Page 245 – NYFA

NYFA Grad to Release Action Thriller “Gridlocked”

Coming off of his directorial debut, Tapped Out, Toronto native and former New York Film Academy student Allan Ungar returns to the action genre with his film, Gridlocked. Written and directed by Ungar, and co-written by Rob Robol, the film stars frequent NYFA guest speaker Stephen Lang, as well as Danny Glover and Dominic Purcell.

Gridlocked is about a former SWAT leader and a hard partying movie star who have to cut their ride-along short when a police training facility is overrun by a team of mercenaries. It’s a throwback to 80’s and 90’s era action films that spawned the buddy cop genre.

Recently, we had a chance to chat with the writer/director before his film’s release On Demand and BluRay / DVD this upcoming June 17th, 2016.

Are you primarily interested in creating action films?

I’ve always been fascinated with the action genre; there’s a great adrenaline rush to it. My goal is to continue pursuing projects that have action in them but they need to have heart. I don’t think audiences care about action unless they’re invested in the stories and the characters. Ideally, I’d like to work on films that can resonate with viewers. I want projects that are largely character driven so that the set pieces have more impact.

Would you say your experience at NYFA was useful in terms of writing and directing GRIDLOCKED?

NYFA helped me build and utilize the basic skills that eventually lead to writing and directing Gridlocked. In the three summers I spent doing workshops, I found that the fundamentals of filmmaking were largely grasped due to NYFA’s intensive and hands on programming. The ability to grab a camera and work with industry professionals vastly helped kickstart my career.

When did you and Rob begin your working relationship? Did you meet while at NYFA?

Rob and I met in my final year at NYFA. He was a counselor and I was a student. We became friendly, but it wasn’t until he saw the shorts I was making that he got excited. Most people thought I was crazy for trying to bring guns on the Universal Backlot. He applauded it. After that, it was happily ever after. We began writing scripts immediately.

You’ve worked with Lionsgate, and now Magnolia and Magnet to get your film distributed. Can you tell me how you’ve formed these relationships or how that came about?

It’s kind of the same thing with trying to break into the industry in the first place; you knock on a lot of doors and you try to turn heads. Lionsgate came from cold calling and sending around a trailer. With Gridlocked, it was a lot easier because there was already a foundation that was built. Sales agents had already become familiar with us and distributors remembered our conversations from the first film. When we got invited to premiere Gridlocked at Fantastic Fest in Austin, there were a lot of agents and buyers who attended the screenings. We got to shake hands and get to know more about that side of the business and expand our list of contacts. In the end, we were fortunate that we had several options lined up for the film, but Magnolia was ultimately the right home.

Was there something you learned from TAPPED OUT that you were able to implement or correct in GRIDLOCKED?

Like anything, you learn a great deal from your first experience. You get accustomed to the inordinate amount of pressure that falls on you as captain of the ship. There’s a lot of do’s and don’ts that you pick up pretty quickly, but you’re always learning and adapting. Being extremely prepared is one of the most vital things I took away from Tapped Out. Even though I considered myself prepped and focused, there were so many things that happened on a daily basis which made me realize that I hadn’t even scratched the surface. When things don’t go as you planned, you need to think on your toes and be more creative. Having learned that the hard way on my first film definitely paved the way for some great scenes in Gridlocked. Being able to communicate your vision is also extremely imperative, especially when you’re under the gun and the clock is ticking. Gridlocked was such a daunting task, so I’m glad that I got to go through boot camp with my first film.

Are you currently working on anything else?

I was recently brought on to write a new action film for director Dominic Sena called Johhny Two Guns. He did Gone in 60 Seconds and Swordfish. Another NYFA alum is actually producing that; Alex Lebo. I also just produced a thriller with Rose McGowan and Christopher Lloyd called Lower Bay, which should be out later this year.

