A degree in producing equips creative and business-savvy storytellers with skills in project management, budgeting, negotiation, creative development, and team coordination, as well as event planning, advertising, and marketing. With a Producing degree, students can go on to pursue a variety of ambitious goals in film, media, and entertainment, including the creation and management of their own production studios. To learn more about the opportunities that can come from your own independent studio, look no further than A24. A24, a prominent independent film production and distribution company, unintentionally teaches a masterclass in producing through it’s innovative and artistically driven approach to filmmaking.
A Masterclass in Producing: What You Can Learn From A24’s Films and Television Shows
Founded in 2012, A24 has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success with films including Moonlight, Lady Bird, and Hereditary. Earning numerous awards for their work, including nine awards at last year’s Oscars, A24’s commitment to fostering unique voices and unconventional storytelling has made them a standout player in contemporary cinema. During the 2023 strike, A24, who were granted some exceptions to continue two projects, also made headlines as one of the only companies that complied with the SAG/WGA requests. Actors such as NYFA Guest Speaker Adam Driver applauded independent studios like A24 for agreeing to the terms.
“Why is it that a smaller distribution company like Neon and STX International can meet the dream demands of what SAG is asking for — the dream version of SAG’s wish list — but a big company like Netflix and Amazon can’t?” he asked during an at interview at the premiere for his film Ferrari at the Venice Film Festival. “Every time people from SAG go and support movies that have agreed to these terms with the interim agreement, it just makes it more obvious that these people are willing to support the people they collaborate with, and the others are not.”
So what’s in A24’s secret sauce to success? In this article, we’ll dive into some of our favorite A24 films, what makes them so memorable, and takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurial-minded producers.
Beau is Afraid (2023)
From the director of Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019), Ari Aster’s 2023 film goes beyond the horror, focusing on a socially reclusive man who travels home to see his mother. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix in his second post-Oscar win for Joker (2019), Amy Ryan, Nathan Lane, and the legendary Patti LuPone.
A three-hour spectacle, Aster doesn’t shy away from his horror roots but molds different moments of horror into a larger, weirder, and bigger film than he’s done before. Beau is Afraid is, in essence, a road-trip film following Beau on his journey, but it does so in a way that has never been seen on the screen before, with animation, violence, strange characters, and weird phenomena popping in and out throughout the film, all the way to its remarkable and intense conclusion. NYFA camp alum Michael Gandolfini starred as Beau’s son.
Hereditary (2018)
This Ari Aster cross-genre masterpiece explores the theme of fate through the lens of a broken American family tormented by the occult. Aster, the famed writer and director of Midsommar (2019) and Beau is Afraid (2023), wrote and directed Hereditary (2018) to public acclaim.
The film, noted for its experimentation into multiple genres including horror, dark comedy, and drama, touts an all-star cast including Academy Award-nominated actress Toni Colette, Golden Globe-winning actor Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress Ann Dowd.
The Whale (2022)
This psychological drama, based on the play of the same name and written by playwright Samuel D. Hunter, was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film by famed director Darren Aronofsky. Starring Brendan Fraser (The Mummy), Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), and Hong Chau (Watchmen), the film explores the morbidly obese online instructor, Charlie, as he tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Ellie. The film is considered to be one of Fraser’s best performances.
The Whale has ALSO particular love from NYFA as students of the 1-Year Certificate Producing program were invited to watch the film’s premiere at Lincoln Center in New York City last year.
