Page 200 – NYFA

Aspiring Broadcast Journalists Learn the Ropes with Colonel Jack Jacobs at MSNBC/NBC Studios

Veterans and Active Duty military students from New York Film Academy and local New York City community colleges were hosted by Colonel Jack Jacobs, Chair of NYFA Veteran Advancement Program, at the famed 30 Rock Studios in New York City to explore career paths in television news and media outlets with a guided tour of one of the most watched news outlets in the United States — MSNBC/NBC. Colonel Jacobs is one of this nation’s most highly decorated service members; his valor in the Vietnam War led to his being a recipient of the Medal of Honor. Colonel Jacobs is currently the on-air military analyst at MSNBC/NBC.

broadcast journalism — NYFA students tour MSNBC/NBC studios

Led through the historic hallways of NBC studios, students interested in careers in television were introduced to the fast-paced world of 24-hour news production by Colonel Jacobs, who offered insights to the next generation of aspiring television producers about the ins-and-outs of a dynamic and evolving business.

Attendees received a behind the scenes look at the various newsrooms and studio sets for such iconic television shows as the “Today Show,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Morning Joe,” “AM Joy, and” “The Rachel Maddow Show”. The visit included a glimpse of the famed “Saturday Night Live” studios.

“Now is the best time to be involved in television, in media in general,” lauded the Colonel. “Content is king. There are an increasing number of distributors out there; Amazon, Hulu, Netflix and they all need content!”

His words did not fall on deaf ears as the veteran students in attendance were eager to learn as much as they could about careers in television—embracing previously unexplored opportunities that match the skills they honed at the New York Film Academy.

“When you dream about working in film and television and you have no idea what the first step is–sometimes all you need is just to be in the same room with the people that do it, to see it with your own eyes. This makes that dream tangible, something real that you can touch, something that you can reach out and grab. It makes it obtainable,” remarked André Morissette, NYFA BFA Acting for Film student and veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

NYFA Photography Holds Exclusive Workshop For IVY Members

Last week, the New York Film Academy Photography Department invited members of IVY to ‘learn how to capture the perfect photo’ in an exclusive IVY Photography Workshop. The evening began with complimentary cocktails and followed with an engaging discussion with NYFA Chair of Photography for the NYC Campus, David Mager.

Mager focused on how photographers use light to capture the desired image. Following the discussion, IVY members dove into an immersive photography workshop at two different lighting platforms with NYFA’s expert instructors on ‘how to master the key techniques of photographic lighting.’

“It’s not often as young professionals that we get to re-explore the hobbies we have put aside for our busy work and social schedules,” said Phil Chan, IVY Arts and Culture Director. “Our workshop at the New York Film Academy was a great way to learn more about photography in a short amount of time from a great team of faculty members, and inspired us to take the lessons we learned and incorporate art-making into our every day lives.”

“We had a great first event with IVY, participants were engaged, learned a lot, and had a great time,” added David Mager.

If you’d like to check out the gallery of photos from the event, please CLICK HERE.

NYFA Alumna Wins Best Supporting Actress Award and More

Danielle Kronenberg is a British actress who currently lives in Los Angeles. She started her training at a very young age at a prestigious full time children’s drama school in London and made her West End debut at nine — the same year she won an award at the London Film Festival. She then went on to star in a number of commercials for the UK and the US.

Since living in the US, and graduating from the Acting for Film program at the New York Film Academy, Kronenberg has starred in many independent films and a children’s web-series, which she produced. She’s also co-created and produced two of her own films, one of which, “Canvas,” won two awards for producing and the other, “Taste,” won three producing awards and two best supporting actress awards thus far.

“I think going to NYFA was one of the best years of my training,” said Kronenberg. “I got to study with some great teachers, and I’ve stayed in touch with them too. Also, being part of the NYFA networking circle is pretty incredible. I can now call upon friends and say ‘Hey, I have an idea, let’s shoot something,’ and I know I’ll have a whole team to shoot with. A truly priceless experience.”