MFA Student Composes Musical Score for Ron Howard’s “In the Heart of the Sea”

On May 4^th, students at the Los Angeles campus of the New York Film Academy enjoyed a screening and Q&A of the Ron Howard film In the Heart of the Sea. On hand to discuss the film was the composer of its musical score and current NYFA Filmmaking MFA student, Roque Baños.

Originally from Spain, Roque is an acclaimed film composer whose credits include The Machinist, Sexy Beast, the 2013 remake of Evil Dead, Spike Lee’s Oldboy, and many award-winning films from Spain, including the 2004 hit El Crimen Ferpecto.

Roque was trained as a jazz saxophonist and classical composer, and he brings an eclectic blend of styles to his film scores, making him a much sought after composer for filmmakers of all genres.

In addition to mastering many musical genres, Roque doesn’t rely solely on traditional instruments for his scores. For In the Heart of the Sea, Roque created samples for his score by bringing the actual whaling ship from the film into the famed Abbey Road Studios in London and playing it like a percussion instrument.

This willingness to work beyond the typical is what makes Roque’s scores so appealing and memorable. When the moderator, NYFA’s Dean of the College Sonny Calderon, asked Roque about his approach, Roque replied, “Music is all experimentation. You never know what could make your movie more powerful. The best thing to do is collaborate with someone, and experiment. Fifty percent of the movie is sound. You might have a good movie, but if you have the wrong music, your movie will be bad.”

When Sonny asked how Roque was hired for the film, he explained that legendary composer Hans Zimmer (Batman v Superman, Interstellar, Sherlock Holmes, Pirates of the Caribbean) recommended him for the job. After meeting with Ron Howard, Roque was hired. This story illustrated the importance of having a network of collaborators who support you and your work.

When a student asked what kind of language a director should use when working with a composer, Roque responded, “You have to say what you expect from the music, just as you do with any actor; it’s the same emotions.”

Dean of the College, Sonny Calderon with Roque Baños — NYFA’s Dean of the College Sonny Calderon with Roque Baños

Finally, Roque explained that he wanted to earn an MFA in Filmmaking from New York Film Academy in order to better understand the entire filmmaking process. In this way, he said, his musical contributions to film can be even more effective.

Roque’s latest work can be seen in the biblical epic Risen, starring Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love) and directed by Kevin Reynolds (Waterworld, The Count of Monte Cristo, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves).

We thank Roque for sharing his wisdom with our students, and wish him continued great success.

Photography Alumni Spotlight: Ana Paula Tizzi

Since completing both the 4-Week Summer Program and the One-Year Photography Conservatory, New York Film Academy alumna Ana Paula Henrique Tizzi has worked on several photography projects including works from her excursions to the Dominican Republic and Cuba. The Brazilian native and current photography teacher’s assistant broke down some of her astounding work for us, and took the time out to answer some questions about her time at NYFA.

Dominican Republic

“The NYFA trip to the Dominican Republic was absolutely incredible to me. It was the first time I was able to put into practice all of my new skills and techniques I had learned, and really see the development of my style and ability—it’s a very special and unique piece of work.”

Cuba

“I went to Cuba in the beginning of this year to work on a short documentary movie and had the opportunity to also work a little bit on my own project, in which I was able to show a little bit more of my point of view.”

Circus

“The circus project really means a lot to me as a person and also as a photographer. Circus taught me to embrace falling and making my own mistakes without being self-conscious.”

Encarando

“Encarando is a project that was very challenging and fun for me. I love people’s reaction and movement. With a flashlight I light up people’s face on the streets, capturing crazy and funny moments that made my life easier.”

(All photos above are by Ana Paula Tizzi)

What made you decide to come to New York Film Academy?

New York Film Academy is a very well known school in Brazil, so it was my first thought when I decided to come to New York for the Intensive 4-week Summer Program. After that, I began planning for my next course at NYFA, which happened two years later with my One Year Conservatory Photography Program.

What was your most memorable moment at NYFA and what is one of the best lessons/skills you have learned while attending?

