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Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China Education Office Visits Los Angeles Campus

On October 13, 2023, a delegation from the Education Office of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles paid a visit to the New York Film Academy (NYFA)’s Los Angeles campus.

The delegation, led by Mr. Ming Tingxi, Counsellor of the Education Office in Los Angeles, and Consul Wang Qun, aimed to enhance transnational educational and cultural exchanges.

Dan Mackler, Senior Vice President, NYFA’s CSO, and Dean of the NYFA Los Angeles, extended a warm welcome to the delegation and provided an overview of NYFA’s facilities and curriculum offerings.

The delegation expressed their appreciation for NYFA’s achievements in nurturing Chinese students over the years. This visit underscores NYFA’s dedication to cultivating educational bonds between the United States and China, representing a significant step in expanding opportunities for students from both nations and strengthening the cooperation between NYFA and its Chinese counterparts.

New York Film Academy in Colombia: A Week of Cinematic Exploration and Opportunity

The New York Film Academy (NYFA) is conducting a series of in-person events in Bogotá and Medellin, Colombia during the week of October 23rd, 2023. 

The hands-on film, media, and performing arts school will conduct information sessions, workshops, auditions, and portfolio reviews for prospective students and applicants. These events are excellent for those interested in pursuing a career in film, acting, and other related fields by gaining an inside look into the world of cinematic arts and educational offerings at NYFA. The events will be led by NYFA’s Admissions Director at the Miami campus and Latin American Regional Director, Gil Enrique Matos.

New York Film Academy in Colombia - A Week of Cinematic Exploration and Opportunity

In addition to information sessions, auditions, and portfolio reviews, the school will conduct a filmmaking professional workshop (no cost associated) in both cities. The workshop, entitled “Crafting Cinema: A Film Director’s Primer,” will be instructed by NYFA’s Dean of the Los Angeles campus and professional director/producer, Dan Mackler. This workshop offers a concise yet comprehensive session that places you in the heart of the filmmaking process. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or a dedicated film enthusiast, this workshop provides a front-row seat to the art of film direction, offering valuable insights.

The workshop will be held in Bogotá, Colombia on Tuesday, October 24th, 6:30 p.m. CDT and in Medellin on Friday, October 27th, 6:30 p.m. CDT. In addition to these engaging workshops, NYFA is offering auditions and portfolio reviews for prospective students. The information session, auditions, portfolio reviews, and workshops are reservation only, so for those looking to reserve a spot, please RSVP at NYFA Colombia Events. 

New York Film Academy in Colombia - A Week of Cinematic Exploration and Opportunity

NYFA is committed to nurturing emerging talent in filmmaking and the arts. This event is a unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals, discover educational pathways, and explore the cinematic world.

NYFA Students, Faculty, and Alums Partner with Sony and Cooke Optics on The Thing’s “Country Song II” Music Video

NYFA proudly announces a groundbreaking collaboration with Sony, the renowned technology giant, and Cooke Optics on the music video “Country Song II” by The Thing, a four-person rock band. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the group is composed of Jack Bradley and Michael Carter on guitar, Lucas Ebeling on drums, and frontman Zane Acord on vocals and bass.

NYFA students, alums, and faculty were on set to produce a professional music video. Harnessing the power of cutting-edge Sony cameras and Cooke Optics, Inc., the team of filmmakers, performers, cinematographers, and producers captured awe-inspiring visuals to showcase the immense talent of The Thing.

NYFA Students, Faculty, and Alums Partner with Sony and Cooke Optics on The Thing’s “Country Song II” Music Video
Production Still from The Thing’s Music Video “Country Song II”

Sony team members who were instrumental in making this partnership happen were thrilled to be a part of this exciting collaboration. According to Paul Healy, a member of Sony’s Strategic Business Development (Cinema) team, “The NYFA x SONY Project is a great initiative that successfully enriched the students’ experience with NYFA and Sony’s cinema products.” He continues, “The balance of faculty, alums, and student involvement created opportunity and equity across the spectrum of NYFA’s enrollment experience base. We are very pleased to provide the students with valuable insights and skills to enrich their classroom education.”