“Taste,” which awarded her a Best Supporting Actress Award, is about a bulimic model who moves to NY to pursue her modeling career, but the secret that she’s harboring comes to the surface and cannot be contained once she meets Evan, a manipulative, successful fashion photographer who has a habit of controlling her muses.

The writer of the film, Jay Palmieri Jr., who’s also a NYFA graduate, approached Kronenberg after starring in his film. “He said he wanted to collaborate on an LGBT film together as we’re both in that world,” recalls Kronenberg. “So we came up with a story and decided to produce it together. Jay wrote the role of ‘Evan’ for me, as he said he wanted to see me play a very dark emotional character. I’m so glad he did as it was my most challenging role. I’m not like Evan at all, so to play her was a lot of fun. I think the most challenging part was to really get into the head of Evan, and to start thinking like her. She’s totally dark and twisted. I found myself staying in character for most of the shoot, which was also fun.”

Kronenberg plays Evan, a fashion photographer in NY who has very manipulative ways. “Evan is the type of woman who doesn’t take no for an answer,” says Kronenberg. “She’s highly successful and has many models falling at her feet in the hopes of getting a big shoot.”

“Taste” is currently in 15 festivals and counting. It’s streaming on digitalboxoffice.tv — where you can rate the film as well (5 popcorns all the way).

Kronenberg is now working on two LGBT films and a romantic drama, each of which she will be producing and starring.

MFA Honors Mixer at NYFA LA

On Monday, March 13th, MFA Honors students gathered in the Riverside Building on the New York Film Academy Los Angeles campus to be recognized for their outstanding achievements. Los Angeles Director Dan Mackler and Dean of College Sonny Calderon were in attendance to speak to some of the outstanding students.

A dessert bar filled with doughnuts, cakes, and other sweets lined the walls. Students mingled around standing tables, discussing upcoming projects and doing a bit of networking. MFA student Carmen Nelson said she was delighted with the staff, stating, “It’s definitely different than my undergrad experience, and I’m so appreciative.”

Zandi Zima, a Filmmaking student said, “We found out that we’re doing well and there’s a whole evening to celebrate us!” Her frequent collaborator, NYFA student, Roberto Jadue cut in with, “We’re spoiled.” Jadue came around saying, “No, it’s nice to know that people care about you; that your hard work is being recognized.”

Calderon and Mackler spent the better part of the evening speaking directly with students about their expectations for upcoming assignments. When asked why he felt events such as these were important Calderon said, “I believe that what you get at NYFA as a student is more personal attention. I have seen that the people that succeed here are the ones who take advantage of these resources. Events like this help make sure that our wonderful students know they can come to us for help.”

In his speech to the students at the end of the night, Mackler said, “You guys represent us very well. I’ve given all of you my card. E-mail me. I want to hear from you guys. I’m always dealing with little fires that have to be put out. I want to hear from great students. I want you guys to take advantage of the resources we can give you now and after graduation. I’m happy to help in any way.”

The New York Film Academy applauds the hard work of the Honor Students enrolled in the Masters Program. We look forward to seeing their next great work.

Director Brian DeCubellis Screens “Manhattan Night” at NYFA NYC

It was a film noir night for New York Film Academy Filmmaking students, who were treated to Brian DeCubellis‘ new film, “Manhattan Night,” coincidentally on a rainy night in lower Manhattan. The film stars Academy Award winner, Adrien Brody, Yvonne Strahovski, Campbell Scott, and Jennifer Beals. Porter, played by Brody, is an investigative Daily News reporter who becomes involved with a mysterious woman, Strahovski, while investigating her late husband’s death.

Director Decubellis has written and directed films, TV shows, commercials, music videos and branded programming for MTV, Fox, VH1, Comedy Central, Spike, Teen Nick, ABC and more. Formerly the founding Creative Director at MTV and Viacom’s creative group Scratch, his work has been recognized with an Effie Award, Ava Platinum Award, Creativity Annual, Beacon Award, Mobius Award, Gracie Award, Prism Award, the prestigious Peabody Award, Telly Award, and an Emmy nomination.

He has directed programming with over 300 recording artists for MTV Networks as well as RollingStone.com and getmusic.com where he was the in-house video director.

