I got to know myself in depth thanks to the intensity and discipline of the program. I learned about endurance, patience and my own breaking point during my studies. Discovering what my mind and body was capable of at the toughest of moments has been my greatest asset in life since graduating from NYFA.

My NYFA Doc experience was invaluable in terms of equipping me with the skills and insight I needed to direct this film,” said de Wet. “Prior to my one year conservatory course in documentary filmmaking I had never in fact made a film before, as I had been working in a management role at a brand consultancy. The course not only taught me the technicalities of shooting, editing, producing and directing, but more importantly the elements and critical thinking behind what makes a good story; and how to convey that to an audience. Doing the one year documentary course at NYFA may have been the most worthwhile investment I have ever made and, considering this film was my thesis film, I attribute nearly all I have learned to my training at the New York Film Academy.

“You come out of the program with the fundamental expertise of every single aspect of making a film – which is so unique.”

I can honestly say that the 1-year Documentary program at NYFA in Los Angeles gave me very well-rounded skills. Although it was an intense program, I learnt how to do literally pretty much everything myself. Meaning; writing, producing, directing, filming, editing and sound mixing. And also how to make completed films during a short amount of time. It turned out that this was exactly what a job I applied to at George Media in Venice was looking for. The official job title of the position is “Young Director”, but we are expected to do almost all the things mentioned above ourselves, except we get to work with a DP. The job entails making 12 short videos during 6 months, so having learnt to make films under time pressure was incredibly helpful. Also, since the Documentary program at NYFA is so hands-on and we make 6 films during the year, it gave me the confidence to keep doing what I had already done at school multiple times in the professional world.

Learning new skills will give you more information. This is what NYFA’s short programs are made for. You get to practice what you’re learning.