Actor EdBegley Jr. visited the New York Film Academy Theater in Los Angeles to speak with students after screening a comedic acting reel spanning over 50 years in the entertainment industry. EdBegley Jr. received six Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the hit 80’s series, “St. Elsewhere.” He also starred in the HBO movie “Recount” with Tom Wilkinson and Laura Dern, as well as recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Arrested Development,” and “Boston Legal.” In features, Begley co-starred in the Woody Allen’s “Whatever Works” with Larry David, as well as the Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow film, “Pineapple Express”, “Batman Forever,” and Christopher Guest films “A Mighty Wind” and “Best In Show,” among many others. Upcoming HBO roles include the series “Family Tree” created by Christopher Guest and starring Chris O’Dowd coming this May and movie “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight” starring Christopher Plummer and Danny Glover. He is one of the Governors of the Motion Picture Academy, following in footstep of his Academy award winning father. Producer Tova Laiter and NYFA LA Dean of Students Eric Conner moderated the discussion.
“If my dad was a plumber,” said EdBegley Jr., “I’m pretty sure I’d be laying pipe right now. I just wanted to follow in his footsteps.” Well it just so happened that Begley‘s father was an Academy Award winning actor. After starting out as an actor Begley soon discovered that even if his father wanted to get him a role, he couldn’t. That’s just not how it works. But to anyone who’s seen EdBegley Jr. in movies or on TV (and it’s hard not to given his prolificness as an actor) his talent and magnetism are undeniably what have earned him success. There are two advantages, however, that he discovered came with being Hollywood royalty: 1. It gave him something to talk about with people who knew his father, and 2. People were more likely to remember his name. Begley started taking acting seriously when he landed the role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on “St. Elsewhere.” He spent an immense amount of time in hospitals and even going on fishing trips with doctors. And his hard work paid off, earning him six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role in the show.
EdBegley Jr. is just as famous for being a longstanding and tremendously passionate environmentalist as he is for being an actor. In fact, he was a environmentalist long before it was “hip” to be one. He’s been driving an electric car for decades and is even the subject a reality show, “Living With Ed,” which centers around the what some would call extreme measures he takes to protect the environment, but what he feels are absolutely necessary. Ed has stood by his beliefs even when they cost him work. “There was extensive period in the 90’s when the studios chilled me out,” says Begley, “and the only work I could get was on independent films.” People were scared of him, afraid he may try to shut down production if there weren’t recycling bins on set. On one particular production, the assistant director came to Begley in a panic because they had called everywhere in America but couldn’t find an electric car for the scene in which he drives a station wagon a mere 30 feet down a driveway. Begley told the crew member to relax, he’d have no problem driving a gas powered car for the scene. The irony is that Begley now gets many jobs BECAUSE he’s a passionate environmentalist. For instance, he played himself in a episode of “The Simpsons” in which Homer decides to be a tree-hugger.
Eric Conner, Tova Laiter and Ed Begley, Jr.
It’s clear that EdBegley Jr. absolutely loves acting. Given his stature, he has the luxury of only accepting great work and doesn’t have to audition for roles the majority of the time. However, whenever he’s asked to read for a part, he loves doing it. “I love it because while I’m in that room reading for the part I get to BE that character. If I get the role that’s just icing on the cake.” This was a point that he highly emphasized to actors in the room. You have to love acting and know 100% that it’s what you want to do. “Whenever somebody comes to me and says, ‘I’m thinking about becoming an actor’ I immediately know it’s a bad idea. But when someone comes to me and says, ‘Ed, I just got to burning desire within me to act’, then I know they’ve got a chance.” Since it seems EdBegley Jr.’s done just about everything in the acting world, is there anything he hasn’t done that he would like to do? Ed says he’d love to act on Broadway since it’s something he has hasn’t gotten around to yet.
We sincerely thank this amazing man of immense talent and noble ideals for visiting NYFA and can’t wait to see him again on the big screen, TV, and, yes, Broadway stage!
As the New York Film Academy continues to grow and expand its reach both domestically and internationally, its Los Angeles campus has made significant efforts to improve its facilities and overall academic experience.
