This week at the Los Angeles Campus of the New York Film Academy College of Visual & Performing Arts (NYFA), students in the photography program and beyond, were treated to a day of instructive activities by the internationally renowned photographer, Mr. Ralph Gibson, who is the Chair of NYFA Department of Contemporary Photography.
All of the students in the MFA and BFA photography program had one-on-one critiques of their work with the Master, in which they each presented three of their images for discussion. The portfolio reviews continued in the afternoon when all long-term photography students had the great occasion to have their independent photography portfolios reviewed by Mr. Gibson.
Mr. Gibson believes that if one can adeptly learn to photograph the human form, and architecture, then all other forms of imagery comes easily to the artist. The celebrated photographer imparted more than five decades of wisdom to the students who were raptured by the Master’s iconic sense of the visual identity and his personally connected overview of the many styles of photography and the art of storytelling through still images.
NYFA’s military veteran students enjoyed an informal gathering with Mr. Gibson—the Navy man—who first learned his technical darkroom skills in the hull of a ship as a 17-year-old enlistee. He emphasized that veterans with dreams of being visual or performing artists had a mindset that was necessary for the hard work it would take to become a success in their chosen fields.
In the evening more than 70 guests greatly enjoyed a TEDx Talk style lecture and visual presentation by Mr. Gibson titled, “Finding a Visual Identity in the Digital Age,” in which he provided his perspective of how today’s technology has impacted all visual art mediums, especially photography. He provided a dramatic overview of American photography in the 20th and 21st centuries, which was interwoven with the exploration of his own life and art.
Michele Kirk, NYFA LA Chair of Photography, stated, “simply meeting a living legend of photography is an amazing opportunity for a young photographer, yet alone having one’s work critiqued by Ralph—an American leader in the field—is simply priceless!”
The New York Film Academy’s Industry Lab serves as a professional starting point for its student members, providing real world experience while preparing them for life after graduation.
Industry Lab members, Maram Al Jaoser, a recent graduate from New York Film Academy’s Masters in Cinematography program, Yiqing Yong, an international student from China, current filmmaking student, Ana Reinhard, and alumna from the Master’s in Filmmaking program, Allyson Manno, had the opportunity to interview international artists and attend music workshops at the Goethe-Institut L.A., the Ace Hotel, Bold Space DTLA, and the Standard Downtown during the two-day event From Berlin to LA.
The theme of this event is bringing these artists together to discuss their connection and influence that both Los Angeles and Berlin have on the artists and the electronic dance music scene.
Topics and panels included: digital production, synthesizer customization, digital vocal production, and treatment. The panels featured music industry leaders such as: Native Instruments, Amoeba Records, and Discogs, along with XLR8R and she.said.so hosted a special panel at Bold Space DTLA to discuss with the artists the influences of each city on their sound and the cultural lifestyles.
Zernell spins underground parties and clubs around Los Angeles and runs the internationally acclaimed Grimy Edits label.
The event also hosted an all-day digital production workshop for teens and young adults who learned from current professionals in the industry about the electronic dance music culture.
Friday night, there was projection of Walther Ruttmann 1927 city symphony film Berlin: Die Sinfonie der Grosstadt (Berlin: Symphony of a Great City) with live improvisation by Lucky Paul & Friends at the Goethe-Institut auditorium.
Carlos Oblivion & Black Replica watching as 19th Moon DJs
Concerts, after shows, and club nights featuring DJ sets by Anna Cavazos, Katie Otro, Mor Elian, Perera Elsewhere, Masha and Dersu featuring 19th Moon live vox.
From Berlin to LA brought in artists such as Anna Cavazos (NYC/L.A./Berlin), Carlos Oblivion & Black Replica (Detroit/Berlin/L.A.), Dersu (Berlin/L.A., Vice), Katie Otro (L.A./Berlin/Ibiza), Lucky Paul (Auckland/Berlin/L.A.). Masha (L.A., Dig Deeper), Mor Elian (Tel Aviv/L.A./Berlin, Prime Numbers), Perera Elsewhere (London/Berlin, L.A. label FoF), Robot Koch (Berlin/L.A., Monkeytown), Simonne Jones (L.A./Berlin), Zernell & Son (L.A., Grimy), and 19th Moon (Berlin/L.A.).
Following his graduation from New York Film Academy’s One-Year Acting for Film Conservatory, Mickael Zieben began his acting and music producing career in Paris, France, even starting his own record label Live it Soul Records.
Most recently, Zieben produced a new song and visual entitled Love You Like This, which is a brand new single from Ambition The Kid, a rising star from Pennsylvania.