“Getting the opportunity to work on this project was such a joy for me,” said Ben Rummans, alum of NYFA’s 1-Year Certificate in Filmmaking program and co-director of the music video. Rummans continues, “Having the chance to collaborate with titans of the industry like Sony and Cooke was such a great experience, and reuniting with my NYFA friends, mentors, and classmates made the experience that much better. I’m especially happy that we got to work with such a talented band, The Thing; uplifting local artists is a goal toward which we should always strive. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

Rummans co-directed the music video “Country Song II” alongside NYFA’s Creative Director of Filmmaking & Cinematography, and award-winning director and cinematographer, Liz Hinlein. Hinlein says, “I am proud to have created the music video initiative at NYFA. It was an opportunity for Sony Electronics and Cooke Optics to create relationships with the next generation of exceptional filmmakers and for the NYFA filmmakers to get hands-on experience with professional brands.”

The music video was filmed by Piero Basso, AIC, and Chair of the Cinematography Department at NYFA’s New York City campus. The filming took place at the production space Zero Space Brooklyn. 

NYFA Students, Faculty, and Alums Partner with Sony and Cooke Optics on The Thing’s “Country Song II” Music Video
Production Still from The Thing’s Music Video “Country Song II”

NYFA Instructor Richard D’Angelo, an award-winning line producer and production manager who produced the project, believes the music video stands as a testament to the exceptional skills and creativity of the NYFA community. D’Angelo says, “It was a splendid experience because not only are we able to provide our students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, but the synergy, community, and creativity that was born out of this filming event were some of the greatest I’ve ever seen in my 13 years of being at the Academy.” D’Angelo continues, “The students and our partners delivered, and the sponsors walked away seeing what our talented students are able to accomplish on set.”

Current NYFA students and alums made up key positions on the set including wardrobe, art direction, make-up, grip, electric, assistant directing, editing, gaffers, camera operators, production assistance, sound mixers, and more. Guided by industry luminaries, students delved into the world of professional filmmaking, employing Sony’s top-of-the-line Cine equipment such as the Sony VENICE 2, FX6, and FX3 Cine Cameras, along with an array of exceptional Cooke lenses, including the Varotal/i FF and the Anamorphic/i FF.

“My experience as the 2nd Assistant Director for the NYFA x SONY collaboration was nothing short of brilliant,” says Natalie Martino, a current student of NYFA’s BFA in Filmmaking degree program. “I was able to work on a pro level alongside a few of my peers, and we not only learned an incredible amount of on-set skills but we also got a kick start for our own careers, making some life-long connections and networking ourselves for future experiences. I owe it all to NYFA!” 

Similarly, Jessica Hemanth Peter, a student of NYFA’s MFA in Filmmaking degree program explains her experience. “Running point on costumes and being the Art Director on the NYFA x SONY set, I found myself thinking deeply and consciously about every creative decision and outcome,” added “Aligning those decisions with the directors’ vision, first AD’s time schedule, and the producer’s budget was fulfilling, at times challenging, but ultimately incredibly rewarding. My team and I came prepared and worked together to help create the most amazing visuals. The footage proves it!” 

NYFA Students, Faculty, and Alums Partner with Sony and Cooke Optics on The Thing’s “Country Song II” Music Video
Behind-the-scenes image of Liz Heinlein (middle) on set with the NYFA crew

As the “Country Song II” music video continues to captivate audiences worldwide, NYFA fosters a new generation of visionary artists and filmmakers. This extraordinary collaboration with Sony is a testament to NYFA’s unwavering commitment to empowering its students to thrive in the competitive world of entertainment.

“It was such a pleasure to partner with NYFA and Sony.  I’m so impressed by the hard work of everyone involved with the recent project lead by Liz and Ben. We are blown away by the cinematic look captured by the team. They did an amazing job and nailed the Cooke Looke. All of us at Cooke look forward to collaborating with NYFA in the future,” says Christine Brnic, Director of Sales at Cooke Optics, Inc.

To witness the remarkable creativity and collaboration of the NYFA community, watch the music video “Country Song II” by visiting the band’s YouTube channel. 

Catch an interview on Cooke’s showcase page featuring Piero Basso, AIC-Imago, the Director of Photography for the music video and NYFA’s Chair of the Cinematography Department at the New York City campus. 

