Page 308 – NYFA

#BlackFridayOr…

Black Friday is upon us once again. The shopping frenzy marks the unofficial start to the mad rush known as holiday shopping. Over the years, shoppers have come out in drones on a mission to strike deals on gifts for their loved ones, or even for themselves. If the past Black Fridays have taught us anything, it’s that you can expect massive chaos at shopping malls and stores near you. The crowds have become so crazed that they’re almost indistinguishable from mobs of people we’ve seen in horror films, movie premieres and even natural disasters.

We challenge you to decipher which photos are from Black Friday and which are from something completely. We’re pretty sure you’ll be stumped.

10)

Answers:

From a film called Age of Panic
Black Friday
Lord of the Rings premiere
Black Friday
Scene from World War Z
Oktoberfest
Black Friday
Black Friday
Twilight premiere
Trick question! A Black Friday scene from the movie Jingle All the Way

How did you score? Share your results on twitter with #BlackFridayor

Holiday Travel Nightmares

With many of our students coming from all parts of the country and locations around the world, it’s likely that travel will be in the forecast this upcoming Thanksgiving and holiday season. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving has given travelers a number of nightmare tales, whether it be on a plane, train or stuck in traffic on an automobile, it’s never a fun time.

Hollywood has even made movies about the dreaded commute. Take John Hughes’ classic film Planes, Trains & Automobiles, starring John Candy and Steve Martin. If you haven’t seen the film, you might want to download it and give it a watch during your travels. In the film, Steve Martin is simply trying to return home to his family on Thanksgiving. Once he encounters the likes of John Candy aboard his flight home, the ordinary commute escalates into the journey from Hell.

Since this classic film, Hollywood has had similar incarnations of the “nightmare travel” formula. Here are some examples of films that followed.

Tommy Boy

A perfect pairing of two contrasting SNL alums, Chris Farley and David Spade go on a road trip to try and save their business from being bought by Zalinksi (Dan Aykroyd).

Beavis and Butthead Do America

The popular MTV show that captured two dim-witted American teens from the 90’s, put the duo on a trip to find their stolen TV.

Due Date

Combining acclaimed actor Robert Downey Jr. with the zany comedic talents of Zach Galifianakis could only lead to one thing: disaster.

Do you have a nightmare travel story that tops these? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments below or on twitter, instagram and facebook with #travelnightmares.

Robert Thorpe Wins Audience Choice Award for Best Director

As a proud supporter of the GI Bill, the New York Film Academy was the perfect fit for military veteran and former student, Robert Thorpe. Robert came out of the military at the age of 38, and was looking to get immediate experience on set. “I wanted hands-on,” said Thorpe. “Get in, get dirty and make films.”

While attending NYFA for a BFA in Filmmaking, Robert focused on his thesis film, The Birthing Field. “I knew a lot coming in to NYFA, having studied film privately, but I still needed to gain a better understanding of why I choose specific shots, or why I cut here or there. In essence, NYFA taught me how to use the camera as an extension of the story and not merely just to shoot some cool stuff.”

Already an Audience Choice Award Winner for Best Director at the International Film Festival of Cinematic Arts Los Angeles, The Birthing Field is a dramatic horror about a young couple, Matt and Angie, who leave Boston to start a new life in San Diego. On their way while in Arizona, they are abducted and forced into the world of human trafficking where they must reproduce children for the black market.

While sitting at his desk one day, he noticed an image of a malnourished boy standing in front of a glass door with the yellow brilliance of the sun blowing out the background outside. The tones were so warm and inviting to the point that he began writing a story around the imagery. This story eventually evolved into The Birthing Field.

Robert created the film with the initial focus on creating awareness and as a tool for raising funds for a feature version, which he is currently writing the screenplay for. He started working on the film in the fall of 2012 and soon realized his love for the world he created. Over the next year, he wrote several drafts of the script as well as a first draft for the feature. “I learned about my characters and they told me what they do,” said Robert. “I just had to put it on paper for everyone else to see. I rarely start writing the first draft with a whole story in mind — I am a visual person.

Robert plans on shooting another short, a Sci-Fi horror called Alien Desert, before tackling the feature version of the The Birthing Field.

Celebrity Photographer and WireImage.com Co-Founder Jeff Vespa Visits NYFA

The New York Film Academy Los Angeles was honored to welcome celebrity photographer and co-founder of WireImage.com, Jeff Vespa, for a viewing of his work and Q&A. Mr. Vespa has recently released his first coffee table book, The Art of Discovery (Rizzoli Publications). It’s a book of 100 portraits of celebrities along with quotes about an important moment of discovery in their lives. The event was moderated by producer Tova Laiter and NYFA photography instructor Astor Morgan.