Zieben says he decided to pursue music video production because it incorporates my two of his main passions in life: music and visuals. Have a look at his work below:
“I would definitely say that my NYFA education was useful in terms of producing video content in general,” said Zieben. “Since my time at NYFA, my vision of the film industry and artistic acknowledgement have improved in many ways. Consequently, my self confidence truly got boosted, making me aspire for music video producing.”
Zieben aims to gain even more credibility in the music industry by working with many more talented artists.
At this time, Zieben is working on a beautiful acoustic wedding record entitled I Do.
“In everyday life, I like to face new intellectual challenges—to outdo myself,” added Zieben. That literally is a way to grow as a person.”
On February 17, the fashion and celebrity photographer, and NYFA Alumnus, Carter Smith, provided the New York Film Academy Photography Department’s latest guest lecture at NYFA’s New York Campus at 17 Battery Place.
Carter is an award-winning film director and fashion photographer who has been working in the industry for over 15 years. His fashion images have appeared in magazines all over the world, including Vogue, GQ, Elle, W, i-D, Allure, Visionaire and The New York Times Magazine. He has worked with commercial clients such as Vera Wang, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, Lancôme, DKNY, Lacoste, Banana Republic, and Hermes – often shooting both stills and directing commercials.
Smith’s first short film “BUGCRUSH,” adapted from a short story by Scott Treleaven, won the Grand Jury Prize in Short Filmmaking at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. In 2008, “BUGCRUSH” caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, who handpicked Smith to direct the feature film “The Ruins” for DreamWorks Entertainment. In addition to the film’s commercial success, “The Ruins” received critical acclaim and was chosen as one of Stephen King’s top ten movies of the year.
Carter walked NYFA photography students through his childhood in Maine and his early interest in fashion and photography. He spoke passionately about his early career decisions, including his reasons for choosing attending NYFA over New York University and the Fashion Institute of Technology, so that he could obtain a hands-on education. He talked about the importance of learning how to instantly build a rapport with your subjects, and the need to network all the time and maintain those relationships. Students walked away with a great message from Carter; never stop working, testing, and exploring your own vision. “Show the work you love to create, and it will find a niche,” Carter told the NYFA students.
The New York Film Academy College of Visual & Performing Arts (NYFA) had the great privilege of collaborating with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and their Veterans Writing Project to support a number of veteran students in the NYFA filmmaking and screenwriting programs.
Daniel Smith (US Army, NYFA MFA Screenwriting Alumnus, standing far right) and David Dasilma (US Army, NYFA MFA Acting Alumnus, kneeling front left) among other participants in the WGA Veterans Writing Project
The WGA’s Veterans Writing Project held a two-day retreat loaded with opportunities to bend the ears of professionals in the screenwriting industry. On a fall weekend, the WGA welcomed 64 veterans from across all branches of the military. Veterans traveled from states as far as Florida for the chance to learn and write with seasoned TV and film writers. Through their willingness to give back to veterans, individual veterans were assigned WGA member mentors who were very forthcoming with their experience and knowledge in the craft of writing. Veterans were able to workshop ideas and engage in writing exercises that were key lessons in getting ideas on the page.
Mentors (far left) Michael Jann (THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON) and (far right) Saul Turteltaub (THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW) flank participant Michael Williams. Photo Credit: Glen Golightly
Along with sessions focusing on the craft of screenwriting, the weekend also included a powerful full-cast table reading of Ken LaZebnik’s screenplay, Sterling. On Sunday, WGF President and program mentor Larry Andries moderated an industry panel, which included executive producer Brannon Braga, Gersh Agency agent Eric Garfinkel, producer Brad Kervoy and Disney Channel development executive Sheila Walcott.
The weekend retreat was only the beginning of the yearlong program that includes a 10-week session of intensive workshops. With the minds of accomplished writers, attendees benefited from a knowledge base that comes from those who have succeeded in the business. It was a wealth of information for the NYFA students and all the veterans that attended.
In the tradition of working with experienced and currently active film professionals, the New York Film Academy Los Angeles is delighted to announce that veteran actor, director, producer, writer, and humanitarian, Bill Duke, has joined its esteemed faculty.
Duke excels in front of and behind the camera. His acting and directing credits are extensive and include work on such ground-breaking television series as Falcon Crest, Fame, Hill Street Blues, Knotts Landing, Dallas, and New York Undercover. His feature credits include Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Get Rich or Die Trying, Deep Cover, Hoodlum, Predator, Menace II Society and Not Easily Broken, among others. He has recently completed production on Blexicans, a new television pilot that takes a comedic look at a mixed race family. His documentaries, Dark Girls and Light Girls, both NAACP Image Award nominees, aired on OWN, and were two of the most successful documentaries on the network.