NYFA Alum Abraham Amkpa’s “Lift” Selected as Festival Finalist

NYFA alum Abraham Amkpa’s thesis film Lift (2022) has been selected as a finalist for the Fine Cut Festival of Films. His film will be broadcast on KCET on September 22nd. Amkpa, who studied MA in Film and Media Production, wrote and directed the film, which follows two competing Nigerian weightlifters trying to gain US citizenship. Amkpa’s film was also screened at the Los Angeles-based Micheaux Film Festival.

Filmmaker Abraham Amkpa’s Road to NYFA

Abraham was born in French West Africa and moved to New York City when he was 14. His introduction to the world of performing arts was inspired by his father, a versatile artist with talents spanning acting, playwriting, and filmmaking. To pursue his passion for storytelling further, Amkpa attended NYFA Los Angeles and graduated with a Master’s degree in Film and Media Production.

Drawing inspiration from his mother’s compassionate nature and her role as the owner of a private school in socioeconomically disadvantaged Niger, Abraham developed a profound appreciation for the human experience on a global scale which led him to attend NYFA Los Angeles and earn his graduate degree. He attended NYFA Los Angeles for his graduate degree. Today, he conveys these narratives through the mediums of acting, writing, and directing. Amkpa has also appeared on television shows such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013), Fresh Off the Boat (2015), The Carmichael Show (2015), Bob Hearts Abishola (2019), as well as voice acting in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022).

Submitting to Film Festivals: The Benefits

Submitting a film to festivals offers several benefits for both emerging and established filmmakers. Films that screen at festivals are seen by industry professionals, critics, and fellow filmmakers, allowing directors to get valuable feedback. Festivals are also a great place to network, opening the door to valuable connections. 

While festivals can be highly competitive, winning awards at prestigious film festivals can significantly boost credibility and open doors for future projects. It’s also a way to distinguish work in a competitive industry. Films that generate buzz may attract distribution offers that can help filmmakers reach a broader audience. Festivals can also help filmmakers build a dedicated fan base for their work. Attendees who resonate with a film may become long-term supporters and follow the future projects of the filmmaker. It’s important to note that not all films will get accepted into festivals. However, even the process of submitting work can be a valuable learning experience, and persistence can eventually lead to successful festival runs.

Learnings The Ins-and-Outs of Film Festivals

Did you know that NYFA has a Film Festival Department? This department aims to foster active participation in film festivals and the broader industry beyond the confines of academic life, while also providing valuable assistance to students and recent graduates throughout their film festival submission journey. Current NYFA students can collaborate with the festival department to create a film festival strategy for their project, learn how to avoid rookie mistakes and get advice on how to distinguish less impactful film festivals. During the process, students can also reach out for ongoing assistance as they submit to and get selected for festivals.

Create Your Passion Project at NYFA

At NYFA, students like Abraham also gain experience in directing and filmmaking through hands-on projects and exercises. Examples of the types of film projects graduate students may complete include Mise en Scène, Continuity, Montage, POV, and more. To learn more about the degrees that NYFA offers, request information or explore our programs.

Image in header via GoFundMe.

A New Chapter for Beijing Film Academy Students at New York Film Academy

Earlier this year, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) and the Beijing Film Academy (BFA) expanded their existing partnership to initiate a new collaborative project: The Study Abroad Program. This upcoming fall, the NYFA Los Angeles campus warmly welcomed the inaugural group of the Study Abroad Program students following the signing of the agreement. This signifies the commencement of a new chapter in the cooperative program between NYFA and BFA.

The Study Abroad Program students: Ke Xu, Yitong Wu, and Yiying Liu.

Dan Mackler, Senior Vice President/CSO/Dean of NYFA Los Angeles, extended his greetings to the students during NYFA’s New Student Orientation. Dr. Joy Zhu, Executive Vice President for the China Region, congratulated them on embarking on this significant and rewarding journey at NYFA.

Dr. Joy Zhu (second to the left) and the Study Abroad Program students.

The program is designed to offer a robust academic experience by pooling the educational strengths of both institutions. NYFA and BFA remain committed to fostering valuable academic and cultural exchanges. The enrollment of these students marks progress in both academies’ goals to foster educational collaboration and extend global learning opportunities.