Jeff Vespa is most widely known as co-founder of the photo agency website WireImage.com, which was sold to Getty Images for $207 million. He is the official photographer of the Sundance Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. Jeff joined forces with Paris Hilton to create the NY Times Bestselling books Confessions of an Heiress: A Tongue-in-Chic Peek Behind the Pose in 2004 and its sequel in 2005. Vespa was the Editor-at-Large of the LIFE.com before launching Verge (www.verge.is), a web magazine dedicated to discovering new talent.

While showcasing his recently published book, which included portraits of celebrities such as Seth Rogan, Nicole Kidman, and George Clooney to name just a few, Jeff discussed the transition of his career path from producer to full-time photographer and how he initiated the WireImage company which later sold to Getty Images. Early on, Jeff attended graduate school for producing and began working at a film studio. He realized, however, that his true passion was away from a desk and working in a much more immediately creative capacity. At the time photography was just a hobby, but he tinkered with the idea of getting paid to take pictures and started snatching up whatever small gigs he could get. His employers saw Jeff’s obvious talent in capturing a moment on film and his opportunities became larger and larger until he soon became the go-to guy for the world’s largest film festivals.

Mr. Vespa’s advice focused mainly on taking your destiny into your own hands — no matter what career path you are on. Whether it was becoming the official photographer for the Sundance Film Festival, co-founding WireImages.com, or being one of the prolific and respected celebrity photographers in the world, Jeff has achieved everything because he decided to make it happen and never gave up. Jeff’s entrepreneurial achievements are as impressive as his photographic artistry. He’s the type of person who just makes things happen and refuses to be a victim of bad luck or difficult circumstance. Jeff’s empowered spirit is truly infectious.

Jeff also generously shared details about his lighting technique and directing his subjects. Students were eager to hear stories about how he got the shots that have made him a successful photographer. He encouraged students to stick with what they are passionate about rather than following trends and to keep shooting — a lot!

Texas Photographic Society Call for Entries

The New York Film Academy came across another terrific opportunity for our photography students. The Texas Photographic Society, a non-profit organization that celebrates the photographic arts, inspires the creative development of its members, and provides opportunities to engage with diverse audiences, has announced their latest Call For Entries through their Alternative Processes Competition.

TPS is currently looking for imagery derived from alternative photographic processes and historical printing methods including but not limited to: Albumen, Anthotype, Argyrotype, Athenatype, Bayard Direct Positive, Calotype, Carbon, Casein, Chrysotype, Cyanotype, Dusting-On Process, Gum Bichromate, Gumoil, Herschel’s Breath Printing, Inkjet Photopolymer Gravure, Ivorytype, Kallitype, Mordancage, Platinum/Palladium, POP, Solarplate Intaglio, Van Dyke Brown, Wet Plate Collodion, Whey Process, Ziatype and all photographic image making techniques that incorporate the integration of traditional mediums such as printmaking, ceramics and painting. Conventional, unmodified digital inkjet prints are not acceptable for entry.

The exhibition is open-themed, and submissions from artists of all levels are encouraged now through January 19. 2015. The entries will be judged by Christopher James, an artist, photographer, professor and renowned author of The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes.

Artists are invited to submit 5 images for $30, or up to 10 images for $6 each. The show offers cash awards, up to $500. You do not have to be a member of TPS to enter. However, you may join TPS at the time of entry.

If you have images that you feel can win this event, please visit their website for submission details. If you have direct questions regarding the competition, you may contact TPS President Amy Holmes George at [email protected].

Producing an Award-Winning Film on a Budget

One of the more celebrated thesis films from the New York Film Academy was Andrey Trevgoda‘s, The Bicycle. The short film, which was beautifully shot, screened at a number of film festivals around the world and won Best Narrative Short Film at the Beijing Student Film Festival.

The story is a satirical adventure of a rusted old bicycle, neglected on the dark staircase by its owner, which becomes stolen by a petty young thief only to set off a series of unfortunate incidents as the bicycle passes from one eager hand to another, raising hopes and thwarting dreams of its fleeting new owners.

In The Bicycle, Andrey set out to create a visually compelling story with a unique look and style. During production, Andrey faced many adversities due to the weather conditions, small budget, and scheduling issues with his crew. Despite the challenges, Andrey and his producer, along with help from NYFA’s equipment room heads, were able to finish what became an award-winning student film.

“Andrey approaches cinema with a singular passion and persistence in pursuit of perfection,” said NYFA Directing Instructor Paul Warner. “His unconventional approach to visual storytelling as well as production methods has often yielded compelling outcomes, as in the case of The Bicycle.”

From a young age, Andrey had a passion for drawing and shooting videos with his friends. After getting his degree in visual communication in Moscow, he moved to New York to study filmmaking at NYFA’s 2 year conservatory program in New York City.

“By the end of my second year, things became a little more clear to me,” said Andrey. “I knew exactly what I wanted to do and how I was going to approach it in terms of film language.”

