your skills with NYFA in Paris? (Picture source Harper’s Bazaar.)
Starting July 16th, explore our Youth programs and embark on a learning experience like no other. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity – get started on our site. With season four set to bring us to Italy, also don’t miss our available programs at our NYFA Florence campus.
Spaceman
Spaceman is a sci-fi film about an astronaut sent on a solo mission to collect mysterious ancient dust. Based on Czech author Jaroslav Kalfar’s novel Spaceman of Bohemia, the film stars Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Kunal Nayyar, and NYFA alum Paul Dano. The astronaut, Jakub, is portrayed by Sandler, who fears losing his mind in space as he believes he has befriended an alien. The film is expected to be released in the Fall of 2023.
Never Have I Ever: Season Four
The final season of Never Have I Ever, released earlier this June, is still making waves. Did you know that Megan Suri, a.k.a. Aneesa Qureshi on #NHIE, recently joined our incredible group of graduates at NYFA LA earlier this year?
The eloquent commencement speech she delivered left a deep-rooted inspiration in the hearts of our newest graduates, fostering within them a preparation for their upcoming journeys.
Outer Banks: Season Four
Now in a third season, Outer Banks is a teen drama that tells the story of a group of best friends growing up in a touristy vacation town full of secrets and mysteries. “There is the same kind of feeling, where it’s gonna be high-adrenaline, high-octane — but new shades,” says Rudy Pankow, who plays JJ, in an interview about the new season with The Hollywood Reporter.
We spotted NYFA Alum Samantha Soule as Anna and can’t wait to dig in to see where this hunt takes the best friends next. Get ready for more heart-pumping action and adventure as The Pogues are set to make a triumphant return for the fourth season of Outer Banks, announced in 2023!
You: Season Four
In 2023, Joe Goldberg is back in the psycho-thriller that is oddly likable. No, wait, he’s a killer stalker, and we must hate him—and Penn Bagley cannot emphasize that enough. “Loving or sympathizing with Joe is not okay,” says the lead actor, who is back to reprise his role. This season brings us across the pond to London, England, where Joe has a new identity and a new cast of characters to explore.
While there is no official release date for the fifth and final season, Penn Bagley did send audiences an update at Tudum 2023. He teased the return of Joe Goldberg’s mysterious former enemies in You S5, including the beloved Jenna Ortega!
Elite: Season Seven
Elite Season 7 has a release date of October 20th. With Head Writer and NYFA Alum Jaime Vaca at the helm, the show features Brazilian pop star Anitta. The entire cast is set to return, including Omar Ayuso, who will get a new love interest.
The Lincoln Lawyer: Season Two
What started as a film back in 2011 is now a full-blown series starring our very own Manuel Garcia Rulfo as Mickey Haller, who is a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. Why Lincoln? Because Mickey practices law out of his Lincoln town car.
The series picks up where the movie ended. And Big Little Lies fans will recognize the producer David E. Kelley. His producing skills speak for himself, but as a lawyer in a previous life, David is especially in his element with the Lincoln Lawyer series. The Lincoln Lawyer returns this summer (Part 1 on July 6 and Part 2 on August 3) — here’s your first look at Season 2 featuring Lana Parrilla of Once Upon a Time! Image via Netflix.
Married to Work
Married to Work hit Netflix in 2022, and is still streaming! NYFA MFA Screenwriting graduate Angela Ruhinda worked on this project, and she piqued our interest with this coy tweet and teaser image. The story is about a businesswoman and her boss who devise a scheme to convince an investor that they’re married. In a true enemies-to-lovers storyline, this is guaranteed to be a fun film.
Back to 15: Season Two
Anita Rocha, portrayed by NYFA Alum Maisa Silva is back and ready to take you on a time-traveling adventure. What’s in store for Anita after all her travels? Find out on Season 2 of the beloved Brazilian show De Volta Aos 15, hopefully coming to Netflix this year.
Did you know that #NYFAAlum Amanda de Acevedo was also part of Back to 15 S.1? Image via Netflix.