The Golda Meir Movie: Takeaways for Emerging Filmmakers

Biographical films give insights into the lives of the most influential figures. These films help audiences explore a particular era’s norms, values, and challenges, providing a better understanding of history and social dynamics. Valuable for present and future generations, films such as The Iron Lady (2011), Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), and Bob Marley: One Love (2024) can also help emerging filmmakers learn how to create their own stories about prominent individuals.

The Golda Meir Movie: Portraying Meir in Film

An upcoming film to analyze is Golda, based on Israel’s former Prime Minister Golda Meir. The 2023 film, starring Helen Mirren as Meir, focuses on her life during the Yom Kippur War. Meir, who played a significant role in the establishment and early history of the State of Israel, became Israel’s first and only female Prime Minister in 1969. She served in that capacity until 1974. During her tenure as Prime Minister, became known as the “Iron Lady” of Israeli politics. 

Golda isn’t the first time Meir has been portrayed on film. Famed actress Ingrid Bergman portrayed Golda Meir in the 1982 American television miniseries titled A Woman Called Golda. Directed by Alan Gibson and written by Harold Gast, the role earned Bergman critical acclaim. She received a posthumous Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie.

Golda Movie
The film Golda starring Helen Mirren (courtesy of IMDB)

Golda Debuts With NYFA Connections

NYFA alum Shivani Rawat, known for her work on The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), The Ice Road (2021) and Captain Fantastic (2016), co-produced Golda. Rawat is the visionary behind ShivHans Pictures, an independent production and finance company specializing in creating distinctive and captivating feature films. Some of the noteworthy films produced by her studio include Beirut (2018), Danny Collins (2015), and Trumbo (2015).

Rawat graduated from our 1-Year in Screenwriting, one of many hands-on NYFA programs that teach students the fundamentals of crafting compelling stories. In these courses, students complete screenwriting projects and exercises such as fully revised scripts, feature screenplay treatments, short films, and more. 

Takeaways for Emerging Filmmakers

Films like Golda present unique opportunities for aspiring filmmakers. They offer a chance to tell important stories, grow as artists and professionals, and positively impact the world. However, filmmakers must approach these projects with sensitivity, integrity, and a commitment to truthful storytelling. 

Takeaways from films such as Golda include:

  • The Importance of Research

Many biographical films require extensive research to accurately depict the lives of the individuals they portray. One example of a biographical movie that demanded significant research is A Beautiful Mind (2001), which tells the story of mathematician John Nash. A Beautiful Mind, directed by NYFA Guest Speaker Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe as John Nash, required thorough research to capture both the mathematical genius of Nash and his struggles with schizophrenia.

  • The Challenges of Depicting Real-Life Relationships

In the 2006 film The Queen, a biographical drama about the British royal family’s response to the death of Princess Diana, director Stephen Frears, and writer Peter Morgan had to write about the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) and newly appointed Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen). With their guidance, audiences could see the suggested internal struggles the monarch and Prime Minister faced during national mourning and public criticism.

  • The Art of Balancing Fiction with Fact

Filmmakers rely on various sources, including court documents, interviews, and books, to piece together real life events. However, at times, much of the actual dialogue and specific interactions are not directly verifiable. One example of a biographical film that required a balance of fiction and fact is The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. The film dramatizes the founding and rise of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued, primarily focusing on Mark Zuckerberg and his associates. While the film is based on real events and people, it also takes creative liberties to craft a compelling narrative.

  • The Story Behind Controversial Figures

The Iron Lady (2011) is a biographical drama about the life of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Meryl Streep portrays Thatcher, delving into her rise to power. Seeing that Thatcher was a controversial figure, filmmakers can gain insight into how Director Phyllida Lloyd chose to show the decisions and controversies of Thatcher’s time in office. Filmmakers can also learn how to use a character’s political journey to offer commentary on broader social and political issues.

  • The Value of Casting 

One of the best depictions of a real-life figure in film is often considered to be Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in the movie Lincoln (2012). Directed by NYFA Guest Speaker Steven Spielberg, Day-Lewis’s performance was widely acclaimed for its depth, authenticity, and dedication. A great example of the importance of casting, the physical transformation of Day-Lewis allowed him to give a more nuanced performance, resulting in multiple awards for the actor. 

