On April 10th, 2024, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) hosted a delegation from Xiamen University.
This visit celebrated the bonds between the two institutions. Held at NYFA’s New York Campus, the event facilitated discussions and opened new avenues for collaboration.
The delegation from Xiamen University with the New York Film Academy Leadership team.
NYFA President Michael Young welcomed the delegates and underscored the importance of international educational collaboration. Vice President Shi Dalin of Xiamen University praised NYFA’s vibrant community and invited NYFA students to Xiamen, China, to enhance cultural and academic exchanges.
The establishment of a collaborative BFA program in photography with Xiamen University’s International College highlights the benefits of this partnership, enhancing student experiences by leveraging shared expertise. Dr. Joy Zhu, NYFA Executive Vice President, Greater China Region, and Education Office Counsellor Yu Yougen from the Chinese Consulate in New York highlighted the importance of this bilateral educational collaboration.
Vice President, Shi Dalin, of Xiamen University and NYFA President, Michael Young.
The visit is an important step forward, and the New York Film Academy is excited to work with Xiamen University, helping to develop artists who will make a significant impact on the global film and arts world.
On March 26, (2024), NYFA’s New York City Campus proudly hosted the pre-launch film screening of Real Estate Sisters, a fabulous Black female-fronted comedy that will be available on Netflix soon. The film’s directors and writers are Reabetswe Moeti-Vogt and Zoe Ramushu. The extraordinarily talented filmmakers traveled from South Africa for this, and their film’s U.S. premiere was held at NYFA. The film was also screened at the 6th Joburg Film Festival.
NYFA New York Screens Real Estate Sisters
The crowd of more than 60 specially-invited guests enjoyed a reception before moving to the NYFA Theater for the program where Ms. Ogaufi Masibi-Mampane, South African Consul (Political & Trade Affairs), greeted the eager crowd, many of whom are actively involved in the South African creative industries and cultural scene.
Michael J. Young, NYFA’s President provided welcome remarks from the stage. “Real Estate Sisters is a delightful heartfelt comedy, which is something we really need in these troubled times. Created by Rea and Zoe, two South African women filmmakers, it is told from a perspective we want and need to see more,” he said.
“These two filmmakers have exhibited the very qualities we treasure at NYFA. They shot Real Estate Sisters in a very short period of time, finding creative solutions to a limited budget and persevering despite the many obstacles they faced as South African women in the film industry.”
President Young was followed by Mr. Ismail Esau, South African Consul General, who gave further context to the importance of the evening’s event with an emphasis on the gratification for the two filmmaker’s talent and determination in making the successful picture despite many production obstacles, and other challenges, including making a movie in a mostly male-dominated industry.
Throughout the screening, the audience burst out in laughter demonstrating that the Real Estate Sisters is bound to be a hit not only in South Africa but in many international markets as well. The New York Film Academy thanks Rea and Zoe and the South African Consulate for choosing NYFA to host this very special event!
Bring Your Story to Life at NYFA
Have your own passion project you want to bring to fruition? NYFA’s experienced faculty, learn-by-doing approach, and immersive curriculum make it possible for students to bring their stories to life. Explore our long-term and short-term programs in the film, media, and performing arts, and take the first step with NYFA today!
Recently, the Division of Veterans Services (DVS), of the New York Film Academy (NYFA) was provided a very special insider tour of NBC Studios in Rockefeller Center by the DVS Chair of Veteran’s Advancement Program, and Medal of Honor recipient, Colonel Jack Jacobs. NYFA’s DVS Director, Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Christopher Moore, and 12 currently enrolled NYFA veteran students, were provided a unique insider journey through the inner workings of one of the world’s most esteemed media companies, NBC, where broadcast television was born.
NYFA Division of Veterans Services (DVS) Visit NBC Studios
Colonel Jacobs, who for many years has been the on-air military strategist for NBC, MSNBC, and the NBC affiliates, gave NYFA unprecedented close-up access to where some of today’s most popular shows are made, right in the heart of Manhattan.
