Page 337 – NYFA

Screenwriting Workshop in LA

On Saturday, November 16th from 9 to 12:30pm the Screenwriting Department (in L.A.) will be hosting a morning of free screenwriting workshops for any New York Film Academy student who wishes to attend. The workshop/lectures are designed to boost the story skills of students from any discipline — acting, directing, producing, etc. — and will include talks on how to build characters, story structure, log lines and pitching skills. As they say in the business, without story, you got nothing.

We are limiting the event to 50 students, so any who wish to come must RSVP soon to reserve a seat.

To RSVP, email: [email protected]

Fine Art Photographer Brian Bowen Smith Speaks to NYFA Photography Students

This Monday, the New York Film Academy‘s Photography School in Los Angeles was honored to welcome celebrity, people and fine art photographer, Brian Bowen Smith, for a guest presentation.

Brian discussed how he began in the industry, and how working with his mentor, Herb Ritts, developed his photographic style. Brian went through some of his favorite images and spoke in detail about how he directs his models, conceives his ideas and included some funny anecdotes of working with actors and models over his 15 year career.

Questions were welcomed throughout from Brian who answered openly and honestly about how tough the industry is, and advised students to never underestimate the value of assisting. He encouraged students to stick with what they are passionate about rather than follow trends and to shoot a lot!

Brian has shot for W, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Self and Interview and has published two photography books of his fine art work.

NYFA Los Angeles Photo Students Visit Leica Gallery and Store

Last week, students enjoyed a field trip to the Leica Gallery and Store near Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. Classes from the 2013 September One-Year Certificate and MFA programs and the 8-Week workshop were given the opportunity to test out coveted Leica cameras, lenses, binoculars and other accessories. Upstairs in the gallery was Elliot Erwitt’s Great Scottish Adventure exhibition and students were able to peruse a wide array of coffee table photo books. It’s a feast for the photography aficionado!

NYFA Union Square Hosts Emile Hirsch, Stephen Dorff, and Polsky Bros

On Tuesday, the New York Film Academy screened the newest film from Gabe and Alan Polsky, The Motel Life. This was The Bad Lieutenant producing brothers’ directorial debut, starring Emile Hirsch, Stephen Dorff, and Dakota Fanning. After the screening, students and alumni were treated to a panel consisting of Emile, Stephen, Gabe and Alan. Instructor Ben Cohen moderated the event, which turned out to be a full house of entertained students.

The film, which opens in theaters and On Demand this Friday, focuses on a pair of down and out brothers who must flee their hometown of Reno after a fatal hit-and-run accident. Shot on 35mm, The Motel Life brings us back to a time in cinema when filmmakers didn’t have to rely on explosions, comic book characters or exotic locations. The characters dealt with a lot of internal conflicts, though Stephen’s character was also dealing with an obvious physical dilemma. “We wanted the film to have a timeless classic feel,” said director, Gabe Polsky.

Screen Shot 2013-11-06 at 3.17.28 PM — Gabe and Alan Polsky

Emile and Stephen were quite taken with the material and signed on immediately after reading. Working with the first time directors was a very pleasant experience for both actors. “They were very smart about putting all of the elements together,” said Emile Hirsch. Emile admitted to the fact that he had actually lived in motels at the age of 12, so this was something very personal to him.

In order for Stephen to prepare for the role (his character loses his right leg), he spent time with amputees to see what it was like to live with such a disability. He told the students how moving and inspiring their stories were, and how much it helped him prepare for the part of Jerry Lee.

The acting duo were flowing with personality and humor throughout the evening, and had the entire room engaged. Each guest even spent time shaking hands and speaking privately with several students after the Q&A.

Brooklyn Girl Film Festival

Here is something for the female filmmakers at the New York Film Academy. The 3rd Annual Brooklyn Girl Film Festival, which runs from March 27-29, 2014, is now open for submissions. Brooklyn Girl Film Festival’s mission is to showcase the work of women filmmakers from around the world, and bring these artists together for networking in a fun, informative and supportive environment. In a seemingly male dominated industry, the BGFF Films are sought in which a woman plays a key role as a director, writer, or lead animator. Features, documentaries, shorts, music videos, experimental and animated works are all considered. All genres are welcome as well.

For efficiency, all submissions are accepted through Withoutabox here: http://tinyurl.com/685g46d

Official Selections will be in competition for an Audience Choice Award in two different categories, feature film and short film.

