Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Screenwriting

NYFA

Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Screenwriting

Learn How to Write a Screenplay at NYFA

In the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Screenwriting program at NYFA Los Angeles, aspiring storytellers build a variety of creative and technical skills, completing a series of film and television scripts and projects. Through our hands-on approach, students hone their natural storytelling abilities and develop the techniques required to create compelling story structures, characters, conflict, and dialogue within their screenplays.

As many of our students wish to pursue ambitious goals in the competitive film, television, and entertainment industries, our students also learn to confidently pitch, produce, and sell their original projects. Guided by faculty who actively work in their respective fields, screenwriting students learn how to write a screenplay, developing their best ideas and concepts into refined, polished work.

Faculty Highlights

Interview with Los Angeles Chair, Nunzio DeFilippis

Curriculum

The curriculum for the AFA in Screenwriting program includes:

Intensive classes that help students develop their writing skills across multiple media, including film, television, plays, and short films with electives in other media such as comic books and games
Skill building classes in story generation and genre studies
Business and pitching classes to prepare the students for the industry
Training and personalized guidance from experienced faculty and staff that actively work in the filmmaking, television, and entertainment industries
Access to and instruction on use of camera, sound, and lighting equipment, as well as a digital license to Final Draft screenwriting software
Exclusive guest lectures from industry leaders such as Screenwriters, Directors, Producers, and Actors

To learn more, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.

Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Screenwriting

Location	Program Start Date and End Date	Tuition
Los Angeles	September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026 January, 2026 – April, 2027 August, 2026 – December, 2027	Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee Tuition:$18,575 Per Semester Equipment & Technology Fee:$40 Per Semester Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester Program Duration: 4 Semesters

Location

Program Start Date and End Date

Tuition

Los Angeles

September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026

January, 2026 – April, 2027

August, 2026 – December, 2027

Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee

Tuition:$18,575 Per Semester

Equipment & Technology Fee:$40 Per Semester

Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester

Program Duration: 4 Semesters

Screenwriting
School Alumni

Shivani Rawat

Producer | Writer

Melissa Palazuelos

Writer

Jean De Meuron

Filmmaker | Cinematographer | Screenwriter

Featured Content

NYFA New York, Screenwriting, Faculty Interviews

NYFA New York Screenwriting Faculty: Interview with Randall Dottin

NYFA Los Angeles, Screenwriting, Faculty Interviews

NYFA Los Angeles Screenwriting Faculty: Interview with Nunzio DeFilippis

Filmmaking, NYFA Los Angeles, Screenwriting, Alum Highlights, NYFA Featured Guest Speakers, Student & Alumni Spotlights, Headlines

NYFA WELCOMES SCREENWRITING ALUM AND MARVEL STUDIOS DIRECTOR MOHAMED DIAB TO LOS ANGELES FOR Q&A

Screenwriting, Headlines

NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY (NYFA) WELCOMES SCRIPT CONSULTANT MICHAEL SCHULMAN

Screenwriting, Academic Programs

Q&A with ‘Station Eleven’ Showrunner Patrick Sommerville

Screenwriting, Student & Alumni Spotlights

Q&A with NYFA MFA Screenwriting Alum Cesia Cano

Screenwriting, Film, Academic Programs, Student & Alumni Spotlights, Entertainment News

Filmmaking Alum Eva Gonzalez Szigriszt Attached as Writer For Facebook Watch’s “Woman in The Book” Animated Horror Series

Screenwriting, Academic Programs, Student & Alumni Spotlights

NYFA Screenwriting Alum Jon Mann on New Show “Pub Crawl” and Working in the Canadian Film Industry

Screenwriting, Academic Programs, Guest Speakers

New York Film Academy (NYFA) Welcomes ‘John Wick’ Creator Derek Kolstad

NYFA Screenwriting

News & Highlights

Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.

Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Game Design

NYFA

Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Game Design

Learn How to Create a Video Game at NYFA

In NYFA’s Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Game Design, offered at our NYFA Los Angeles campus, our diverse students explore the craft of games, building fundamental skills in game design, game analysis, programming, and story.

During the AFA, students form digital game studios with classmates, gaining real world experience and training in agile development methodology and professional tools. Throughout NYFA’s Game Studio course, which includes mentorship from faculty and advisors, students create a functioning digital game per semester.

NYFA Student Game Design Highlight Reel thumb

Faculty Highlights

Interview with Los Angeles Chair, Brandii Grace

Game Design
School Alumni

Alexandra LoRusso

3D Animation & VFX Artist

Francesco Panzieri

Visual Effects Artist

Anthony Travieso

3D Animator & VFX Artist

Curriculum

In the AFA program, students learn fundamental game design skills through a strict regimen of lectures and projects. By the conclusion of the program, students have a variety of game content, including digital art, level designs, narrative story designs, character designs, and of course, gameplay. The curriculum also includes:

The framework to create a project per semester
Instruction and mentorship from our experienced faculty of professional Game Designers
Access to industry-standard equipment and software
The ability to attend exclusive guest speaker events with industry experts such as Game Designers, Filmmakers, 3D Animators, and and more

To get more information about the AFA program, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalogs or request more info.

