Page 253 – NYFA

SCREENWRITING PANEL: LIFE IN FEATURE FILMS

The New York Film Academy Screenwriting Department, in cooperation with Final Draft, hosted the first in its second annual series of “Life In” panels. Arranged for NYFA’s Final Draft Fellowship (a 12 week Writing Fellowship for the finalists in Final Draft’s Big Break Contest), this panel focused on “Life in Feature Films” and saw the panelists explore getting the first draft out, pitching, the ins and outs of representation, and getting your foot in the door of the industry.

The Feature Films panelists (many of whom teach at NYFA) included:

RACHEL GOLDBERG, (TRANSFORMATION AWAITS, ROSITA LOPEZ FOR PRESIDENT)
DAN KAY, (I.T., PAY THE GHOST)
DOC PEDROLIE, (COME SIMI, PALI ROAD)
CHRISTINA BECK (PERFECTION, FROM THE HEART)
DAVID O’LEARY (former VP of Bellevue Productions)
Adam Finer, NYFA’s Associate Chair of the Screenwriting Department, moderated and had several pieces of insightful advice from his years as a studio executive and manager. Adam said that first and foremost, “You have to have the materials you need to get your job done. If you don’t have the software, or a notebook, how are you going to jot down notes or write your scenes? You have to always have the tools on you.”

Adam continued to guide the panelists in an animated discussion of their first foray into the industry, the value of grammar and tight writing, and representation.

Dan Kay was of the opinion that a new writer didn’t need representation right away. He said, “Worry about doing good work. Developing your craft. The career will take care of itself. …Do the work and eventually you’ll get there.” He then said that once you’re ready, when your work is where it needs to be, not to worry about getting an agent. Instead he said, “A manager’s going to nurture you. A manger is going to read your work, is going to see something on the page and know how to help turn you into a great writer.”

The panelists delved into the topic of research, how much you need, and how it can help you with story. Christina Beck said, “Being in the environment of the story helps me really get inside that world and characters and it can inspire scenes and ideas you never would have gotten from research alone.” But, the panelists agreed, while research can help develop story, the research cannot get in the way of the story. Rachel Goldberg said, “I’ll give the script to someone in that world for authenticity. But you have to weigh authenticity over story. And story comes first.”

When asked about how long the first draft of a script takes to write, the panelists’ answers were varied. They all agreed that the length of time spent writing the first draft varied from weeks to months, even years, and that it really depended on the story. However, they did all agree that before the Fade In comes months of development work. David O’Leary stated, “What I’ve learned the hard way is development is writing. Treatments, beat sheets, character work, it’s all important and without it, it all falls apart.” Doc Pedrolie chimed in, “Before I ever sit down to write the script I do outlines, treatments, detailed beat sheets with slug lines and action and instructions for exactly what happens in each scene.”

At the end of the discussion the audience (made up of Final Draft fellows, NYFA students and alumni) was invited to ask questions, which ranged from how to build a sci-fi world, to putting your work out there, to simplifying complicated worlds and characters.

One alumna opened a discussion with Christina Beck and Rachel Goldberg about the challenges female writers and directors faced. Both emphasized working hard and taking advantage of programs that support diversity: TV labs, Chicks with Scripts, Women in Film, and Film Independent to name a few. Rachel iterated that it would be hard for female writers and directors, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying. Christina said, “You just have to write and tell the best story you can. It doesn’t matter who you are, you just have to write the best script you possibly can.”

Another student opened a discussion of pitching your projects. David O’Leary stressed that practice was key, knowing your story and the characters down to bones, and once you know it let it go. Adam Finer said, “In terms of pitching the simplest answer is, tell a story. Tell me a little about you, then tell me something interesting and engaging. Be there and be present in the moment.” Doc Pedrolie chimed in by saying, “Surrender to the conversation. Don’t go in to tell your story and leave. It’s a conversation. Surrender to it.”

The ultimate bit of wisdom given to the attendees was to always be writing. Always have new ideas, always be rewriting, and always be pushing yourself to perfection in order to get the best version of your script you can. Dan Kay said, “You have to love the process of writing. Being alone in the room, creating the characters and the world, that’s writing. If you still love creating, that can sustain you through all the BS that follows.” Doc Pedrolie added, “Constantly be writing, be generating, be rewriting. You have to be generating stories people want to see. You have to have contacts, network, follow up.” Rachel Goldberg encapsulated the evening with, “Just keep going. Don’t stop writing, pitching, hustling. If this is what you love, don’t stop.”