Deadlines For All Submissions:

Regular Deadline: December 7, 2013
Late Deadline: January 4, 2014
Extended Deadline: January 11, 2014

A three-day annual event that takes place in March, BGFF features screenings that include filmmaker Q&A, workshops, an opening night reception, special events and an awards ceremony. BGFF attendees include local filmmakers as well as those from around the country and the world. Programs and events are designed not only for filmmakers, but anyone interested in the moving image.

What Filmmakers Are Saying About the Brooklyn Girl Film Festival:

“Brooklyn Girl Film Festival is a fantastic festival. They communicate with and care about the filmmakers and provide a warm place to showcase work by women filmmakers. We had a wonderful time at the Festival!” – Amanda Melby – director of “Kerry and Angie”

“I was really blown away by the films that screened at Brooklyn Girl Film Festival. These are film Makers that have big careers ahead of them, many very established already and really very cool people doing very important work. April, The festival director and the festival team made the whole experience enjoyable as a filmmaker and an audience member. The talent here was pretty amazing! The Brooklyn Girl festival has the pulse of upcoming film makers from all over the world!!!” – Megan Corry, Director “The Smell of Sand”

NYFA Instagram Contest: Black and White Photography

american girl in italy — “American Girl in Italy” by Ruth Orkin

As we all know, black and white photography was at one point in time the only form of photography. Since the advent of color, we’ve seen an array of exploration into the medium. However, black and white remains a style of choice for many professional photographers. Some classic, gritty images can only be truly expressed through black and white. With that, the New York Film Academy wants to see which black and white photograph stands out in your portfolio.

To enter this week’s “Black and White” contest, follow us on Instagram and send us your best black and white photo to [email protected] by Friday 12:00pm EST.

The winner will be mailed a NYFA T-Shirt and have his or her photo posted on NYFA Instagram and Facebook!

We’d also like to congratulate last week’s winner, Stephania Sanquiz from Venezuela, who sent us this rather flexible “Halloween” photo.

Halloween phoot — photo by Stephania Sanquiz

NYFA Hosts Successful Open House in South Beach

The New York Film Academy hosted an Open House over the weekend at its new South Beach location in the Penthouse Suite of 420 Lincoln Road. The new facility, with ocean views all around, was filled to the brim with prospective students excited about studying Filmmaking, Acting, and Photography.

“It was a terrific open house,” said NYFA Senior Director, David Klein. “We had a full crowd of interested people, many of whom have already enrolled in the programs, and we are looking forward to helping all of them achieve their goals.”

NYFA’s hands-on programs in South Beach begin January 2014. If you have any questions about our new South Beach location, please email [email protected] or call 1-212-674-4300 or 1-800-611-3456.

NYFA Grad Wins at Abu Dhabi Film Festival

On Wednesday night, the Abu Dhabi Film Festival announced the winners of the Black Pearl Awards for the Emirates Film Competition and the Short Film Competition. The awards were presented in a ceremony at the Emirates Palace.

Aisha Abdulla, an Emirati New York Film Academy graduate, received her award in the Abu Dhabi Film Festival Emirates Short film competition for her short documentary film Against the Wind. The film was her final project in the 12-week evening program. Congratulations to Aisha!

Win a 4 Week Musical Theatre Scholarship to NYFA!

Do you believe you have what it takes to enter the competitive, but rewarding career of Musical Theatre? The New York Film Academy School of Musical Theatre, consisting of Broadway professional instructors, is inviting high school students from around the world to participate in a unique competition to Win a 4-Week Musical Theatre Scholarship at our Battery Park, New York City location in Summer 2014! Just like performing on the center stage, you should not be shy in this contest.

TO ENTER: Interested students must prepare a 60-90 second monologue from a published contemporary American play or screenplay and one short musical theatre song.

Participants must post their monologue and song on NYFA Musical Theatre Facebook Page by Friday, January 31st

When submitting your performance piece, please include your full name, phone number and name of the high school you are currently attending.
To be eligible, entrants are required to be 14-17 years of age as of June 29, 2014.
Must be proficient in English.
Winners Announcement: by March 3rd, 2014
Designated winners will be asked to provide proof of age before the dispensation of prizes.

Please address any questions regarding the competition to Marissa Lieberman at [email protected] or call +1 (212) 674-4300.

We look forward to viewing performances from high school talents from all around the world. Break a leg!

PLEASE NOTE: Travel and housing expenses are not included. Dorm facilities are available. Our NYC housing coordinator is available to help students find safe and convenient accommodations and flights to New York City.