As such, it is with great pride to announce that New York Film Academy Los Angeles’ 3300 Riverside Drive building was awarded the Gold for Best Tenant Improvement Project in the 2015 Commercial Real Estate Awards.
Situated near Warner Bros and Universal Studios, the Los Angeles campus’ four-story terraced building shines on Riverside Drive and houses studios, study rooms, library, office space, and numerous modern classrooms that provide its students with the necessary skills and mindset to be competitive in the entertainment industry.
In addition, the campus offers a research and media library, sound and video editing rooms, workstation and collaborative areas, an underground parking garage, as well as a 2,000 sf multi-purpose theater where students and special guest speakers have the opportunity to screen their latest films.
As a U.S. Accredited College, New York Film Academy Los Angeles offers MFA, BFA, and AFA degrees in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Photography, Producing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Game Design and more.
As is the core philosophy with all of its locations, the Los Angeles campus focuses on a philosophy of learning by doing. From day one, students can expect to be hands-on in front of or behind the camera, or working on software to create unique works of art.
In every course offered by our Los Angeles campus, whether it be a short term, long term or degree program, students learn from our prestigious faculty who offer their own years of experience and wisdom in the classroom as well as supervised workshops.
With more than 80 films to his credit, Director/Producer Harrison Engle came to New York Film Academy to share his vast experience with our Los Angeles campus students. Harrison has directed documentaries for nearly every broadcast and cable network. Among his many films are Benny Carter: Symphony in Riffs (A&E), The Lost Kennedy Home Movies (History Channel), They Came to Play (PBS) and Obsessed with Vertigo (AMC). He has created tributes for seven Academy Awards telecasts and is a past president of the International Documentary Association.
Harrison screened his Emmy nominated film, “The Indomitable Teddy Roosevelt,” which he directed for ABC. Recently the documentary has been re-released as a boxed set with Roosevelt memorabilia.
Harrison reminisced about studying film before there were film schools, and hiring the young Philip Glass to score his first short film. Engle’s main message to the students was “perseverance” – “Do what you love because you love it and never give up on your dreams.”
As long as there have been movies, drugs have played a part in them. In the below infographic, we look at how culture and narcotics laws have shaped portrayals of drugs in movies, but also at how film has shaped society’s behavior with drugs. The frequency in which drugs have appeared in film has risen and fallen over the years, only to explode in the past fifteen years at a time when drug use in the U.S. is on the rise as well.
In the below infographic, we take an overview of the significant moments—in film, society, and the law—and stats to gain a better understanding of just how intertwined drugs and cinema are.
This infographic originally appeared on NYFA’s Student Resources section.
It’s showcase time at New York Film Academy Australia. Both our Sydney and Gold Coast campuses, together with Acting for Film students, had been working effortlessly over the months putting together performances that showcase the students’ talents.
Gold Coast had a busy three-day showcase schedule running throughout early March, featuring 34 of the Academy’s skilled acting students. Each and every night, the Helensvale Cultural Centre was filled with friends and family who had come along to support the graduate actors’ and actresses’ live performances and showreels. The room was filled with great energy and positive vibes as all graduates pulled-off an outstanding performance.
Congratulations to the Gold Coast Acting for Film graduates:
New York Film Academy Gold Coast Students: Brandon Sherwood, Callum Whitton, Anthony Christodoulou, David Austin, Samantha Willis, Tara Wraith, Michael Stoeckert, Marie-Clare Loi Zou, Jasper Batenga, Will Wensley (instructor), Stephanie Kutty, Paris Moletti, Taryn Roberts and Christine Campbell.
Thursday 5th March Performers
Caleb Saron
Christine Campbell
David Austin
Jim Rossngton
John McMahon
Marie-Clare Lou Zou
Max Gundy
Natalie Hunt
Rebecca Lyon
Samantha Willis
Villami Kama
Zac Bankowski
Wednesday 11th March Performers
Anthony Christodoulou
Brody Arrowsmith
Callum Whitton
Georgia Pilling
Kiara Watson
Natalie Jones
Nicola Haks
Paris Moletti
Rhys Williamson
Sam Farell
Stephanie Kutty
Steve Budgen
Thursday 12th March Performers
Ashley Dunscombe
Brandon Sherwood
Clare Brimmer
Jasper Batenga
Joshua Conboy
Kerri-Anne Keenan
Laura Scott
Tara Wraith
Taryn Roberts
Zoe Bankowski
As we headed down the coast of Australia, on Friday 6th March, Sydney was preparing for an over-capacity performance at the Australian Theater for Young People, located above the Sydney Theatre Company and accompanied with the breathtaking backdrop of Walsh Bay.