The special tour featured behind-the-scenes access to NBC’s most iconic television studios and video exhibits and showcased everything involved in television production, and the highlights of the legacy of NBC in Rockefeller Center.
Included for the NYFA Veteran students was the opportunity to tour some of the studios where iconic shows like Saturday Night Live (SNL), The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and NBC News programs are produced and taped.
A special highlight at the end of the tour was when NBC Nightly News anchor, Lester Holt, the legendary American Journalist greeted the NYFA veterans and discussed their paths in the creative industries after graduating from NYFA.
“It was sincerely my pleasure to have hosted the group of NYFA veteran students at NBC, my work home”, stated Colonel Jacobs. “These young men and women have served our country nobly and now they are using the skills that they learned in the military to pursue dreams in the media and entertainment industries. I support their career goals and will continue to do so in union with the faculty and leadership at the New York Film Academy”.
Exploring Veterans & Military Dependent Education Benefits At NYFA
Since 2009, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) has welcomed 3,000 veteran and military-dependent students to our campuses located in New York City, Los Angeles, and South Beach. Across all three domestic campuses, we proudly participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing eligible veterans and dependents the chance to pursue their educational goals.
NYFA and Carnegie Hall have again partnered for a series of screenings and performances for Spring 2024. Following the theme of “Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice,” the programming will include three free events held at New York Film Academy’s campus in Battery Park. The partnership follows a previous collaboration between NYFA and Carnegie Hall, “Afrofuturism in Cinema: Infinity, Creativity and Beyond.”
“Now more than ever, a historical look back in time serves to inform our present and future,” says NYFA New York Producing Chair Neal Weisman. “The various cultural impulses of the Weimar Republic stand as stark reminders of how art influences society and vice versa. We at the New York Film Academy are proud to add a cinematic expression and join, once again, our colleagues at Carnegie Hall and the multitude of partners in the citywide exploration that is the “Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice.”
Fall of the Weimar Republic: An Era in Film and Performance
Germany’s Weimar Republic (1919-1933), established in Germany after World War I, was a time of struggle for a country recovering from conflict. Despite these challenges, artists thrived, expressing their thoughts, ideas, and commentary through film, music, and theatre. The cultural renaissance inspired the rise of innovative filmmakers, artists, and performers such as Fritz Lang, George Grosz, Hannah Höch, Bertolt Brecht, and F.W. Murnau.
Popular films such as Babylon Berlin (2017) and Cabaret (1972) are based on this era, depicting the Golden Twenties and the various political and social changes occurring in post-war Germany.
New York Film Academy is honored to present three events reflecting this period. These events form part of Carnegie Hall’s Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice festival.
Screening of Fritz Lang’s M
Fritz Lang’s M, starring Peter Lorre, is a 1931 horror/thriller that set the stage for films to come. The film follows a serial killer, Hans Beckert (Lorre), trying to evade justice. With crimes so heinous, both the authorities and other criminals are hot on his trail, spinning him into a frenzied attempt to escape. The film is known for its gripping story and stunning cinematography, the movie is considered one of the greatest of all time. It is a part of The Criterion Collection, and many see it as the “blueprint” for serial killer movies.
Legendary film Director Fritz Lang is known for both silent and “talkie” films including Metropolis, The Treatment of Dr. Mabuse, Scarlet Street, Dr. Mabuse, The Gambler, and Die Nibelungen: Kriemhild’s Revenge.
The screening at NYFA New York will be held on March 25th at 7 PM. Image via IMDB.
Screening of Walther Ruttman’s Berlin: Symphony of a Metropolis
The silent film Berlin: Symphony of a Metropolis captures the essence of the city, inviting audiences to spend a day in Berlin during the 1920s. The film serves as an important time capsule, as many of the buildings shown in the film were destroyed during WWII. The film starts in the morning and progresses into the evening, giving audiences a picture of what it was like to live during that era. While the film doesn’t follow a singular protagonist, it excels in illustrating Berlin as the main character.
Walther Ruttman (also known as Walter Ruttman), was also a writer and cinematographer that worked on films such as Metropolis and Acciaio. The screening of the film will take place on Monday, April 1st at 7 PM. Image via From the Front Row.