DeCubellis, who spoke to students after the screening, adapted the screenplay from the Colin Harrison novel, “Manhattan Nocturne.” From the moment he wanted to adapt the book until the film was in the theaters, was a span of about 17 years. While his background is in creating short content for TV and branded campaigns, DeCubellis had been motivated since film school to be a feature filmmaker and storyteller. He advised students to “keep making your stuff and building your reel. Keep writing if you’re a writer. Keep making shorts to really hone your craft, so you’re ready when you have that opportunity.”

He also suggested that screenwriters read Blake Snyder’s, “Save the Cat,” and to truly work on their script until it is at a professional level and is enticing for actors. “When you’re writing the script, think of the actors and why they would like to do this.” Not only do you want to have talented actors in your film, investors want to see a package with known talent attached.

DeCubellis also stressed the importance of knowing the financial side of the business, especially as an independent movie director. At the end of the day, you’re the one with the vision, and you’re the only one who can be the driving force behind your first feature film.

“Manhattan Night” is now available on VOD.

MFA Acting for Film Grad Jongman Kim Appears in Judd Apatow’s “Love”

After being picked up for a third season on Netflix, Judd Apatow’s romantic comedy series, “Love,” continues to grow in popularity. The series reflects the complicated dating life of millennials living in Los Angeles. In the second season of the show, the main character, Gus, played by creator Paul Rust, winds up working on set with an erratic movie director from Korea, whose name is Victor. The actor, Jongman Kim, happens to be an alumnus from the New York Film Academy’s MFA Acting for Film Degree Program.

Kim has been in a few big studio films in South Korea and even had his own theatre company. However, he says it was when he saw Robert De Niro and Al Pacino‘s performances in film that he aspired to learn “true acting” in America. “People laughed at me because I couldn’t speak any English, and I said that I’m going to America to be an actor,” he said. “I had been acting for 15 years before I moved to NYC, but I couldn’t stand not knowing what true acting was.”

Kim couldn’t speak English when he first moved to the city, so he first attended ESL school to learn the language.

“I loved my experience at NYFA,” he said. “I had lots of beautiful teachers and actor friends in both NYC and LA. Meisner Technique changed my perspective of acting. Taking acting classes is really important to me. It’s like a gym for an actor to build his acting muscles.”

Kim says he’s now being recognized for his work on the streets of LA. “It’s amazing that I started from not speaking any English and not knowing this country,” he said. “I broke my big Hollywood wall, so now I’m just going to keep moving forward.”

Kim has acted in many short films and one independent feature film that will be released this year. One of his short films, “She Jang,” which he is a producer, co-writer and lead actor, was accepted into the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. Kim is currently repped by the Jenny Stricklin Talent Agency and the Clover Company in Korea. He’s hoping to act in both Korea and the US.

NYFA ACTING FOR FILM ALUMNUS APPEARS IN JUDD APATOW’S NETFLIX SERIES “LOVE”

Jongman Kim was an actor who had been in a few big studio films in South Korea and even had his own theatre company. However, he says it was when he first saw Robert De Niro and Al Pacino’s performances on the big screen that he aspired to learn “true acting” in America. “People laughed at me because I couldn’t speak any English, and I said that I’m going to America to be an actor,” said Kim. “I had been acting for 15 years before I moved to NYC, but I couldn’t stand not knowing what true acting was.”

Since Kim couldn’t speak English when he first moved to the city, he first attended ESL school to learn the language before enrolling at the New York Film Academy.

“I loved my experience at NYFA,” he said. “I had lots of beautiful teachers and actor friends in both NYC and LA. Meisner Technique changed my perspective of acting.”

After his acting for film course at NYFA NYC, Kim moved to LA to pursue his MFA in Acting for Film at the New York Film Academy Los Angeles. “Taking acting classes is really important to me,” he said. “It’s like a gym for an actor to build his acting muscles.”

Kim most recently appeared as Victor in the Netflix comedy series “Love,” which was created by Judd Apatow, Lesley Arfin, and Paul Rust. Victor is a famous Korean movie director who is well respected in the action genre, but who has limited patience with the people around him. The main lead, Gus (Paul Rust), is the studio teacher of Arya (played by Judd Apatow’s real daughter). Arya is acting on Victor’s film and Gus is trying to pitch his movie idea to Victor through Tommy (played by Randall Park) — Victor’s translator and assistant.

