Page 229 – NYFA

Summer Camp Grad Awarded at Global Film Competition in LA

New York Film Academy High School Summer Camp graduate Sara Eustáquio was the recipient of the Award of Merit at the Accolade Global Film Competition in Los Angeles for her narrative fiction short film “Mirror.” The film, which stars NYFA Summer Camp actress Jamie Marchuk, was Eustáquio’s final project of the intensive 3-week HD Filmmaking program.

In the short horror film, Marchuk looks at her mirror for answers, but what she finds may change her life.

The young Portuguese filmmaker, 16, had already been awarded with her debut narrative fiction short film “4242,” which has received 16 international prizes and was screened in more than 30 international film festivals across the globe.

“My time at NYFA taught me much more than I could have imagined,” says Eustáquio. “During the program, I learned about all the technical aspects of the filmmaking process in a fast-paced environment, as well as the importance of telling a story and how to tell a story. It was an amazing experience which deeply changed my perspective and encouraged me to move forward. NYFA helped me find my voice and definitely made me realize this what I want to do.”

Filmmaking and Acting Workshops Held in Beijing and Shanghai

This summer, the New York Film Academy held Filmmaking & Acting workshops in both Beijing and Shanghai, China. The workshops have drawn a growing number of international students who want to live and learn in China, where the entertainment industry is growing exponentially.

Students were able to learn the various aspects of the filmmaking process, including writing, directing, acting, editing, and lighting a set.

“The instructors were quite helpful and always ready to help you with your specific project,” said Enna, a student who grew up in British Guiana. “It was great to have industry standard equipment to work with and bring our projects to life.”

“I will definitely choose New York Film Academy,” added another student, Steven. “I think it’s very hands on, very practical; it will help me get started.”

Many of the students had the same sentiment as the event was a tremendous success, with many attendees committed to pursuing their education further at the Academy.

NYFA Welcomes Master Sergeant (Retired) Juan Duenas to Support Veterans Services Department

The New York Film Academy College of Visual & Performing Arts (NYFA) is delighted to announce that Master Sergeant (Retired) Juan Duenas has joined NYFA as the Veterans Coordinator at the College’s South Beach campus.

“The College is extremely pleased to have MSgt (Ret.) Juan Duenas become part of the NYFA’s Office of Veterans Services team,” stated Colonel Jack Jacobs, Chair of NYFA’s Veteran Advancement Program. “His long and illustrious career in the military, and his continual commitment to supporting troops when they transition out of active duty service, will mean that MSG (Ret.) Duenas will be a tremendous asset to the veteran students studying at NYFA”.

MSG (Ret.) Duenas served in the United States Air Force Reserves for more than 25 years — retiring in 2007. From Nov. 1979 to May 2007 he served in the 482 Weapons System Security Flight at Homestead Air Force Base Fl. MSG (Ret.) Duenas also served as a Security Police Member conducting security protection of resources, was the Supply NCO for 9 years, Mobility NCO for 6 years, and Training & Quality Control Senior NCO for 8 years training over 100 Security Police members in 32 subject areas.

Since 1979, MSgt (Ret.) Duenas had many overseas deployments, which included Germany, England, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, and in 1999 was activated to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait handling security and force protection.

After 9/11, MSgt (Ret.) Duenas was called to active duty for two years to work with Central Command on Homeland Security issues. He has also deployed for humanitarian missions to El Salvador and the Hurricane Katrina Disaster support efforts. Additionally, MSgt (Ret.) Duenas served as committee member and coordinator for several Homestead Family Days in which over 2000 military personnel and their families attended.

Currently, MSgt (Ret.) Duenas is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10212, American Legion Post 133, Freedom Veterans of America, and supports the City of Miami Mayor’s Veterans’ Initiatives.

Musical Theatre Alumna Ilda Mason to Tour in “Cinderella”

After being in her high school performance of “Grease,” New York Film Academy Musical Theatre alumna Ilda Mason knew she wanted a career in musical theatre. Since graduating from NYFA, Mason has performed in two productions of “West Side Story”: one at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, and the second one at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. Mason played the role of Francisca in one, Estella in the other, and understudied Rosalia in both.

“Doing ‘WSS’ was incredibly close to my heart because it’s not only a classic masterpiece in every way possible, but it also gives me a sense of pride in my Latin American culture: to speak Spanish, to let my Latin flare explode, and to dance with all the I have,” says Mason.