NYFA Veterans Support NYC Military Office of Veterans Affairs

Veteran students from the New York Film Academy (NYFA) were again invited to film New York City’s Veteran Advisory Board (VAB) quarterly meetings, the first of 2016, by the Mayor’s Office of Veteran Affairs. The VAB meeting heralded the historic creation of New York City’s Department of Veteran Affairs. Commissioner Loree Sutton, MD. (BGen Rt.), thanked the New York Film Academy and the veteran-student filmmakers and cinematographers that worked to capture the evening’s meeting for web-broadcast, before giving the floor to those wishing to address the board and those in attendance.

VAB Meeting — Commissioner Loree Sutton, M.D. (Brig. Gen. Rt.) addresses the attendees of the first Veteran Advisory Board Meeting of 2016

New York Film Academy’s veteran student alumni, Wally Colon and Tarrell Childs, both native New Yorkers and graduates of NYFA’s Filmmaking and Cinematography programs, were on hand to film the meeting for the City’s website.

“Being adaptable as a filmmaker is key to success early on,” says Tarrell Childs. “While I am busy working on creative ventures as a filmmaker, I like take time to stay connected to the veteran community by putting the skills I learned at the New York Film Academy to use for practical events, like community outreach programs and engagement.”

The New York Film Academy is proud of its continuing commitment to support those that served in the U.S. armed forces and also their dependents. As just one example, veteran students and alumni from the New York Film Academy have most recently partnered with the United Veteran War Council, a veteran advocacy organization, but may be best known for their yearly production of the NYC’s Veterans Day Parade. Veteran film students from NYFA worked on the production crew throughout the lead-up and execution of the parade. Taping interviews and segments, as well as the live production, the experience was a rewarding way to break into professional production and camerawork for all the students that participated.

wally colon — NYFA Veteran student, Wally Colon, filming the Veteran Advisory Board Meeting of NYC

The New York Film Academy, the world’s largest and most prestigious visual and performing arts private institution, is a certified and award-winning Military Friendly School committed to supporting this newest generation of veterans. NYFA is proud to serve military veterans and service members in their pursuit of a world-class education in filmmaking—and related disciplines—through its Veterans Advancement Program Chaired by Colonel Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient.

NYFA Moderates Talk with Sacha Baron Cohen at “The Brothers Grimsby” NY Event

As a man who has built a career on shocking his audience, Sacha Baron Cohen continues to push the envelope with his new comedy, The Brothers Grimsby. In celebration of his new release, Sony invited New York Film Academy students to a special New York City screening, which was moderated by NYFA Instructor Ben Cohen.

Adorned in some sort of hipster, cowboy attire, the always hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen took the time to chat and take photos with our students. Before screening the film, Sacha showed us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of the production behind Bruno, which gave insight into the delicate and creative planning that goes into each bit. It’s actually more complicated and dangerous than one would think.

nyfa cohens — NYFA Instructor Ben Cohen with Sacha Baron Cohen

The Brothers Grimsby, which also stars actors Mark Strong, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson and others, revolves around a football hooligan who winds up teaming up with his long lost brother, a top spy, in order to ultimately save the world from a deadly virus outbreak. As expected, the film delivers outrageous moments that would only fly in Cohen’s world, and one can’t help but laugh.

Following the screening at the Regal Union Square in New York, Ben Cohen opened up a discussion with Sacha Baron Cohen that focused on the character and story development that went into the pre-production of the film. Sacha explained how he sees his rowdy, family-oriented character as a sort of “everyman” thrown into the high-tech world of a spy where the stakes are extremely high.

Several NYFA students were given the opportunity to ask questions as Ben opened the discussion up to the sold out Regal theatre. In fact, at one point, the crowd seemed as though they were on a comedy audition of their own as the discussion included a bit of hilarity in itself.

“I had an amazing night with other NYFA students and also got to meet one of my heroes, Sacha Baron Cohen,” said NYFA student and U.S. veteran, Corporal Michael J. Lynch.

Sacha Baron Cohen reached a somewhat touching conclusion to the evening by stating, “I know it sounds cheesy, but I had a moment when I heard the crowd going wild and I had this realization that I’m doing this all for the fans.”

The Brothers Grimsby is now playing in theaters.