“People now recognize me on the street in LA, and have said to me that they really enjoyed my acting. It’s amazing that I started from not speaking any English and not knowing this country. I broke my big Hollywood wall, so now I’m just going to keep moving forward.”

Kim has acted in many short films and one independent feature film that will be released this year. One of his short films, “She Jang,” in which he is a producer, co-writer and lead actor, was accepted into the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. Kim is currently represented by the Jenny Stricklin Talent Agency and the Clover Company in Korea. He’s hoping to continue to act in both Korea and the US.

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.

NYFA Australia Gold Coast Grad Works on “Thor” and “Aquaman”

Former New York Film Academy Australia, Gold Coast student, Damian Lang, has shot three award-winning short films thus far, and has worked as a Location Assistant on major Hollywood films like “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Aquaman,” both of which were filmed in the Gold Coast. Between his on-set experience and filmmaking background, Lang says he is currently working on an idea for his first feature film.

Below is Lang’s description of his three award-winning shorts:

“Unauthorised Tears”

“This film is about trying to re-connect with people, woman particularly. I returned from Afghanistan with the Australian Infantry a few years back and developed some mental issues, which unfortunately ended in me losing my wife and job. This sent me on a bit of a downward spiral, but I always forced myself to get out and push through. The events in the film actually happened multiple times — just not usually with a fairy-tail ending.”

Screenings:

Caymen, Int Film Festival
Stage One, Int Film Festival (Won ACS Best Cinematography)
Long Beach Indie, Int Film Festival
Screen IT, Gold Coast Film Festival
Austin Revolution, Film Festival

“Diamond In The Rough”

“This film is about understanding your own beauty and worth. I went through a faze where I was trying to build myself into another person to attract certain types of women into my life. I found out it’s not very sustainable or fair on the other person.”

Screenings:

Colorado, Int Film Festival (Won Best Student Short)
Fort Worth, Indie Film Festival
International Video and Music Awards
Roma, Cinemadoc Film Festival

“The First Step”

This film is about re-connecting even if it isn’t the easiest route, and also about betrayal at the most unexpected times. The idea stems from when I was in Afghanistan and there were multiple ego driven orders that put us in unnecessary danger. Duty first is what we always did, but now we have to live with the outcomes and the question ‘why’.”

Screenings: (This film is still on the festival scene until December 2017)

Around Films, Int Film Festival (Won Best Short film)
Hollywood Screenings, Film Festival (Semi-finalist)

Lang also directed a music video for the Gold Coast based DJ duo “Bombs Away,” which was featured on MTV.

NYFA Grad’s “The Kobal Report” Screens at LA Film Awards and NYC Indie Film Awards

Recent New York Film Academy Filmmaking graduate Javier Alfonso Bartolozzi’s thesis film, “The Kobal Report,” has been selected to screen at the Los Angeles Film Awards, NYC Indie Film Awards, and it will also appear at the Cannes Short Film Corner in May 2017.

His film is about a depressed journalist, Colin, who has no aspirations and winds up meeting a cruel “vigilante,” killing criminals in New York. Colin sees him as an opportunity to grow professionally and to fulfill his empty life, with inevitably disastrous results.

“I wrote the script so that the audience can decide what is right or wrong,” he said. “It’s ‘take law into your own hands’ — a way to give justice.”

Bartolozzi came to NYFA from Spain. He says he was looking for a school to not only network with like-minded individuals, but also work with students from all over the world.

“I had the support of a lot of teachers, classmates and, of course, NYFA helped with all the equipment,” said Bartolozzi. “Also, I learned a lot from my instructors, especially from the screenwriting class.”

Bartolozzi is currently writing a couple new short films, but is still in the early stages of the process.

“My goal is to create stories to create emotions in people,” says Bartolozzi. “I also want to produce all the crazy ideas I have in my mind. I’m not interested in prizes or festivals, I just want to work as a filmmaker and make a living in the industry.”