  • The Power of an Authentic Story

Slated to premiere in 2024, Bob Marley: One Love (2024) promises to delve deep into the life and legacy of the iconic reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley, known as Bob Marley. Set to capture the essence of Marley’s transformative journey; the biopic is expected to chronicle his profound impact on music, culture, and social change. 

With a focus on authenticity and a commitment to portraying both the triumphs and challenges faced by Marley, this cinematic tribute aims to resonate not only with dedicated fans but also with a new generation of storytellers eager to connect with his timeless message of unity, love, and empowerment. 

  • The Impact of Cinematography

The Revenant (2015), directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, is inspired by the real-life experiences of fur trapper Hugh Glass. While the film is a fictionalized account of Glass’s survival journey, it draws from historical events and creates a visceral and immersive experience. The cinematography in The Revenant, led by director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki, is widely acclaimed for its breathtaking beauty and innovative techniques. Lubezki’s mastery of capturing natural light and the raw beauty of the environment contributes to the film’s impact.

Get Started in Visual Storytelling at NYFA

Learning how to be a filmmaker offers an invaluable journey of creativity, insight, and self-discovery. At NYFA, aspiring filmmakers can learn the technical aspects of storytelling and learn how to translate their unique perspectives into visual narratives that have the power to entertain, provoke thought, and inspire change. To learn more about NYFA’s degrees, certificates, and workshops in Filmmaking, Cinematography, Screenwriting, and more, explore our programs.

New York Film Academy (NYFA) Films Episode of ‘The College Tour’ Streaming on Amazon Prime

Ten students from the New York Film Academy (NYFA) starred in NYFA’s episode of The College Tour, an online television show that showcases colleges and universities around the country. NYFA’s episode launched as part of the series’ ninth season and will stream on Amazon Prime and Apple TV in October 2023.

If you’re a high school student visiting colleges, you’ve likely heard of this hit series with host Alex Boylan (The Amazing Race, DreamJobbing), and producers Lisa Hennessy and Burton Roberts. 

NYFA Launches Its Episode of 'The College Tour'

The television series The College Tour gives viewers a firsthand look at higher education institutions across the United States through the perspectives and authentic experiences of its current students. Each episode showcases student life, academic programs, facilities, faculty members, and unique student opportunities.

The ten chosen students to represent NYFA in this episode were drawn from the school’s three U.S. campuses in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Representing NYFA’s Los Angeles campus, were Angelo Baxter (screenwriting), Lara Minotto, and Omarion Williams (filmmaking), Laila Wright (3D animation), and Hanna Hartenhauer (acting for film). From the New York City campus were Mario Greiner and Violet Ahmad (musical theatre), Juniel Cotto (acting for film), and Dhwani Shah (screenwriting). From the Miami campus was Erick Alarueva (acting for film). 

NYFA President, Michael J. Young (left) and Show Host, Alex Boylan (right) filming their ‘Coffee with the President’ segment

NYFA’s episode of The College Tour is currently available to watch on the Academy’s episode page, and will be available to stream on Amazon Prime and Apple TV this October 2023.

The College Tour’s production crew found themselves immersed in the world’s most hands-on film, media, and performing arts college when they came to the campuses for a week-long video shoot. Thanks to the backdrops, on-campus sets, student activity, and natural hustle, NYFA’s episode is one of the most visually stunning episodes of the television series.

At NYFA, student experiences extend beyond the classroom. As shown in the school’s episode of The College Tour, students have the opportunity to showcase their skills in marketing projects in addition to their regular programming, including student showcases, musical theatre performances, festival competitions, and pitch fests. 

Students learn about their disciplines through an array of hands-on educational training. As an educational institution, NYFA believes the pursuit of a passion in the film, media or performing arts is based in practice. Students across the New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami campuses have access to equipment labs, soundstages, dressing rooms, editing equipment, and industry video technology, as shown in the episode. 