Producer Oren Koules Screens “Saw” with NYFA Instructor David Armstrong

New York Film Academy students were treated to a special screening of the groundbreaking, and box office record making, indie horror film Saw and participated in a Q&A with the film’s producer Oren Koules and cinematographer / NYFA instructor David Armstrong. Producer Tova Laiter moderated the discussion.

In 2003, Koules made an almost one million dollar investment with partner Mark Burg to produce Saw. By 2011 the Saw franchise had earned roughly 870 million at the box office. The movie, shot in a mere 18 days, was a very fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience according to Oren and David Armstrong (cinematographer of Saw I through VI). The luxuries of a studio movie were nowhere to be seen on this film set. They would often have to get a shot in one take because of time or resource restrictions. However, the run-and-gun nature of making the film, coupled with the fact that Oren was betting everything on an idea he simply believed very strongly in, was an exhilarating experience that made him feel alive.

Oren Koules’ story is one that defies Hollywood logic. At the age of thirty-one Oren decided to become a Hollywood producer and he moved to Los Angeles. He tried to get a job as an assistant, but without any industry-related experience, nobody would hire him. However, Oren let none of that deter him and decided instead to just go straight for his goal. Koules was introduced to former Los Angeles Times reporter, Dale Pollock, and the two formed Peak Productions soon after. Together, they packaged films that began getting studio attention for their undeniably good and cutting-edge taste. After landing deals they began producing films like Mrs. Winterbourne and Set It Off. The early success of Peak Productions led Koules to a job as the Senior Vice President of Production at Paramount Pictures. In 1998, Koules and Mark Burg founded management / production company Evolution Entertainment. They produced the Denzel Washington-led thriller film, John Q, which was released in 2002.

Evolution Entertainment was also responsible for the production of Two and a Half Men starting in 2003. At this time Oren forged a relationship with Charlie Sheen. Having starred in a string of B-movies, Sheen’s Hollywood value had dropped. Oren saw a new future for Charlie—as a TV star. He convinced Sheen to stop making movies for six months to neutralize his image and until his former representation contracted ended. After that, Koules signed him to Evolution Entertainment and he maneuvered Sheen onto his iconic role as Charlie Harper on Chuck Lorre’s Two and a Half Men and became an executive producer on the show. Not bad for Oren having only arrived to Hollywood a little more than a decade before!

saw screening — Producer Tova Laiter, Oren Koules, and David Armstrong

When asked what advice Oren had for filmmakers just starting out in the entertainment industry, his message was simple: “Just believe in yourself.” This wraps up the experience of meeting Oren Koules in so many ways. The man exudes the calm, confidence of a do-er. Oren’s journey through Hollywood has been a steady, determined march as he manifests his goals. His example helps one to truly believe that the key to success is found in believing.

We sincerely thank Oren Koules and David Armstrong for speaking at the New York Film Academy and wish them continued success in their careers!

NYFA Industry Lab Films Latrice Royale’s Music Video

California native, Latrice Royale, an American drag performer and reality television personality, best known for her appearances in RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 4), RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and RuPaul’s Drag U, filmed her latest music video, Here’s To Life in collaboration with New York Film Academy’s Industry Lab current students and alumni.

Assaad Yacoub, a recent graduate from the New York Film Academy’s MFA Filmmaking feature track, and a current industry lab member, directed the music video and is well known for working with drag performers in his short turned feature Cherry Pop.

He is also well known for tackling social issues in his films that he made at his time at the New York Film Academy such as The Wing, which recently earned an humanitarian award for outstanding achievement from the 2015 Best Shorts Competition.

Other notable crewmembers from New York Film Academy’s Industry Lab were current students: Bogdan Yansen (DP and Editor) Vanness Hughes (1^st Assistant Director), Olamide Oladimeji (Key Grip), and Joann Wong (Grip), along with alumni: Alex Lampsos (Producer), Star Li (1^st Assistant Camera), Alex Tobias (Grip), and Allyson Manno (Behind-the-Scenes Photographer).

Adventures on the Big Screen Series at Los Angeles Campus

Has this happened to you? You’re in a class, and the instructor asks, who has seen… and then they name some “classic” film.

You’ve never seen it, but maybe you’ve heard about it. Or maybe you have seen it, but nobody else in the class has. And if you have seen it, ask yourself this, did you see it the way it was meant to be seen? In a theater, on a BIG SCREEN, with an audience?