Berlin in the Battery: Dancing on the Edge – A NYFA Musical Theater Department Presentation
From the avant-garde experimentation of expressionist dance to the vibrant cabaret scene, dance became an essential medium during the 1920s and early 1930s. Performers pushed the boundaries of traditional dance, reflecting the era’s embrace of modernity and the search for new forms of artistic exploration.
During our Berlin in the Battery: Dancing on the Edge event, the gifted performers from New York Film Academy’s Musical Theatre program, along with esteemed faculty and recent alumni, celebrate the musical legacy of the Weimar Republic while embracing the vibrant creativity of today’s up-and-coming artists. This live performance will take place on Saturday, April 6th at 7 PM.
Exploring the Art of the Weimar Republic
In addition to events at NYFA, Carnegie Hall will be hosting additional performances, talks, and exhibitions across New York City. A few events during Carnegie Hall’s Fall of the Weimar Republic: Dancing on the Precipice festival include:
Meow Meow: Sequins and Satire, Divas and Disruptors: The Wild Women of the Weimar Republic at Zankel Hall (Carnegie Hall)
The New Series: The Mad King at the Rosemary and Meredith Willson Theater (The Julliard School)
At NYFA, students get an immersive experience in the art and craft of filmmaking. From exclusive screenings to industry panel discussions featuring renowned filmmakers, NYFA students are afforded ample opportunities to expand their creativity, hone their skills, and learn from industry professionals.
The New York Film Academy (NYFA) is pleased to announce the arrival of its second cohort of students accepted into the NYFA-Beijing Film Academy (BFA) Study Abroad program.
This initiative is a testament to the ongoing successful collaboration with the BFA. Leveraging the accomplishments of its inaugural year, the NYFA Los Angeles campus once again benefits from its students’ unique cultural perspectives and artistic contributions.
Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for the Greater China Region, warmly welcomed the new students, encouraging them to explore the opportunities available during their studies at NYFA.
This program highlights NYFA and BFA’s commitment to cultivating an innovative educational environment and reflects the growing interest among Chinese students in advancing their studies in film, media, and performing arts in the United States.
To help develop the skills of Ukrainian film and television creators, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) partnered with Netflix, the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs, the Ukrainian Film Academy, and the House of Europe. Supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, the initiatives offered financial assistance through stipends for creative purposes and post-production grants, plus access to digital education.
Throughout 2023, the program provided Ukrainian industry professionals with training through a series of digital masterclasses that covered all aspects and stages of a co-production project. Plus, NYFA instructors Mark Ritcheson and Israel Gutiérrez led two, two-day post-production workshops. NYFA’s curriculum enabled visual storytellers to hone their producing and post-production skills through learning best practices when budgeting and scheduling all aspects of post and visual effects.
”We were honored to be invited by Netflix to participate in the training of Ukrainian producers,” said Dan Mackler, Senior Vice President and Dean of NYFA Los Angeles. “New York Film Academy has had the privilege of training so many talented students from Ukraine, and now more than ever, we see the importance of helping Ukraine develop the skills needed to tell their stories.”
NYFA’s Support for Ukrainian Filmmakers
At NYFA, we pride ourselves on our support of international filmmakers. To date, over 200 Ukrainian students have graduated from NYFA, and in 2023, NYFA welcomed an independent group of documentary filmmakers from Ukraine to our New York City campus. The visit was part of a two-week tour of the U.S. film industry organized by Cultural Vistas. During their time on the NYFA campus, the filmmakers participated in a panel discussion with faculty and students from NYFA’s Documentary Filmmaking department.
The guests and NYFA faculty discussed the challenges encountered while filming in Ukraine and their experiences working in a conflict zone. Andrii Lytvynenko, one of the visiting filmmakers, discussed the immense responsibility that comes with being a Ukrainian filmmaker right now while Ukraine is on the global stage.
“We need to stand against Russian government propaganda and present truth in this world, against a ballistic policy of different countries and politics,” said Andrii.