Since graduating from NYFA, Andrey has been working as a freelance director and cinematographer. Thus far, he’s worked on music videos for such artists as Jordan Laz, Locksley, Detsl aka LeTruk.

To get a glimpse of Andrey’s work, have a look at his trailer for The Bicycle!

Broadcast Journalism Students Go Behind-the-Scenes of “Rachael”

Part of what makes the New York Film Academy’s Broadcast Journalism program special is the access students have to New York City-based productions. Recently our students got a behind-the-scenes look at how the hit talk show Rachael is produced. The two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning show, hosted by Rachael Ray, tapes at the Chelsea Television Studios in Manhattan.

Our Broadcast Journalism students were there for the production of the 1500th episode in the Rachael series! They had a chance to watch the production of a “live” program from the vantage point of the control room, as well as spend time “on the set.”

After watching a live taping, our students came away with was an appreciation of the complexity of the production process, along with the essential role of collaboration. Media production is a “team sport.” (Sorry, can’t tell you what happened… we’re sworn to secrecy.)

behind Rachael — Behind-the-scenes of “Rachael”

Filmmaker Rowan Joffe Screens His New Thriller Starring Nicole Kidman & Colin Firth

Award-winning writer/director Rowan Joffe visited New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles branch to screen thriller Before I Go To Sleep, which he adapted for the screen from a S.J. Watson novel, before participating in a Q&A with students. Producer Tova Laiter moderated the event.

Rowan Joffe is known as a writer for his box office success, The American, starring George Clooney, and for the acclaimed sequel, 28 Weeks Later. His directing debut for the BBC was Secret Life in 2007, and in 2009 he directed The Shooting of Thomas Hurndall, which won him the Best Single Drama at the BAFTA TV Awards. In 2011 he directed his own adaptation of Graham Greene’s classic novel, Brighton Rock, for Optimum Films.

Rowan stressed to students the importance of making content that is personal to them and that they care about, or “writing what you know.” This is the only way that a filmmaker’s work will hold real meaning. When adapting screenplays from novels, which Rowan has had extensive experience with, he focuses on the story thread that he identifies with the most. In Before I Go To Sleep it was Nicole Kidman’s mother / son relationship that was central to his life. By doing this, Rowan can remain true to himself and the source material. The flip-side to “writing what you know” is to be careful to not literally tell your life story. This will most likely be interesting only to you.

His expansion into directing has allowed Rowan Joffe to enjoy more control over his stories. For him, directing is not about ego or power but just having a greater ability to ensure that the story he feels is right will be translated to screen. He acknowledges that the actors are a large part of this process. Although, going into the direction of a scene, Rowan will have a detailed plan of how to stage and shoot it — he knows it is his responsibility to remain open to what the actors offer on set, be willing to acknowledge a better idea, and adapt at a moments notice.

The depth of filmmaking knowledge that Rowan offered students through is advice was very beneficial. It was clear that we were in the presence of a master of his craft that continues to work hard at sharpening his skills on a daily basis. We thank Rowan Joffe for enlightening and entertaining us with his storytelling gifts.

Watch NYFA Documentary Instructor’s Award-Winning ‘Baja Secret Miracle’

Once again, we’d like to point out a member of our esteemed faculty, Documentary Instructor Eliana Alvarez Martinez, whose film won the Viewster Audience Award and $20,000 for Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. Among the festival rounds were the BLUE Ocean Film Festival and Conservation Summit, where it received two honorable mentions and won the Best Foreign Film award. The BLUE Ocean Film Festival is considered to be the most renowned ocean conservancy festival in the world. Every year ocean leaders, filmmakers, photographers, scientists, explorers, entertainment executives – and the general public – gather between Monte Carlo, Monaco and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Florida to honor the best in ocean filmmaking, to learn more about the issues facing our oceans, and to open discussions for possible collaboration on improving the future of our oceans and humanity.

The entire project began when, earlier last year, Eliana wrote a message to her favorite ocean photographer, Octavio Aburto, never expecting to receive a response. “A few days later, we had a Skype conversation and he invited me to join him to attend one of his expeditions,” recalled Eliana. “For things out of our control, I ended traveling alone with a group of scientists and made a 12-minute film of my visit to the area.” Thus, the birth of her award-winning film.

Baja’s Secret Miracle tells the story of Mario Castro, a fisherman that decided to change the destiny of his community. The film takes us in a journey of decades, to understand how the town of Cabo Pulmo, Mexico created the world’s most robust marine reserve.”

Never before has ocean filmmaking been at its greatest, in a time of climate change, our oceans have undergone massive environmental damage, and our students in the one-year intensive documentary program have shown to be more and more interested in covering topics about the oceans & the environment.

For the next 6 days, the film can be seen at the VIEWSTER Film Festival (#VOFF4) and after that it will go private again to keep continue the rounds at film festivals across the world.