The best movie-going experiences gather us together in dark rooms with loved ones, friends and strangers, immersing us in the lives of characters who show us the best and worst of ourselves. Movies communally transport us to other worlds, extraordinary and ordinary, real and imagined. Great movies move us, enlighten us, and most importantly, entertain us. They make us laugh, cry and think.

ADVENTURES ON THE BIG SCREEN is all about great movies. Each one has been selected and will be presented by a New York Film Academy instructor. And they are all movies that anyone who wants to make movies must see!

“Adventures on the Big Screen” series will be happening every other Monday at our NYFA Los Angeles Theater at 7:00pm.

NYFA STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND! CHECK OUT THE SCHEDULE BELOW:

March 7 – Chungking Express (1994) – Directed by Wong Kar-Wai.

Even if all it had to offer were writer-director Wong Kar-Wai’s thrillingly distinctive visuals, this film would be well worth watching. But the thoughtfully drawn characters and naturalistic performances pack a potent dramatic punch. Presented by Mike Civille.

March 21 (7:30 pm) – Do the Right Thing (1989) – Directed by Spike Lee.

One of the most important films of the 1980’s, writer-director-actor Spike Lee dives head-first into a whirlwind of social issues, all set on the hottest day of the year on one racially mixed Brooklyn block. Presented by Leander Sales, who worked on the film.

April 4 – Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen.

Widely regarded as the greatest movie musical of all time, this singing, dancing masterpiece also features a smart, funny screenplay set in a Hollywood transitioning from silent films to sound. Presented by Denise Carlson.

April 18 – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – Directed by Milos Forman.

Only 3 films in history have swept all 5 major Oscar categories (Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actor, Actress), and this is one of them. Grounded by Jack Nicholson’s phenomenal performance as a mental institution rebel, it’s a movie that celebrates freedom and the human spirit. Presented by Greg Marcks.

May 2 – Some Like it Hot (1959) – Directed by Billy Wilder.

Perhaps the great American comedy, this hilarious, cross-dressing satire features incomparable writing, direction and cast – Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe. Presented by James Rowe.

NYFA South Beach Introduces The Movement Club

Founded at the New York Film Academy South Beach, The Movement Club is an outreach organization of students whose purpose is to spread light through the “healing art of acting.”

Their most recent event, Unzipped, which took place at 360 spaces in Wynwood on February 18th, 2016, was a wonderful venue to introduce both NYFA and the Movement Club to the South Beach area.

“The ability to have the freedom to execute such a brave request is proof that NYFA is building solid and sound artists that have trust and faith in their abilities and a grounded purpose beyond themselves,” said NYFA’s Susie Taylor.

After students complete a session of Taylor’s movement technique (S.M.U.R.F.) they are given the opportunity to join the Movement Club. The S.M.U.R.F. Technique stands for Story-Movement-Understanding-Rewriting and Future.

The concept is to take what they have learned about themselves and their classmates out to the community and continue to evolve as artists through our outreach work based on love and kindness towards each other.

NYFA South Beach is excited to continue this effort for its acting students to explore, develop and execute the passion of the Healing Art of Acting.

If you’re interested in the performing arts programs at the New York Film Academy South Beach, please visit miami.nyfa.edu.

NYFA Veterans Movie Night: “Everest”

It’s a Friday night, and the smell of pizza fills the corridors of the fourth floor at the New York Film Academy College of Visual & Performing Arts (NYFA) Los Angeles campus. In NYFA’s state of the art facilities, laughter is shared amongst the veteran students, as they gather to watch a screening of the movie Everest (2015), an American-British film directed by Baltasar Kormákur. “This feels like I’m back in the military,” stated Nicholas Hagen, US Navy veteran and BFA Filmmaking student, describing what it felt like to come together with fellow student veterans.

The film sets in 1996 where climbers from two commercial expeditions start their final ascent toward the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. With little warning, a violent storm strikes the mountain, engulfing the adventurers in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered by man. Challenged by the harshest conditions imaginable, the teams must endure blistering winds and freezing temperatures in an epic battle to survive against nearly impossible odds. The film was chosen as it portrays an exceptional example of survival, teamwork and selflessness, which are just some of the core ethos amongst service members.

The event was facilitated and hosted by the NYFA Veterans Services team in order boost camaraderie amongst NYFA veterans, and foster the creation of a unique bond with one another. With the veteran students being a very diverse cohort in the NYFA community, and some of them being hundreds of miles away from friends and family, the screening provided a sense of a “home away from home” and familiarity to all those veterans who attended.

-Jhonson Simeon