During the one year program most of my most memorable moments were the day-to-day interaction with the students and staff on top of the first hard experience of a professional photographers work schedule. The one year program was incredibly intense and packed with learning and new experiences, but by the end of the course it felt like not only had the time flown by, but I had also learned a lifetime of knowledge in such a short period of time. I have been lucky to meet amazing people and the greatest mentors I could ask for. Needless to say, it was the greatest two years I could ask for.During my overall experience at NYFA, I developed not only as a professional but also as a person.

How did the program help you in terms of the projects you’ve presented to us?

NYFA not only taught me to become a photographer, it also allowed me to believe in what I do. I’d like to thank all of my teachers and friends that I have made my NYFA experience an intensive and unforgettable year.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I am applying for a Masters Degree in Digital Photography, so after graduating I see myself growing and learning more about this amazing field. I also hope to jump-start my career as a photographer and travel to improve my portfolio and professional experience.

Do you have any advice for anyone interested in entering the photography industry?

Be patient and never be defeated. Never miss an opportunity. Keep shooting. Your eye is as good as your next shot.

NYFA’s Final Draft Fellowship Pitch Fest

The New York Film Academy’s Final Draft Fellowship came to a close on May 12, launching the Final Draft Fellows into their careers with a Pitch Event that introduced them to potential managers and industry executives.

Final Draft’s Big Break Competition is a major opportunity for writers, and among the prizes for finalists and winners is a twelve-week Fellowship at the New York Film Academy. This Fellowship offered intensive screenwriting classes on Feature writing, Television writing, Rewriting, which involved a complete table-read by working actors, Business and Pitching classes, and a series of “Life In” panels by working writers in the industry: Life in Feature Films, Life in Television, and Life in Transmedia.

Recently, this year’s winners put that Fellowship to good use, developing not just new story ideas and scripts, but also pitches for those new ideas and their contest-winning material. And they took those pitches to NYFA’s Final Draft Fellowship Pitch Event on Thursday, May 12^th.

Hosted at the Academy by Associate Chair of Screenwriting, Adam Finer, the Pitch Event was a chance for Fellows to get meetings with representation and industry figures. Each fellow met with the industry guests for half hour meetings that centered on their pitches but then continued as a way for the Fellows to make new contacts that will benefit their career. Among those in attendance were representatives from Cartel, Super Vision, and Haven Entertainment. In addition the Fellows were put in touch with Radmin Entertainment.

The classes on preparing to pitch gave the Fellows confidence in their material, and they impressed the execs with their ideas and delivery. Many scripts were requested and several important relationships were started. Final Draft and NYFA congratulate our hard-working Fellows and we look forward to the success we are sure awaits them.

MFA Producing Grad’s “Fortune Cookie” Airs on Fuse

MFA Producing graduate Robert Pallatina’s directorial feature debut, Fortune Cookie, co-produced by Sony and The Asylum, aired on the Fuse network this past weekend.

His film is a horror/thriller set in present day Los Angeles about eight friends who fall victim to an ancient curse after receiving mysterious black fortunes at an Old Chinese restaurant. The movie stars James Hong (Big Trouble In Little China), Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers) and Ryan Merriman (Final Destination 3).

Pallatina initially developed the script after being offered an already greenlit feature project from The Asylum, a production company that he frequently works with.

“My intensive studies [at NYFA] from conceptual scriptwriting to technical on-set production really helped prepare me for what I was getting myself into,” said Pallatina. “I researched Chinese folklore to intertwine real mythology into a modern day supernatural thriller and wanted to create a common threat for the characters, which was unpredictable and unstoppable.”

Thus far, 2016 has been very busy for Pallatina as he’s currently editing a number of features, developing scripts, as well as pitching himself to direct another film.

Fortune Cookie will continue to air on Fuse this upcoming Wednesday, May 18th and Thursday, May 19th.