Tuition

Dates

2-Year Filmmaking Program

NYFA

2-Year Filmmaking Program

Learn How To Make Films and New Media

During the 2-Year Filmmaking program at NYFA’s Film School, aspiring filmmakers immerse themselves in the art of cinematic storytelling. Similar to our one-year program, this full-time conservatory-style filmmaking program provides extensive mentorship and training, and students gain ample hands-on experience in film, media, and video production.

Throughout their 2 years with NYFA, students direct, write, shoot, produce, and edit several of their own films, while working in various roles in their classmates’ films, rounding out their creative and technical training. Students also explore creative content development that may include web series, podcasts, music videos, virtual reality videos, commercials, and documentaries, learning a variety of storytelling formats. Our learn-by-doing process, helps students uncover their unique creative voice and truly develop the expertise needed to be successful filmmakers and content creators. The program culminates in a final thesis film, where students can show their advanced filmmaking knowledge and techniques. Upon graduation from the 2-Year Filmmaking Program, students will earn a college credit bearing Certificate.

Faculty Highlights

Interview with New York Chair, Andrea Swift

Curriculum

The curriculum for the 2-Year Filmmaking Program at NYFA’s Film School includes:

An advanced curriculum of creative content such as Directing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking, Production Design, and more
Experienced faculty and staff who actively work in the film industry
Experience directing on set and serving in various roles in classmates’ films
Access to the latest camera, sound, and lighting equipment
The ability to attend exclusive guest lectures with film industry leaders such as directors, actors, producers, screenwriters, and more

To learn more, see NYFA’s Course Catalog.

2-Year Filmmaking Program

Location	Program Start Date and End Date	Tuition
New York City	September 2, 2025 – August 14, 2027 January, 2026 – December, 2027 August, 2026 – August, 2028	Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee Tuition:$16,804 Per Semester Equipment & Technology Fee:$1,807 Per Semester Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester Program Duration: 6 Semesters

Location

Program Start Date and End Date

Tuition

New York City

September 2, 2025 – August 14, 2027

January, 2026 – December, 2027

August, 2026 – August, 2028

Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee

Tuition:$16,804 Per Semester

Equipment & Technology Fee:$1,807 Per Semester

Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester

Program Duration: 6 Semesters

Film School
Alumni

Sara Seligman

Filmmaker

Roshni Bhatia

Director | Writer | Editor

Orso Miyakawa

Writer | Director | Composer

Filmmaking, Film, Film Festival Highlights, Student & Alumni Spotlights, Film Festivals

FESTIVAL FAVORITE ‘SHIRAMPARI’ DOCUMENTARY HEADED TO 2023 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

NYFA New York, Film, Faculty Interviews, Documentary Filmmaking

NYFA New York Filmmaking Faculty: Interview with Andrea Swift

Film

NYFA Filmmaking Faculty: Interview with Claude Kerven

Filmmaking, Alum Highlights, Film, Academic Programs, Student & Alumni Spotlights, Community Highlights

A Conversation with 1-Year Filmmaking Conservatory Alum & Director Florian Gunzenhauser

NYFA New York, Film, Faculty Interviews

NYFA New York Filmmaking Faculty: Interview with Jonathan Whittaker

NYFA Los Angeles, Film, Faculty Interviews

NYFA Los Angeles Filmmaking Faculty: Interview with Ed Timpe

NYFA Miami, Film, Faculty Interviews, South Beach

NYFA Miami Filmmaking Faculty: Interview with Mark Mocahbee

Film, Academic Programs, Student & Alumni Spotlights

A Conversation With Nigerian Filmmaker and NYFA Filmmaking Alum Michael Obiazi Abadi

Film, Student & Alumni Spotlights, Headlines

NYFA BFA FILMMAKING ALUM RAQUEL BORDIN WORKS ON PIXAR’S ‘LIGHTYEAR’

Film, Academic Programs, Student & Alumni Spotlights

Q&A with MFA Filmmaking Alum Felipe Holguin

Filmmaking

Student Showcase

2-Year Acting for Film Program

NYFA

2-Year Acting for Film Program

Strengthen Audition and Acting Skills at NYFA

NYFA’s 2-Year Acting for Film Program aims to strengthen the actor’s experience in front of the camera while deepening their relationship to their physical and vocal work. Through practical on-camera experience, an intense classwork regimen and scene work, students build confidence in their acting abilities.

Students also complete a range of hands-on projects, creating an acting reel that demonstrates their talents. Topics throughout the course include stage performance, speech and dialect, movement, character study, audition technique, new media, as well as Shakespeare.

Curriculum

NYFA New York’s conservatory-based acting for film program curriculum includes:

An intensive sequence of classes in topics which includes Technique & Scene Study, Business of Acting, New Media, Building the Reel, and more
Experienced faculty and staff actively working in the film, television, and entertainment industries
The opportunity to act in peer projects and learn additional creative and technical on-set roles
Access to a robust library of high-quality video, sound, and lighting equipment rentals
The opportunity to attend exclusive guest lectures with film industry leaders such as actors, directors, producers, and more

To learn more about the two-year program, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalog, or request more information.