Student Lara Minotto on the Universal Studios backlot with the production crew

Throughout all five days of production, students showcased their acting skills in front of the camera with NYFA’s dazzling array of equipment, scene sets, and stages forming a splendid backdrop. Following production week, the NYFA team collaborated with the post-production crew to gather additional footage to showcase all campuses, including those outside of the United States like the Gold Coast, Australia and Florence, Italy. 

Notable filming locations included the famous Studio 5 soundstage at Burbank Studios, NYFA’s Riverside building, and the Universal Studios backlot, where students participate in production workshops to hone their skills using advanced equipment in a professional filmmaking environment. The legendary Universal backlot is where iconic films like Back to the Future (1985), Jurassic Park (1993), Apollo 13 (1995), War of the Worlds (2005), among others were filmed. 

Also featured are the iconic cities themselves including landmarks like the Hollywood sign, the Warner Brothers water tower (in LA), the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center, Battery Park, Broadway, Washington Square Park, the New York City subway, Miami Beach, Lincoln Ave (in Miami), and more.

Acting, 3D animation and visual effects, editing, performance, and theatre classrooms were captured, giving the production crew an in-depth glimpse into the spaces where students learn the fundamentals of film, media, and television before applying them to soundstages, equipment labs, recording studios, and other production facilities. 

Students at the Stage 5 in Burbank Studios 

In NYFA’s episode, audiences witness the dazzling array of equipment including boom mics, c-stands, dollies, flags, industry-standard RED and SONY cameras, lights, and professional-grade sound studios. These sights are often only witnessed by enrolled students themselves, but are showcased publicly thanks to The College Tour. 

NYC and Miami students enjoying the night out in LA after a hard day of filming for The College Tour

This fall, NYFA will be inviting students, staff, faculty, and locally-based alums to an on-campus Watch Party across all three of its campuses across the U.S.

Stay tuned for the full episode, students segments, and more in the coming months on nyfa.edu/collegetour.

Florence Campus & LUISS University Give Successful Screenwriting Teen Camp

This summer, students from Italy, Bulgaria, and the United States joined for an incredible 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp at the prestigious LUISS University in Rome, Italy! The course was conducted by the New York Film Academy (NYFA) and taught by Colette Freedman, a NYFA Screenwriting faculty member at the Los Angeles campus. 

Students of the NYFA 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp learning about action verbs

What was the 1-Week Screenwriting Teen camp about?

In this intensive 1-Week Screenwriting Teen camp, students engaged in classroom lectures about film theory and the practical application of film storytelling techniques. The instructor incorporated visual examples to support the discussion and provide examples of techniques presented. Students spent their afternoons in a supervised writing lab, building their ideas into a short movie screenplay using professional screenwriting software and screenwriting format. 

Over five days, students completed the camp with a basic understanding of a story’s three-act structure, story and character arcs, dynamic character development, subtext, authentic dialogue, world-building, and the fundamentals of Hollywood filmmaking practices. 

Who is the instructor for this Screenwriting Teen Camp?

The camp instructor, Colette Freedman, is an internationally-produced playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. Considered one of Hollywood’s top script doctors and ghostwriters, Freedman has instructed both screenwriting and playwriting at NYFA for the last six years. Her indie film about pilot and aviator Amelia Earhart, 7,000 Miles, starring Wendie Malick, is currently on the film festival circuit. 

“At the beginning of our NYFA 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp, these students had no idea how to write a screenplay, and by the end of the week, each one of the students completed a short film script. As a working Hollywood screenwriter, I was inspired by the students as I watched them absorb my instruction on the elements of screenwriting and consequently gain the confidence to tell their stories in a cinematic fashion.”

Colette Freedman, a NYFA Screenwriting Faculty Member, Los Angeles Campus

LUISS University (full name “Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli) hosted the NYFA 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp and offers top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs in the disciplines of finance, business, management, law, and political science. 

Ranked #1 in the best Italian universities among medium-sized, non-state universities in 2022 by Censis Ranking, the University does not offer film, media, or performing arts disciplines. For this reason, the University partnered with NYFA to offer a screenwriting opportunity for students enrolled in the LUISS summer school and students enrolled in the program through NYFA.

NYFA 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp students in front of LUISS in Rome, Italy

The student’s experiences of the 1-Week Teen Camp were overwhelmingly positive. The international student body appreciated Freedman’s ability to condense complex information into forms that a young student could understand.