Grad to Screen Two Shorts at Cannes Short Film Corner Before Releasing First Feature

New York Film Academy One Year Filmmaking and 4-Week Producing graduate Anthony James Faure’s short film, Your Secret, will be showcased at the Short Film Corner in Cannes this year and will be available throughout the whole event in their video library (from May 16th to May 22nd, 2016). A special screening will also be held on May 19th, at 4:20PM in screening room PALAIS G.

Shot in New York, the film is the French native’s first American film, which stars Jason Arcaro, Leah J. Clark, Giacomo Rocchini, Felipe Muñoz and Scott Schutzman.

The story surrounds George, a building concierge who blackmails random people in New York, always asking for the same amount of money, pretending that he knows their secrets. One day, he blackmails the wrong person—his neighbor Harley—who just so happens to be an art thief

Also showing at Cannes, from Les Films de l’Ours, is Rosetta’s Blues, produced by Faure and directed by another One-Year Filmmaking graduate, Rabia Sultana.

The story is about Rosetta, who finds it difficult to come to terms with her father’s passing. She acts out in theatrical and amusing ways as methods of coping until she finds Harvey, a man who inspires her and helps her along her journey. Rosetta’s Blues will screen on May 19th at 3:45pm in screening room Palais H.

With two short films being showcased, Faure is hard at work in post-production of his first feature film Kids with Guns, co-written with Antony Renault and produced in 2014 through an online French crowdfunding platform, KissKissBankBank.

Check out the first teaser before its launch at festivals later this year.

TEASER KIDS WITH GUNS from Les Films de l’Ours on Vimeo.

Brazilian Actress Franciely Freduzeski Gives Tips to Foreign Actors in Hollywood

Three years ago famous Brazilian actress Franciely Freduzeski, known from her work on O Clone, América, Zorra Total and Malhação for Globo TV as well as the Brazilian Version of Desperate Housewives for RedeTV and A Fazenda for Rede Record amongst many other credits in Film, Theatre and TV, came to Los Angeles to attend an 8-Week Acting for Film Workshop at the New York Film Academy. After that program she made a very brave decision to start a new career in the entertainment capital of the world.

In a friendly conversation with NYFA, Franciely Freduzeski shared some useful tips for newcomers to Hollywood based on her personal experience:

Learn English and take accent reduction classes! Know that language will stop you a lot. My English wasn’t good when I came here and because of that I was denied for some roles. Scene study and Monologue classes helped me a lot to improve my English. When you do scenes or monologues you are not only practicing language, you are also learning how to act in this language and how to add emotions to what you are saying.

Different country, different rules. Before jumping into the industry, study very hard, every day. Not just acting, but how Americans work here—learn about culture. There is a lot of competition here. Be prepared to miss family, friends and hear a lot of no’s.
Be sure you have the right headshots and know the general auditions rules. At the beginning I didn’t know what pictures I should submit for auditions, what the requirements were, or what the right headshot for different castings should be. Also, I never did cold readings before coming to Hollywood. We don’t have them in Brazil, so I wasn’t prepared for that. At NYFA we had special class where we practiced cold reading technique and it helped.

After all, it is Hollywood and, as they say, you have to be in the right place at the right time. So always be prepared. You never know when that “right moment” will come. In Brazil actors are usually notified about upcoming auditions at least a week in advance and are provided with lines. In Hollywood you might be called and asked to come for the audition 2 hours before the actual casting. Now I am always ready for that: I always have high heels in my bag and a makeup set, just in case.

Know that it won’t be easy. You have to really dedicate yourself. Sometimes you might feel lonely and desperate. To be honest there were moments when I was crying and wanted to give up, but, as Coco Chanel said, “Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.”

Franciely Freduzeski is very thankful for the great support of her son, her boyfriend and her family. With time she managed to find balance between living and working in both countries: Brazil and the United States. Her latest projects in Brazil were a television series called Mascara and a stage play, Exilados, where she played Bertha — a woman with a strong personality who comes to challenge the ideals defended by her husband.