The Crown: Season 6
Real-life events crash into the world of historical drama in this series that tells the extraordinary story of Queen Elizabeth II. Her recent death and the controversy in the royal family give this series a new context, though it has been called out by critics for being too liberal with the story.
Audiences see the world of the late Princess Diana, following her close relationship with her sons, struggles with the press, and separation and divorce from Prince (now King) Charles. Previous seasons of The Crown featured NYFA Alum Alfredo Tavares, who also had a role on Bridgerton.
Stranger Things: Season Five
2023 confirmed it – Stranger Things is coming back, and Linda Hamilton is joining the cast! While exact dates are still up in the air due to the writers’ strike, the anticipation for this highly-anticipated season is off the charts. Hold onto your Eggo waffles, folks – things are about to get strange once again!
Learn The Art of Visual Storytelling at NYFA
There you have it. A run-down of what we know is coming and what is currently on Netflix in 2023. We won’t lie; we are pretty proud to have many alums of NYFA’s filmmaking programs in the credits! If you feel inspired by some of these great television shows and want to explore your passion for television and filmmaking, check out our programs in screenwriting, film, acting, and more!
On June 6th, 2023, a delegation from the Education Office of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York paid a visit to the New York Film Academy (NYFA) at its New York campus. The delegation, led by Mr. Yu Yougen, Counsellor of the Education Office, included Ms. Liu Weiqi, Vice Consul, and Mr. Lin Yu, Consul.
During their visit, Mr. Yu held a productive meeting with NYFA’s President, Michael J. Young, David Klein, the Senior Executive Vice President, and Dr. Joy Zhu, the Executive Vice President for the China region.
NYFA’s Senior Executive Vice President and COO, David Klein (left), with Mr. Yu Yougen, Counsellor of the Education Office (right).
The group engaged in an in-depth discussion on fostering educational exchanges between China and the United States. Their deliberations explored potential avenues for future collaborations and partnerships between NYFA and its counterparts in China, aiming to enhance educational opportunities for students from both nations.
The Consulate representatives were also given an insightful tour of NYFA’s campus building. The tour included visiting state-of-the-art classrooms and the NYFA theater, which has hosted numerous distinguished guest speaker events.
NYFA Broadcast Journalism students were treated to a visit from the Emmy award-winning journalist and documentarian Tony Harris on the New York campus this past Monday. Harris is a former television news anchor, filmmaker, non-fiction program producer, and Chair of the Board of Trustees to the nonprofit 10 ARTS Foundation. He talked with students in NYFA’s Broadcast Journalism 1-Year Certificate program.
Students spoke with Harris about successful programming in television, his career trajectory, and the sacrifices one needs to make to pursue a career in hard-hitting journalism.
Tony Harris, Producer, Journalism, Filmmaker, and Actor, is the Chair of the Board of the 10 ARTS Foundation
Harris, the host of the hit series on the History Channel’s The Proof Is Out There, explores UFO sightings and the general public’s fascination with Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). New episodes of The Proof Is Out There will be airing tonight, Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 p.m. / 9:00 p.m. Central. Available to stream the next day!
The acclaimed journalist was the Executive Producer for Discovery Communication’s Investigational Discovery series The Murder of George Floyd, Scene of the Crime with Tony Harris, and Hate In America.
Harris hosted and reported for the Amazon and Apple-streaming series Behind Closed Doors, an exploration of domestic violence in America, and narrated the Discovery Channel documentary 9/11 Rescue Cops.
With an impressive credits list and a career in journalism and filmmaking, Harris spoke with Dinara Kunafina, one of twelve Broadcast Journalism students in the current 1-Year Certificate program. Kunafina is a television journalist and news anchor in Kazakhstan.
Tony Harris (left) with NYFA student and professional journalist Dinara Kunafina (right)
No stranger to NYFA’s slew of guest speaker and student-hosted events offered both online and on-campus, Tony Harris has been a recurring guest speaker and lecturer at the NYFA campus. In 2020, Harris was a guest on The 20/20 Series, an online Q&A created by NYFA’s Creative Director of Filmmaking and Cinematography, Liz Hinlein, featuring guests across all areas of the entertainment industry. The conversation, moderated by Hinlein, focused on good storytelling aspects and the role of a good anchor.