Bill Duke’s invaluable contributions to the industry have been recognized by his peers in the entertainment community. Duke was appointed by former President Bill Clinton to the National Endowment of Humanities, and was appointed to the Board of the California State Film Commission by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also has been honored by the Directors Guild of America with a Lifetime Achievement Tribute.
Bill’s humanitarian achievements are equally significant. He devotes his time to charities and not for profit organizations that enhance our human experience. He is on the Board of Directors of Educating Young Minds, and recently established the Duke Media Foundation, which has joined forces with the New York Film Academy to teach media arts and financial literacy to underserved youth.
Please join us in welcoming Bill Duke to the NYFA family!
Last week WNBC-TV reporter/anchor Lynda Baquero visited NYFA to meet with the Broadcast Journalism students. An award-winning journalist, born and raised in New York, she shared her insights into what it takes to first get a job, then succeed in what is an always competitive job market. She also discussed the profound impact news stories can have. One example was an elderly women who desperately needed a portable oxygen tank, yet was denied coverage by her health insurance company. Lynda’s story about her changed everything…
WNBC-TV reporter/anchor Lynda Baquero visited NYFA to meet with the Broadcast Journalism students
The upcoming U.S. Presidential race has dominated the news here in the United States for months. (And it will continue to do so until November…)
One of the most famous books about how the media covers Presidential politics was called The Boys on the Bus. The boys in question were network news reporters, and the bus was the press bus that accompanied major candidates in 1972 as they campaigned. Elle magazine has a wonderful story about how things have changed. It’s called The Girls on the Bus, and it features the women NBC News has assigned to the current Presidential election. (Very cool .gif in the online version of the story.)
And, speaking of Presidential campaign coverage, what do you do if you are a major media organization and your owner is considering running for Presidents? That’s the problem facing Bloomberg LP, one of the most powerful financial news and data providers in the world. How do you cover the possible U.S. Presidential run of founder, owner and self-made billionaire Michael Bloomberg? “Carefully,” I guess. When the time came for Michael Bloomberg to “leak” that he was considering entering the Presidential race, he gave the information to a rival financial news service.
One of the things that NYFA editing instructor Ed Parada is a master of (dare I say “Jedi?) are “work arounds” that allow you to take uncooperative technology and get it to do what you want it to. Last week I came upon an online article about how to use vertical cell phone images for horizontally oriented HD video projects. The article is pretty good. But Ed has been teaching NYFA students how to do this for years! (BTW, the same technique works with old 4×3 TV images and still photos as well.)
NYFA colleague Zack Baddorf passed along a fascinating posting from Medium about the quality of multimedia stories. The author, as a judge for a recent competition, watched 78 stories and not a single one was terrible. That, he writes, is an improvement over the past. He then goes on to list a series of on-target suggestions that every producer should memorize immediately. It’s a perceptive, and useful, posting.
NYFA Broadcast Journalism grad Beytullah “Beyt” Bayer
So NYFA Broadcast Journalism grad Beytullah “Beyt” Bayer looks pretty relaxed in one of TRT’s HD production studios in Ankara. He’s getting set for his daily sports broadcast. (Is that a custom made outfit, Beyt?) The channel streams online, so I actually got to see his show recently. And to think, he used to appear on our own NYFA News program…
As a college that prides itself on the motto of “learning by doing,” the New York Film Academy frequently hosts a Guest Speaker Series, which provides students and alumni an opportunity to learn from those who are truly out there doing well at the top echelons of the industry.
Over the years the Academy has welcomed elites in all aspects of entertainment, including Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino, Ron Howard, Glenn Close and many more.
Over the past few months we’ve had the opportunity to moderate and host some really incredible screenings and Q&A’s with well-known actors, producers, animators, directors, agents and more.
Below is a sample of some of those Guest Speakers:
SACHA BARON COHEN Known for his groundbreaking and original comedic characters from Da Ali G Show, Sacha Baron Cohen and the team at Sony Pictures invited the New York Film Academy to an exclusive screening of his new film The Brothers Grimsby. Following the film, NYFA Instructor Ben Cohen was able to pick his comedic brain in order to find out just what’s going in his outrageous head.
Despite all the antics and shocking comedy bits, Cohen admitted, “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.”
JONATHAN GROFF Playing the role of Holden Ford in Netflix’s Mindhunter, Groff has appeared as King George III in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, in the Broadway revival of rock musical Spring Awakening, the critically acclaimed revival of Hair, as well as two Craig Lucas plays, Prayer for My Enemy and The Singing Forest.
It goes without saying that the New York Film Academy Musical Theatre students were thrilled when Groff held a Master Class during one of their sessions. As some students may tell you, at NYFA, you never know who will show up during class.
Groff coached six Musical Theatre students, working with each of them to find a different and more personal approach to each of their songs.”I was so thrilled to find that the students at NYFA are as fearless as they are talented,” said Groff. “It was an honor and inspiration to work with them.”