“Red Velvet” Crushed it at Latest Independent Horror Movie Awards

Horror Red Velvet turned out to be a very successful first directing experience for New York Film Academy BFA Filmmaking student Valerio Mazzarella. His thriller, about recovering ambiguously addicted couple who struggle to adapt and live a normal life, recently won Best Short, Best Actor for Klemen Novak, Best Director for Valerio Mazzarella and Best Supporting Role for Jean-Paul Barjon at the Independent Horror Movie Awards (April, 2016).

“The main idea of this movie is that madness is always close to you,” said Mazzarella. “People hide behind masks and you never even really know who your neighbors are and what they do behind their doors.”

To create this project Valerio Mazzarella teamed up with NYFA alumni producers, Keline Kanoui and Konstantin Frolov. They say that if you have a clear idea of what you would like to shoot, NYFA gives you all the needed resources. The rest depends on your true desire to be a filmmaker — you can’t get lazy in this very competitive business.

“What is also very important is knowing how the equipment works and you can’t learn it once you’re on a real set,” stated Mazzarella. “At NYFA we have very intensive hands-on training. Each Filmmaking student tries different roles in the crew.”

Red Velvet team is planning to screen their movie at several other festivals this year, including Russian International Horror Film Award, Independent Horror Movie Awards (January 2017), Move Me Productions Belgium Short Film Festival. And currently the same team is working together on a new horror called Big Bad Beast.

Academy Award Nominated Producer Screens “What Happened, Miss Simone?”

As part of a joint collaboration between the Documentary and Producing Schools, the New York Film Academy welcomed back former NYFA instructor Amy Hobby to screen her Academy Award nominated documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?. Similar to the Academy’s motto, Hobby exemplifies what it means to be a “hands-on” producer. With a deep experience across a wide range of budgets, Hobby has produced films, documentaries, and television for over 20 years.

Beginning her career as a camera assistant and eventually a producer’s assistant, Hobby worked on Tim Burton’s Ed Wood, and My Cousin Vinny. From there, her career and reputation as a driven producer took off and she began working on Nadja, produced alongside David Lynch, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was quickly acquired by legendary independent distributor October Films. Next she co-produced Sunday, which won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival, made its international premiere in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival, and was showcased as part of New Directors/New Films at the Museum of Modern Art, among many other festivals and awards.

Hobby then produced Hamlet with Ethan Hawke, Bill Murray, Sam Shepard, and Julia Stiles, which was distributed widely by Miramax. Her extensive list of credits continued to accumulate to the point where she was able to start her own production company, Tangerine Entertainment, alongside Anne Hubbell. Tangerine is a film production company with a focus on female filmmakers and strong roles for women.

In addition to all of her work as a producer, Hobby currently serves as Vice President, Artist Programs at Tribeca Film Institute.

The documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?, began as an idea by RadicalMedia and was distributed by Netflix. The film focuses on the classically trained pianist, dive-bar chanteuse, civil rights activist and legendary recording artist Nina Simone, who lived a life of brutal honesty and battled severe depression. It was the initial footage from Radical that grabbed Hobby’s attention and made her want to produce the project with director Liz Garbus. As an admitted lover of archiving, Hobby said, “We spent four months doing archival research. We would discover something and say ‘maybe that’s the turning point.’ There never really was a script.”

From there, Hobby and her team began digitizing hours of footage, creating a timeline, and securing the rights to use many of Nina Simone’s songs—which wasn’t an easy endeavor. Some of the early moments in the film of Simone as a child were recreated using 16mm and 8mm black and white film stock. The rest was archived footage and interviews.

After two years of research, legal negotiations, production, interviews, and countless other production tasks, she and her team had a successful documentary to show. After Simone’s daughter was able to see the film she told Hobby that not only did she love it, but she was also now at peace with her mother.

What Happened, Miss Simone? ended up premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015, and can now be streamed on Netflix.