She’s currently rehearsing for the “Cinderella” national tour, which she describes as ten exhilarating months of adventure across the US and Canada while telling the story of Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

“It’s a fast paced learning experience where you have to give 100% all of the time and put a show together in two weeks,” she says. “I’m an ensemble member and love every second of it! It’s all about everyone being a company; it’s about images, formations, blending harmonies, and telling this beautiful story. It’s a special feeling to be part of a team like this.”

In addition to her performances on stage, Mason has worked as a choreographer on NYFA’s Musical Theatre performances. “I have come across many incredible and inspiring fellow students that have made me wish I could do what they do so effortlessly and vice versa,” she says. “But there is so much more to this. We all need to improve our dancing and our singing in different levels. Competing in the professional world is a delicate mix between the will power to go to those early calls everyday hoping one day they cast you; the discipline to take care of your instrument (meaning your entire body inside and out) while constantly going to classes to perfect your art; and a great deal of timing. Timing is everything because not only must you be ready for when the opportunity is presented, but you also need to have a level of maturity to build a career. Most of us will even need the time and previous experience to apply for a visa that will allow us to try to work in the U.S. I believe that when these characteristics of resilience and passion are present (and mixed with the unstoppable desire to conquer that musical theatre dream), NYFA’s students will always have what it takes.

For more information on her upcoming tour in Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” please visit www.cinderellaonbroadway.com.

BFA Filmmaking Student to Premiere “Oiled Up” at LA International Short Film Festival

During his second year, New York Film Academy BFA Filmmaking student, Richard Selvi, developed his short film “Oiled Up” with the intent of eventually turning it into a feature.

“I thought it’d be a better idea to prove we could handle such a story on both an emotional and visual standpoint by turning the premise into a stand-alone short which would showcase that and perhaps help us find funding for the larger project,” said Selvi.

Produced by NYFA instructor Richard D’Angelo and shot by cinematographer and NYFA instructor Till Neumann, the film stars some very well known actors, including Chuck Zito, James Mcaffrey, Lou Martini Jr, Cathy Moriarty, Vincent Pastore, Larry Romano and Eric Roberts, amongst many other younger talented actors.

“I am beyond thankful for those two instructors that have put their backs on the line more than once in order to bring the film to competition,” said Selvi. “I am honored to be able to call them mentors, but more importantly, friends. I’d also like to thank NYFA for putting absolutely all the tools in our hands, as well as a great infrastructure to make our film without ever trying to stop us.”

The story is told through Mike Simms, the elder brother of three. After a robbery gone wrong, Mike sacrifices his life as a free man to save his younger sibling’s lives and better their relationship. Unfortunately, when Mike comes out of jail years later, he realizes his sacrifice did not help his younger siblings in any way; and they have parted ways since Mike’s imprisonment. Mike has to set the right example as an elder brother, once again, in order to regain his younger siblings’ trust as well as reconcile their broken relationship.

“I’ve always wanted to make a film based on the relationships I have and had with my siblings” says Selvi. “It’s been very important to me all along through making the film that I maintain a clear understanding of which of my characters represented which of my siblings. When you watch the film and if you happen to know my family, I’m sure it is very apparent. I’d consider it successful in that way, as I’ve managed to convey a chemistry and a relationship on screen which did not exist prior to that based on my life off-screen.”

“Oiled Up” is having its official US Premiere in competition at the LA International Short Film Festival on September 6th at 5.30pm followed by a Q&A with director Selvi and a few members of the cast. The festival, which will take place at the Regal Cinemas downtown Los Angeles (1000 W. Olympic Blvd), is an Academy Award qualifier for the top 3 winners.

NYFA Alumnus Directs Hillbilly-Horror “Tuftland”

Roope Olenius, who graduated with his BFA in Acting for Film from the Los Angeles campus in 2013, is currently working on his directorial debut Kyrsyä – Tuftland, in Finland.

Honoring films like The Wicker Man and Rosemary’s Baby, the Finnish film discusses current topics such as women’s rights, man’s relationship with nature and young people’s difficulty to find their way into the work life. The story revolves around a young textile student, who takes on a summer job at a secluded and totally self-sufficient town. The cast consists of upcoming actors like Veera W. Vilo, Saara Elina, Ari Savonen and Enni Ojutkangas who have become known as the faces of the new wave of Finnish genre movie with films like Bunny the Killer Thing and Backwood Madness.