JACK RAPKE As a man who worked his way up from the mailroom at William Morris Agency, Rapke is now partners with Robert Zemeckis at the incredibly successful production company ImageMovers.
After a screening of his film The Walk, Rapke enlightened students on the hard truths of his incredibly competitive business. He recalled his own crossroads as an aspiring producer, saying, “Look, there was always only two paths for me. I was either going to be accepted into this industry whatever form that took by the powers that be, and I still don’t know who those powers are, or they were going to have to kill me. It was binary. There was never any other choice.”
Rapke is now serving as Executive Producer on the upcoming “Untitled Steven Knight WW2 Project” starring Brad Pitt, to be directed by Zemeckis for Paramount Pictures.
LENNY ABRAHAMSON With Oscar season in the heat of things, NYFA Los Angeles welcomed Academy Award nominated Director Lenny Abrahamson after a screening of his Academy Award nominated film, Room.
The focus of Abrahamson’s Q&A revolved around the advice of networking. He stressed the absolute importance of students working with one another both inside and outside of the classroom, citing his own connections to Room‘s producer, composer and writer—which were vital in getting the film made.
The New York Film Academy 3D Animation School had the rare opportunity to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Zootopia, with Darrin Butters, who has been an animator for all of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ top hits including Big Hero 6, Frozen and Tangled.
Butters discussed the extensive research that went into the development of the characters, highlighting how perfecting the motion of each animal was the main focus of Butters’ and his team’s focus before beginning to animate the production.
“We’re not shooting for realism, but it has to be believable,” he added.
Butters advice to our young crop of talented animators was to “show your work early and show often. You want that collaboration.”
BOB DOTSON With over 1,500 news stories under his belt as a correspondent for NBC’s Today Show, Dotson provided unparalleled advice and inspiration to the New York Film Academy Broadcast Journalism students.
The eight-time Emmy Award-winner and New York Times best-selling author said, “I try to do stories about seemingly ordinary people, who do something extraordinary. The people who are just quietly working behind the celebrity mirror.”
Dotson added, “It’s how you structure your story that’s important,” stressed Dotson. “Whether you know how to write very well or even if you’re still struggling with the visuals or the technical things. And it doesn’t make any difference if it’s going to be a tweet.”
For more information on upcoming Guest Speakers, please visit the Academy’s Upcoming Events page.
New York Film Academy Los Angeles Producing Instructor Michael DeMeritt has produced, written and served as Assistant Director (DGA) on every form of production. His AD Credits include long runs in episodic television (Star Trek Voyager, Star Trek Enterprise, Close to Home, Make It or Break It), New Media (Sin City Saints) and Commercials. His Producing Writer efforts include many award winning regional and National Commercials (Life is Beautiful Campaign, Copperfit Campaign), reality series (Gen’s Guiltless Gourmet, The Real Trophy Wives), feature and short films (The Moneymaker) and New Media series (Biffle & Shooster).
Michael DeMeritt
Below is an accounting of DeMeritt’s lessons he designed for his Producing 1 course for MFA students at New York Film Academy in Los Angeles: The topic of discerning the requirements of a production by making “Critical Assumptions” based off the script and the anticipated needs of production.
To practice the craft, I had the students read the script for a short film I served as Line Producer on called “The Moneymaker.” Written by Alex Rueda and Devin Curry, and directed by Devin, the project had some unique situations including access to name cast but on a limited schedule, an ambitious stunt element for a short film, and opportunities to use some great locations under tight time restrictions. The class read the script aloud, not quite sure what to make of the tongue in cheek ode to 1980’s action films, and prepared a list of “Critical Assumptions,” preparing the students up for the time they would need to do the same for their own short films. I promised the class they would get to see the final product and discover how we dealt with our opportunities and limits before the course came to its close.
Alex Rueda
As good fortune would have it, the author and producer himself, Alex Rueda, was able to attend the Friday morning class in January of 2016. He shared stories of the difficulties of fundraising, dealing with angel investors who come with strings attached, planning on a limited budget, and the price paid and unexpected gems gleaned from having to shoot with little or no pre-production rehearsal. The Students tapped into his experience on everything from sound design to purchasing insurance for production equipment. Alex brought a high res copy of “The Moneymaker,” featuring John Delancy and Robert Piccardo, and the film would gain some recognition after winning “Best Action Short” at the L.A. Film Festival.
Michael DeMeritt
DGA 1st AD, Producer
Professor of Producing – NYFA
Our two-year accelerated MFA in Producing program is designed for students looking to develop the skills necessary to explore a career in production. Our program does a phenomenal job at breaking down the complicated tasks associated with media production and focuses on providing our students with hands-on learning opportunities.
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