Hazbin Hotel (2024)
One of the newest A24 productions, Hazbin Hotel is an animated show based on a popular webcomic. The show features musical theatre star Erika Henningsen as Charlie, the surprisingly positive princess of the underworld. The adults-only series has profane language and mature content, but a story full of redemption and friendship. It co-stars Brooklyn 99 star Stephanie Beatriz, Blake Roman, and Rick and Morty voice star Keith David. It’s also a great example of one of Amazon Prime’s recent acquisitions of a successful adaptation.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
The Spectacular Now sparked the careers of Top Gun Maverick star Miles Teller and Big Little Lies star Shailene Woodley. In the film, Sutter Keely’s (Teller) charming facade masks deep-seated insecurities and a fear of confronting his uncertain future. Through his budding relationship with Aimee Finecky (Woodley), he begins to confront his flaws and aspirations, leading to a journey of personal growth. As the film unfolds, the intoxicating haze of adolescence gives way to the sobering reality of adulthood, leaving both characters grappling with the complexities of life and love. Teller is also set to star in the upcoming A24 flick Eternity alongside NYFA Guest Speaker Elizabeth Olsen.
Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar (2019) directed by Ari Aster received critical acclaim for its unique blend of horror and folk horror elements. Set against the backdrop of a serene Swedish midsummer festival, Aster and crew created an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that captivated viewers. The film’s exploration of grief, trauma, and the dissolution of a relationship added depth to its narrative, making it emotionally resonant. Aster was also acclaimed for his meticulous attention to detail. The film’s stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances, particularly from Florence Pugh in a career-defining role.
Overall, Midsommar was praised for its artistry, thematic richness, and ability to deliver a genuinely unsettling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Image via W Magazine.
The Florida Project (2017)
A moving, heartfelt look at a different side of Orlando, Florida, than many are used to, frequent A24 collaborator Sean Baker directs a look at a low-income group of people living in a motel from the young children’s point of view. Like all of Baker’s films so far, he found most of the actors for the film when he went to scout the locations and cast many first-time actors in the lead roles. The film also earned its biggest star, Willem Dafoe, his third Academy Award nomination.
Former NYFA instructor Darren Dean was a producer on the film and was able to show an advanced screening to NYFA students when the film was released in 2017, as well as participate in a talk and Q&A as a guest speaker.
Lady Bird (2017)
Known only as an actress before Lady Bird’s release in 2017, Greta Gerwig stepped into the director’s chair for the first time with her semi-autobiographical film about a girl growing up in the early 2000s in the too-small town of Sacramento, California. Taking place over her senior year, Lady Bird, played by Saoirse Ronan, navigates multiple crushes, best friend fights, popular kids, and her parents. Her relationship with her mom, masterfully played by Laurie Metcalf, is a major throughline during the film, and Gerwig directed both Metcalf and Ronan to Oscar nominations.
The film itself was nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the 2018 Academy Awards, and Gerwig was the only woman director nominated that year, one of the many reasons we included her in our lineup of The Best Female Directors in our recent post. Lady Bird boasts an impressive cast beyond the two leads, including Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Beanie Feldstein, and Tracy Letts, and Greta Gerwig went on to direct the critically acclaimed adoption of Little Women (2019), and the 2023 film Barbie. The film is also available to stream on NYFA’s streaming library.
Moonlight (2022)
Directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight takes us through the life of Chiron. In three stages, we see the story of a young man who is trying to find himself while also maneuvering through life in Miami. Through each stage, he realizes more about himself, and we see how the lessons he learned contribute to the person he becomes. This is a remarkable story of self-discovery through the eyes of someone many of us can relate to.
Starring Naomie Harris, André Holland, Mahershala Ali, and Janelle Monáe, the film also showed off the diversity of shooting locations in the area, home to our NYFA campus in Miami. The film is also available to stream on NYFA’s streaming library. Image via Tribeca Film Festival.
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)
This Gen Z thriller, directed by Halina Reijn, puts a modern twist on a classic horror storyline. In the film, a group of seven friends finds themselves at one of their friend’s rich mansions; however, not everyone seems to feel “in place” at this gathering once the friends decide to play “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies.” Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson, this film is a thriller complete with the perfect amount of partying and backstabbing drama.