Over the months leading up to the showcase, acting one-year program graduates of the night, Chantelle Von Appen, Chris Strauss, Alexander Merlo, David Pound, Nicole Torode, Rafael Haddad and Andrew Murdoch were able to experience exactly why New York Film Academy programs are defined by their intensive, hands-on reputation. Graduates’ commitment and dedication truly shined on the night, with their high caliber execution of mixed scene performances and beat poetry receiving a well-deserved standing-ovation from audience members, family, friends, NYFA staff and instructors.
With a buzz in the air, graduates continued to showcase their works to a number of agents and casting directors at the Sony Theatrette. The opportunity for students to present their showreels was nerve-wracking but again, was received positively by students, agents and casting directors, alike.
New York Film Academy Sydney Students on-stage showcasing their talents.
New York Film Academy Sydney. From left, Rafael Haddad, David Pound, Nicole Torode, Jennie Hughes (NYFA Sydney, General Manager), Alexander Merlo, Chantelle Von Appen, Chris Strauss & Andrew Murdoch.
New York Film Academy would like to thank all students, graduates and teaching staff who worked tirelessly to produce such a successful program, making it possible to accomplish these inspiring events and performances. We congratulate all students who have now joined our NYFA Alumni family and look forward to another prosperous year working with talented, upcoming actors and actresses.
After a thirteen year hiatus, Fox has officially let fans know that the popular 90s TV show, The X-Files, will be returning for a brand new season. Series creator Chris Carter says the series will pick up right where it left off with stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny all on board to reprise their roles.
The six-episode season is set to begin production this summer.
The Secret of Great Stories Workshop Featuring award-winning writer, director and producer, Paul Brown SATURDAY, APRIL 11th, 2015 at 12pm
If you’re interested in attending the workshop, email [email protected]
Instructor Paul Brown is an award-winning writer, director and producer, having worked in film and television for over twenty-five years. He has produced over one-hundred television dramas, pilots, and movies, working on such series at The X-Files, Quantum Leap, The New Twilight Zone, Star Trek Voyager and Enterprise. He has received nominations for three “Emmy Awards” and three “Golden Globes” as well as winning the “Edgar Award” from the Mystery Writers of America for Best TV Drama. He has also received the “Genesis Animal Rights Award.”
He co-created Disney’s world-wide smash hit Camp Rock. Most recently, he directed and co-wrote the dramatic feature film Heaven’s Rain in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest.
As a teacher for the New York Film Academy, he also gives lectures on writing, acting, and filmmaking throughout the year in Latin America, Europe, and Russia.
There is little doubt that the television landscape drastically changed this past season due to a vast increase in non-Caucasian actor-led shows such as How To Get Away With Murder, Black-ish, Fresh Off The Boat, Jane The Virgin, and Empire, all of which have done well to phenomenal, especially in the case of Empire, which has increased its audience every week it’s been on the air since debuting in January.
Casting agents are now seeing a sea change in the demand for non-white actors, which is a complete 180 degree turn from past seasons when talent agents would call up casting directors to ask them to consider using a non-white actor for a role, only to be rejected.
However, rather than letting the diversification of television play out in an organic, color-blind fashion, many shows have been specifically designating roles as non-white, leading one talent agent to speculate that nearly 50% of the roles in pilots now need to be racially diverse. This has led some to decry the new measures as catering more to quotas than casting the actors that deserve the part the most.
This change has been most evident in the broadcast drama pilot department as more pilots than ever before have leads that have been written for African-American actors. Meanwhile in the sitcom world, following last year’s breakout success of Black-ish, ABC has two black family pilots in the worlds, including Delores & Jermaine and Uncle Buck, a television adaptation of the 80s comedy feature hit that starred John Candy, with Mike Epps taking over the titular role.