Joining the exciting event was Bill Einreinhofer, the NYFA Broadcast Journalism’s Chair Emeritus. Einreinhofer, like all of NYFA’s faculty and staff, holds a long list of impressive credits as well. The three-time Emmy-award-winning producer, writer, and director has developed and produced programming for ABC, CBS, Discovery, HBO, and PBS.
Tony Harris (middle) and Bill Einreinhofer (right) pose with the students of NYFA’s 1-Year Certificate program in Broadcast Journalism.
The Chair Emeritus is most recognized for his recent projects, including the documentary China: Frame by Frame, a retrospective of his thirty-year career in creating films about China, and Unsettled History: America, China, and the Doolittle Tokyo Raid, a one-hour documentary that tells the story of the World War II Doolittle Raid on Tokyo from the American and Chinese perspectives.
NYFA gives a BIG thank you to Tony Harris for making the trip to our New York City campus to speak with students in a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the greats.
These events are frequently offered to students at any of the US-based campuses, with many virtual opportunities for students studying aboard in our online workshops and online degree programs.
In March 2023, NYFA representatives Roger DelPozo, Miriam Estevam, and Larissa Korolkovas traveled to São Paulo, Brazil, to meet with NYFA alums living in Brazil. It was a great turnout, with over forty alums in attendance. Some alumni flew in from different cities for a special night of rehashing school memories and their current projects.
A night of old friends reconnecting with a chance for many others to develop new friendships and contacts, the reunion unraveled in sharing stories of life after NYFA and career successes.
“I developed self-knowledge, life experiences, and friends from around the world, but most importantly, NYFA showed me that this mysterious and exclusive place called Hollywood is a door possible to cross! Two years after graduating, I made my first feature film deal with Paramount Studios. NYFA was a part of that!” says Kaique Alves.
Federico Devito (Producing)
Filmmaker and Content Creator with more than half a million followers on Instagram, Frederico said, “I loved NYFA’s Alumni Event because it was a moment that allowed us to meet people who have the same passion for creating videos, movies, scripts, and we could exchange ideas and contacts.”
Marina Bueno (Acting for Film)
Marina, actress, and screenwriter based in Rio de Janeiro, said, “NYFA was the best time of my life. It was almost four years of complete immersion into living my dream. I got to film something new every week, take risks as a performer in the safest spaces, and meet the people I now call family. NYFA prepared me for the life I’ve always wanted while connecting me with my favorite people. Seeing some of them again at this alum meetup was such a blast! It was fun, productive, and inspiring all at once. Thank you, NYFA! I’ll be forever grateful!”
Leo said, “In 2019, I was searching for a new perspective, so I went to NYFA in Los Angeles to attend the filmmaking workshop, and it was one of the greatest experiences in my academic life. The program was amazing, just like all the exchanges I had there, and it improved my vision and technique in a very tangible way. I realized that watching my works before and after NYFA. It’s wonderful how all of this could expand for a longer time. The alumni meetup in São Paulo was an exciting opportunity to meet more people like me, sharing visions and experiences of living and working in Brazil with something we all love: cinema.”
Helena Horta (Acting for Film & Screenwriting)
An actress and writer based in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, Helena said, “I received the invitation for the Alumni Event in São Paulo, and even though I live in a different city, Porto Alegre, I took the chance to go because I wanted to connect, and it was so worth it. The group there was amazing, and I met some incredible people. I also got to catch up with old friends, so that’s always nice!”
Larissa Korolkovas (Acting for Film)
NYFA’s very own Enrollment and Outreach Specialist in Brazil and alum said, “The alumni meetup in São Paulo was amazing; we could reunite old friends and meet new ones not only from São Paulo but from other places from Brazil. Seeing the power and capacity to grow this incredible network was great. I couldn’t be more proud of NYFA’s Alumni, who are doing a great job in the Brazilian Film Industry. The plan is to organize other Alumni Events to promote experiences, exchange, networking, and of course, have a good time with people with the same passion.”
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