The NYFA & Netflix Partnership
NYFA has had a longstanding relationship with Netflix, partnering on various initiatives. In 2021, NYFA and Netflix offered a virtual training program for Assistant Editors in India. The course was curated to enhance the skills and knowledge of Assistant Editors, Editors, and Post Supervisors nationwide.
NYFA also partnered with Netflix on the NCIG TV Writers “Lab 6×6” program in 2022. This innovative program brought six selected creators from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia together, transforming their ideas into market-ready pitch decks. The decks were presented to Netflix in just six weeks. During the program, NYFA provided toolbox sessions that mentored and guided the creators.
In January 2023, NYFA and Netflix also offered an in-person Assistant Editing course for post professionals in Indonesia and Thailand. As a leader in visual storytelling, NYFA is proud to continue collaborating with Netflix on these endeavors and shaping the filmmaking professionals of the future.
Enhance Your Storytelling Skills at NYFA
In addition to our degree and certificate programs, NYFA offers online and in-person short-term workshops for aspiring filmmakers from all over the world. To learn more about attending NYFA for an in-person program or one of our virtual, hands-on workshops, request more information today.
The New York Film Academy’s (NYFA) New York Campus recently celebrated the 2024 Lunar New Year of the Dragon. This event, organized with the support of the school’s China Office and Student Life department, attracted staff, faculty, students, and international guests, showcasing NYFA’s dedication to cultural diversity and inclusion.
Students focus on community and cultural exchange at this year’s 2024 Lunar New Year celebration
The celebration began with inspiring welcome addresses by NYFA’s President, Michael Young, and Dr. Joy Zhu, NYFA’s Executive Vice President for the Greater China Region. Their speeches underscored the importance of cultural exchange and unity.
Students celebrate the Year of the Dragon in 2024’s Lunar New Year
The event featured activities celebrating Lunar New Year traditions, including decorations, storytelling, and a buffet-style dinner. This celebration was more than just a festive gathering; it was an opportunity to foster understanding and connections within the NYFA community.
For cinematography students, learning from seasoned professionals such as BAFTA award-winning Anthony Richmond, ASC, BSC is nothing short of taking a masterclass in excelling behind the lens. Chair of the Cinematography Department at NYFA Los Angeles, Richmond’s career spans well over six decades, with over 85 films and television projects under his belt. In 2024, Richmond was awarded an annual Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Society of Cinematographers.
NYFA Cinematography Chair, Anthony Richmond, ASC, BSC
Anthony Richmond
Known for being both prolific and diverse in his range of genres, early on in his career, Anthony worked as an Assistant Cameraman on such landmark films as From Russia with Love (1963) and Doctor Zhivago (1965). He also assisted on A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1966) and Truffaut’s Fahrenheit 451 (1966).
In his later years as an established Director of Photography, he worked on films such as Don’t Look Now (1973), for which he won a BAFTA Award, The Man Who Fell to Earth (1975) starring David Bowie, Candyman (1992), and Legally Blonde (2001). He also worked on the seminal British music scene of the late 60s and shot the Rolling Stones classic, Sympathy For The Devil (1968) for Jean-Luc Godard, and then collaborated with Michael Lindsey Hogg on The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (1996) and the Beatles’Let It Be (1970).
In addition to his extensive work behind the camera and in the classroom, Anthony is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (A.M.P.A.S), British Academy of Film & Television Arts (B.A.F.T.A), American Society of Cinematographers (A.S.C), and British Society of Cinematographers (B.S.C).
We talked to him about how he first got interested in cinematography, his favorite projects, and his advice for students looking to get started.
NYFA: How did you first get interested in cinematography?
AR: I first got interested in cinematography when I was about 15 going to the movies three times a week.
NYFA: What have been your favorite projects/productions to work on to date?
AR:Don’t Look Now (1973), for which I won the BAFTA Award for Best Cinematography. Also, Men of Honor (2000), The Greek Tycoon (1978), Ravenous (1999),The Eagle has Landed (1976), and Silver Bears (1977).
AR: The Crane Workshop (3rd semester MFA Cinematography) and the Stage Lighting Workshop (2nd semester MFA & One-Year Cinematography).