While this certainly a reversal of fortunes for many young actors fresh out of acting school and part of a trend students at NYFA have certainly been witness to—NBC recently visited the Academy’s Union Square to promote its efforts to hire more diverse talent—some are worried that if many of these shows fail to perform next season, the pendulum of diversity on screen might swing back to a landscape where non-white actors once again will face enormous difficulty in landing television roles.
Fresh off his Oscar win for his incredible performance in Whiplash, J.K. Simmons is filling his dance card with an upcoming slate of high-profile movies. He’s already signed on for Skull Island, the epic sequel to Peter Jackson’s King Kong starring The Avengers’Tom Hiddleston and Birdman’s Michael Keaton, set for release in 2017.
This week, Simmons added another role, that of a Navy SEAL commanding officer giving his troops a hard time—a part he was seemingly born to play. The film is The Lake, a thriller about the aforementioned SEALs searching for sunken treasure in Serbia.
The Lake is being co-written and produced by prolific French filmmaker Luc Besson, director of La Femme Nikita, León, The Fifth Element and Lucy and creator of The Transporter and Taken series. Steven Quale, director of Final Destination 5 and Into the Storm and a long-time collaborator of James Cameron, will be helming The Lake. Quale is a fitting choice, considering his work with Cameron on other water-based adventures The Abyss and the 3D IMAX documentary Aliens of the Deep.
Simmons recently spoke with New York Film Academy students about his well-lauded roles in Spider-Man, Portal 2, The Legend of Korra, The Closer, and, of course, Whiplash. There’s no doubt he will bring his trademark talent and passion to The Lake.
This month, one-year students from the New York Film Academy Photography Department took to the skies for the first ever “photography expedition,” a new initiative by the Film Academy to provide its students with an international educational experience. For students of the visual arts—such as photography and filmmaking—exploring another culture is key to re-examining their perspective on the world while providing valuable new ways to inspire and shape their art-making. The program’s plan is for all students enrolled in the Photography and Documentary Filmmaking Departments, from all U.S. NYFA campuses (Los Angeles, Miami, and New York), to have the opportunity to travel to an exotic destination each year. At least six photography and documentary filmmaking expeditions per year are planned.
The venue for the Photography Program this term was the Dominican Republic, while the Documentary Department journeyed to the Central American country of Belize. Occupying the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is the second largest country, after Cuba, in the West Indies.
Upon landing in Samana and traveling to the small town of Las Terrenas, student April Vidal stated, “I’m so excited,” and she, like all of the students, remained excited for the rest of the trip.
NYFA student Mathew Williams reported, “We have been experiencing Dominican culture: the music, the food, the environment, the weather …that’s been really great!”
Las Terrenas and its surroundings offer a wide variety of visual subject matter for students to photograph. While there, the assignment was to tell a visual story about the country. Students created a varied and large selection of works– everything from social documentary, to landscape, to portraits, to abstracts of the colors in Las Terrenas.
“This trip is an amazing opportunity for students to put into practice everything they have learned in our program so far; to do so in a live shoot environment couldn’t be more exciting or challenging,” said NYFA Photography Co-Chair David Mager.
“The best part of this trip was the freedom to go out and shoot whatever we wanted to shoot… it’s so beautiful. Everyday when I wake up I feel like I am getting closer to my dreams, because this is what I want to do for my career. I want to be a photo journalist, so being out here, meeting all these people, learning about the culture is so inspiring for me,” said Courtnie Keith, a one-year student at NYFA.
“This was an invaluable experience. I think I fell in love with photography a little more each day,” exclaimed Alexandra Schaede, a student from NYFA’s New York City campus.
The College’s faculty is in the process of scouting locations for future programs. Locations under discussion include Cuba, Honduras and Costa Rica.
The New York Film Academy is a proud member/partner of the Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad initiative.
Manage Cookie Consent
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website, you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
After a thirteen year hiatus, Fox has officially let fans know that the popular 90s TV show, The X-Files, will be 
There is little doubt that the television landscape drastically changed this past season due to a vast increase in non-Caucasian actor-led shows such as How To Get Away With Murder, Black-ish, Fresh Off The Boat, Jane The Virgin, and Empire, all of which have done well to phenomenal, especially in the case of Empire, which has increased its audience every week it’s been on the air since debuting in January.