“Colette Freedman’s enthusiasm never failed to make my day. I learned a lot but, honestly, my biggest takeaway was the reminder that writing is still a possibility for me.”

Camila, Student of the NYFA 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp

Other students appreciated the course’s opening them to a new field of interest. An opportunity for students in various majors to gather the basics of screenwriting and storytelling, the camp is short enough not to disrupt ongoing classes for international or US-based students but long enough that students take away a short film script.

“I would like to thank you again for the wonderful week, I was able to discover a world that I never really paid attention to and you made it very simple for people like me to understand it.“

Luca, Student of the NYFA 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp

When can I take the 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp in Rome?

Our 2024 1-Week Teen Screenwriting Camp dates are as follows.

  • Sunday, 7 July 2024 – Saturday 13 July 2024
  • Sunday, 21 July 2024 – Saturday, 27 July 2024 

If you’re interested, learn more by reviewing the camp page on our website or by requesting information to speak with a NYFA Admissions staff member!

NYFA’s BFA in Musical Theatre: Enter Center Stage With Our New Degree

Building upon the success of New York Film Academy’s (NYFA) 1-Year and 2-Year Musical Theatre Conservatory programs and its short-term workshops, the school launched a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre degree program offered at the New York City campus. NYFA’s Conservatory Musical Theatre programs have graduated Broadway, movie, musical, and television actors whose credits include Spielberg’s West Side Story, Aladdin, Les Miserable, Beetlejuice, Finding Neverland, the biographical musical The Tina Turner Musical, as well as Brown Nation, New Amsterdam, In the Weeds, and more.

NYFA’s production of Sweeney Todd

NYFA Musical Theatre students have also put on several fully produced musicals, ranging from popular musicals like Urinetown and Sweeney Todd to musicals based on films, including Addams Family and Legally Blonde. Student work also includes staged readings of fresh works from up-and-coming composers, open mic nights, showcases, and a crafted movie musical project filmed and edited to perfection.

NYFA’s BFA in Musical Theatre: Enter Center Stage With Our New Degree

Located in the hub of the musical theatre industry – NEW YORK CITY – our faculty’s professional credits include over 100 Broadway shows and numerous film and TV appearances. Students in the BFA in Musical Theatre Program will learn in a hands-on classroom setting with access to professional equipment and receive a strong undergraduate foundation in liberal arts to develop critical thinking skills. The curriculum offers a comprehensive education for stage and on-camera acting, solo performances, collaborative showcases, and on-camera content.

Is it Worth Getting a BFA in Musical Theatre? Learn More in This Exclusive Q&A With Kristy Cates, Musical Theatre Chair

We sat down with the remarkable Kristy Cates, the esteemed Musical Theatre Chair at NYFA New York, on our Instagram Live to learn more about the BFA in Musical Theatre. Join us as we delve into the world of NYFA, exploring the intricacies of our programs and the unparalleled experience of studying right in the heart of Broadway. This exclusive Q&A is ideal for discovering your “WHY” regarding our exceptional Musical Theatre program.

“Graduates of our program will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the ever-evolving world of the performing arts. We offer exciting and challenging courses covering the fundamentals of musical theatre as well as on-camera, voiceover, audition technique, and business classes. These courses, combined with our Broadway faculty, industry masterclasses, and extensive performance opportunities, will prepare our graduates to take on the exhilarating and competitive world of musical theatre and beyond.

At the end of the degree program, students will participate in an Industry Showcase for casting directors, agents, and managers who provide invaluable feedback as they progress into their professional careers. Read more examples of the type of projects BFA students complete on our Musical Theatre projects page.

Explore a Future in the Performing Arts at NYFA

Prospective students also have the opportunity to learn more about our Musical Theatre program and ask any questions at our in-person Open House September 23, 2023. If this event has passed, contact NYFA to schedule a tour today! Eligible students can apply now.

Please note: NYFA does not represent that these are typical or guaranteed career outcomes. The success of our graduates in any chosen professional pathway depends on multiple factors, and the achievements of NYFA alumni are the result of their hard work, perseverance, talent and circumstances.