For Stage Lighting Workshop, we spend two weeks learning how to light in a stage environment using big lights, stage power, and advanced grip equipment. We have a great set that’s been built for us, with a 20′ x 50′ backing of the New York skyline. The backing can be lit from the front for a day scene, or it can be lit from behind to create a night look. Each student brings in a reference image, and they then create their own shot with the same lighting style.
For the Crane Workshop, the students learn to operate the camera with a remote head. This works like a traditional geared head, so the students work on this skill throughout the entire week of the class. The workshop builds up to a Cinematography Practicum shoot where we bring in a massive telescoping crane and shoot a scene with actors and director.
The 20/20 Series featuring Anthony RIchmond
NYFA: Who do you believe have been some of the most significant individuals in cinematography?
AR: Freddie Young OBE, BSC was a British cinematographer who photographed many great pictures, including major historical epics such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Dr. Zhivago (1965), both for director David Lean.
Gregg Toland, ASC, was an American cinematographer who was very innovative and shot for many classic Hollywood directors. His films include Citizen Kane (1941) for director Orson Welles, The Grapes of Wrath (1940) for director John Ford, and The Best Years of Our Lives(1946) for director William Wyler.
Raoul Coutard was a French cinematographer who brought new techniques to many of the French New Wave classics, including Breathless (1960) and Alphaville (1965) for director Jean-Luc Godard and Jules & Jim for director Francois Truffaut.
NYFA: What are some of your favorite films (in terms of how they did the cinematography)?
AR:Citizen Kane, Doctor Zhivago, and Lawrence of Arabia.
NYFA: What advice would you give a prospective student looking to get started in cinematography?
AR: Watch a lot of films. You can learn so much about composition, lighting, and storytelling from watching all kinds of different movies. If you are interested in getting started in cinematography, you can also build some basic skills by taking still photos. Be thoughtful about composition and lighting as you make your images. You can also look for opportunities to crew on short film projects, music videos, commercials, etc. Try to find other young filmmakers who have the same goal of making great films and collaborate with them.
Develop Your Cinematography Skills at NYFA
Ready to strengthen your creative and technical skills in cinematography? Learn more about our cinematography programs today!
NYFA mourns the loss of Carl Weathers, an acclaimed and accomplished actor, director, and producer. Beginning his career as a standout football player at San Diego State University later playing with the Oakland Raiders, Weathers transitioned to acting after his retirement from football in 1974. Known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in Rocky and three subsequent Rocky films, Weathers solidified his star power by starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator.
Remembering Actor, Director, and Producer Carl Weathers
Weather appeared in recurring roles on hit television shows, including The Mandalorian,Chicago Justice, Chicago PD, and Chicago Fire, as well as In The Heat of the Night, Street Justice, and Colony. He had notable guest appearances on The Six Million Dollar Man, Starsky and Hutch, Law and Order SVU, Psych, ER, and Arrested Development, where he played a parody of himself.
Weathers had an incredible comedic personality, demonstrated in Happy Gilmore, as well as animated films and television series such as Toy Story 4, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Regular Show, and Eight Crazy Nights. In 2021, his role in The Mandalorian earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama. In addition to his acting career, Weathers was a Director and Producer, directing two episodes of The Mandalorian and Chicago Med. (Image via IGN)
Carl Weathers at NYFA Los Angeles
We’re extremely fortunate that Weathers once visitedour Los Angeles campus, hosting an engaging panel about screenwriting, filmmaking, and advice on working with a cast and crew. During the conversation, he spoke about his experience writing a screenplay for his one-man show and the lessons he’s learned from his time in Hollywood.
“I don’t think anybody goes in saying I want to do a mediocre work,” Weathers said to the NYFA audience. “Everybody wants they want. You want to do the next Black Panther, you want to do the next Avengers. Something that just blows up in the world, right?”
We remember Weathers fondly and wish the best for his family, fans, and aspiring filmmakers and actors motivated by his work. As Apollo Creed said, “In the end, you know you’ll be the one standing. You know what you’ve gotta go. Do it. Do it!”
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