“In addition to the fact that the story discusses extremely important topics, it does it with a very raw and objective voice, which for me was very fascinating from the get-go,” said Olenius. “It was important for me to tell this exact story at this point of my life because it really allowed me to throw my questions into the film and at the same time transform myself into a better person. Even though the story is fictitious (and in ways goes over the top), it points out some mindsets and behavior patterns that currently take place in Western countries and especially in Finland, which for me was a way to connect with the story. The possibility to make a film that has the potential to challenge the audience to think about their own values and opinions in life, is, for me, the whole point of filmmaking.”

Olenius, who has consistently worked as an actor in his home country after graduation, is also producing the film and responsible for the adapted screenplay, which is is based on an original play of the same name by Neea Viitamäki. Kyrsyä – Tuftland is currently in production and set to premiere in 2017.

“My training at NYFA has helped me enormously in terms of understanding all aspects of filmmaking and how they play together in a film production,” said Olenius. “Even though I studied acting, thanks to the versatile program I attended, I already had a good understanding of filmmaking after graduation and, therefore, the potential to pursue the making of this film after working only few years in the industry. Studying acting for film in Los Angeles has given me resourceful tools to get cinematic and true performances out of the wonderful cast of this film, which I believe will really make this film extraordinary.”

New York Film Academy Veterans Attend Anaheim Angels Game

On Monday, August 29, New York Film Academy veteran students enjoyed an evening at Angel stadium watching the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim take on the Cincinnati Reds. This was made possible by a generous ticket donation from the Angels organization. The Angels have a history of supporting military service members through their community relations department and look forward to any opportunity to provide a night of entertainment to the military service members and veterans.

NYFA veteran students were able to enjoy a night of camaraderie and took the ball game as a chance to forget about the often intense workload that comes with the various courses of study in the visual and performing arts. Veterans Coordinator Michael Kunselman, a Navy veteran himself, helmed the event along with fellow Navy veteran and Athletics Director Eric Brown who stated, “It is always great to step away from the daily routine and give our veteran students a well-deserved night out to cut loose and enjoy themselves with fellow veterans.” Additionally, Kunselman mentioned that this is was a special opportunity for many of the veterans as this was the first time many of them have attended a major league ball game. He believes that there are a lot of organizations out there who are happy to host veterans as a reminder that their service to the Nation will never go unnoticed.

Many of the veteran students at NYFA are acquiring the skills and tools to use not only in film and television, but also in production, writing and photography. The rigorous course curriculum can all be applied to the entertainment industry to include broadcasting televised baseball games.

We are grateful for the support that the Anaheim Angels provide to our military and the veteran students attending the New York Film Academy.

MFA ACTING ALUMNA STARS IN DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON’S YOUTUBE VIDEO

New York Film Academy MFA Acting for Film alumna Ionna Meli has now been seen by over 1.5 million viewers in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s video announcement of his new YouTube channel.

The two-minute teaser was produced by Studio71, who will now be in charge of The Rock’s new YouTube channel. The YouTube channel, which launched July 18, will feature Johnson’s own videos, a scripted action series, as well as highlight projects from his production company, Seven Bucks Productions.

After submitting herself to a breakdown for the part, Meli received a call from one of the producers saying they watched her demo reel and wanted to know if she was interested in accepting the part. After a thorough explanation of the role from both the producers and the director, Meli was sold.

“It’s the first time that I’ve been involved in a project that has reached hundreds of thousands of people within a few hours — and now over 1.5 million views,” said Meli. “I was surprised how fast the news spread across the world; articles started popping up right away, the video was being shared on social media by Dwayne Johnson and his fans, and I was getting messages from friends asking if ‘it was really me in that video The Rock shared on Instagram’! It was very exciting, and slightly overwhelming, I’m not going to lie.”

Meli has also directed the film “A Little Part of You,” which received Best Short Film as well as Best Actress in a short film at New York City International Film Festival, Best Student Short at California International, and was well received in Madrid and Ioanna’s hometown of Athens.

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.

MFA Acting Alumna Featured in Video with “The Rock”

Can you smell what “The Rock” is cooking? Well, if you can’t, check out the new teaser video created by Studio71, which announces his new YouTube Channel. The video stars MFA Acting for Film alumna Ioanna Meli, and has now received over 1.5 million views.

The YouTube channel, which launched July 18, will feature Johnson’s own videos, a scripted action series, as well as highlight projects from his production company, Seven Bucks Productions.

Meli also directed the film “A Little Part of You,” which received Best Short Film as well as Best Actress in a short film at New York City International Film Festival, Best Student Short at California International, and was well received in Madrid and Ioanna’s hometown of Athens, Greece.