2-Year Acting for Film Program

Location	Program Start Date and End Date	Tuition
New York City	September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026 January, 2026 – April, 2027 August, 2026 – December, 2027	Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee Tuition:$20,895 Per Semester Equipment & Technology Fee:$40 Per Semester Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester Program Duration: 4 Semesters

Location

Program Start Date and End Date

Tuition

New York City

September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026

January, 2026 – April, 2027

August, 2026 – December, 2027

Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee

Tuition:$20,895 Per Semester

Equipment & Technology Fee:$40 Per Semester

Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester

Program Duration: 4 Semesters

Acting for
Film Alumni

Masali Baduza

Actor

Alberto Frezza

Actor | Filmmaker

Caleb Hoffman

Actor

2-Year Photography Program

NYFA

2-Year Photography Program

Learn How to Become a Photographer

In NYFA’s 2-Year Photography Program, students gain advanced knowledge and skills in commercial, fine arts and documentary photography through hands-on projects. Students begin with the one-year program curriculum, completing projects and exercises designed to establish and refine fundamental skills. In the second year, students progress to more advanced topics, and receive training in the art, craft, and business of contemporary image-making.

The goal of the program is for students to understand photography’s visual language and aesthetic theories, and learn to incorporate these in their creative work. Students also learn to manage their brand as a photographer, and build advanced knowledge in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Lightroom.

Students that fully commit to the 2-Year Photography Program walk away with a strong set of skills and techniques, as well as a series of photographs and projects for a competitive portfolio. Upon graduation, students will earn a college credit-bearing Certificate. As students begin with the one-year curriculum, NYFA welcomes individuals with all levels of experience.

Faculty Highlights

Interview with New York Photography Chair David Mager

Interview with Los Angeles Photography Chair Naomi White

Curriculum

The 2-Year Photography Program curriculum includes:

Classes, coursework, and hands-on workshops in topics such as Lighting, Imaging, Printing, Darkroom, Personal Project Creation and Management, The Business of Photography, Self Promotion, and more
Ongoing instruction and critique from NYFA photography instructors who actively work in the industry
Experience working on a professional set
A DSLR camera, as well as access to high-tech equipment
Regular guest lectures with influential photographers, directors, cinematographers, producers, and more

To learn more, check out NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.

2-Year Photography Program

Location	Program Start Date and End Date	Tuition
New York City	September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026 January, 2026 – April, 2027 August, 2026 – December, 2027	Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee Tuition:$24,007 Per Semester Equipment & Technology Fee:$1,301 Per Semester Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester Program Duration: 4 Semesters
Los Angeles	September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026 January, 2026 – April, 2027 August, 2026 – December, 2027	Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee Tuition:$24,007 Per Semester Equipment & Technology Fee:$1,301 Per Semester Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester Program Duration: 4 Semesters

Location

Program Start Date and End Date

Tuition

New York City

September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026

January, 2026 – April, 2027

August, 2026 – December, 2027

Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee

Tuition:$24,007 Per Semester

Equipment & Technology Fee:$1,301 Per Semester

Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester

Program Duration: 4 Semesters

Los Angeles

September 2, 2025 – December 15, 2026

January, 2026 – April, 2027

August, 2026 – December, 2027

Fall 2025 Semester Tuition and Equipment & Technology Fee

Tuition:$24,007 Per Semester

Equipment & Technology Fee:$1,301 Per Semester

Wellness Services & Programming Fee:$95 Per Semester

Program Duration: 4 Semesters

Alumni

Jon Henry

Photographer

Joseph Ford

Photographer

Tanne Willow

Photographer

2-Year Musical Theatre Certificate Program

NYFA

2-Year Musical Theatre Program

Immersive Musical Theatre Training Program in NYC

The 2-Year Program at NYFA’s Musical Theatre School in New York is an immersive musical theatre training program. The conservatory-style program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of the musical theatre industry while expanding their physical and vocal range through classes, exercises, and performances. Through this hands-on approach, students learn to apply the emotional, physical, and technical work aimed to prepare them for stage and screen acting.

During their time at NYFA, musical theatre students complete a variety of projects, culminating in a final Graduation Package that includes masterclass experiences with outside industry professionals, comprehensive audition book, voiceover demo, two filmed audition musical theatre videos, a resume, as well as a professional, personal website. At the end of the program, graduates demonstrate their skills and receive feedback in a showcase panel for invited industry professionals. Students also earn a college credit-bearing Certificate. As this program requires a strong foundation of existing performance, dance, and voice skills, all prospective students must apply and audition.

Faculty Highlights

Interview with Chair, Kristy Cates

Musical Theatre
School Alumni

Ilda Mason

Actor | Singer

Pierre Marais

Actor | Performer

Jeff Sullivan

Actor | Performer