The Farewell (2019)
Directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell is celebrated for its poignant and heartfelt storytelling. The film masterfully combines elements of family drama and comedy to explore themes of cultural identity, generational divides, and the universal experience of saying goodbye to a loved one. Its authentic performances, especially by Awkwafina, and its ability to evoke laughter and tears while navigating complex emotions make it a remarkable and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
The film was also shot by director of photography and NYFA Cinematography alum Anna Franquesa-Solano. BFA Filmmaking alum Qianying Zhou worked as 1st Assistant Camera. The film is also available to stream on NYFA’s streaming library.
Pearl (2022)
Pearl is the prequel to X we didn’t know we needed. Director Ti West brings us on a journey with the protagonist, Pearl, who at first glance is a sweet farm girl just trying to be a helpful daughter & devout wife. On this farm, everything is far from what it seems. Starring Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, and Emma Jenkins-Purro, this thriller quickly takes a turn for the worse when her homicidal colors start to show. A masterclass in itself on how to write a horror film, Pearl will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (2022)
From a giant everything bagel to a raccoon hiding underneath the hat of a chef, ala Ratatouille (aka Raccacoonie), the absurdity of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once is what makes the film so great. The film, starring Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, and the iconic James Hong, explores several themes including mother-daughter relationships, time travel, alternate universes, and the immigrant experience.
The Oscar-award-winning film, directed by the dream team The Daniels, demonstrates how film is a compelling art form, and that film, television, and media are always subject to interpretation. (Fun fact: The Daniels taught and initially collaborated with each other at NYFA!)
Image via IMDB.
BEEF (2023)
BEEF is one of Netflix’s finest offerings yet. This A24 TV show took America by storm, and although Netflix has yet to announce a new season, Director Lee Sung Jin has confirmed that a new season will bring us a whole new cast of characters and a brand-new story. Featuring comedic powerhouse Ali Wong and the ever-talented Steven Yeun, this A24 gem boasts a cast of Asian-American actors currently diversifying Hollywood and shaking things up.
This is not just your average road rage story; BEEF it’s a multi-layered, dark comedy that tackles tough issues like mental health, classic marital problems, and the immigrant experience in the US. You’ll be hooked from the first episode as you watch chaos and drama unfold before your eyes. Ten out of ten, this show is definitely on our must-see on Netflix list.
Euphoria (2017)
A24’s Euphoria, directed by Sam Levinson, is a gripping and visually stunning TV series that delves into the complexities of modern adolescence, addiction, and identity. With its raw portrayal of the challenges faced by a group of high school students, the show explores their experiences with drugs, relationships, and mental health issues. Led by the exceptional performance of Zendaya as the troubled yet resilient Rue Bennett, the series captures the struggles and triumphs of its characters in an unflinchingly honest manner.
Set against a backdrop of vivid cinematography and a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, Euphoria is known for pushing boundaries and sparking conversations. The show’s captivating storytelling continues to evolve with each season, and its portrayal of diverse and multifaceted characters has earned it critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Minari (2020)
Minari is a heartfelt exploration of the American Dream seen through the lens of a Korean immigrant family. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the film beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of the Yi family as they move from California to rural Arkansas in the 1980s, aiming to start a new life by cultivating a small farm. The film’s exceptional storytelling and moving performances garnered widespread acclaim, earning it numerous awards and nominations.
At the 93rd Academy Awards, Minari secured several nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. It ultimately took home the award for Best Supporting Actress, with Youn Yuh-Jung delivering a memorable performance as the wise and charming grandmother. The cast also features Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Alan Kim, and Noel Kate Cho.
RAMY (2019)
Ramy (2019-) is a groundbreaking series that has garnered widespread attention for its unique blend of humor, drama, and exploration of cultural identity. Created by and starring Ramy Youssef, the show provides an intimate and often humorous portrayal of the titular character’s experiences as a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim navigating the complexities of modern life in New Jersey. This HULU Original show stands out not only for its compelling storytelling but also for its diverse cast and its significant contributions to representation in the entertainment industry.
The show features a predominantly Muslim cast, including Ramy Youssef, Mohammed Amer, Hiam Abbass, Dave Merheje, Amr Waked, May Calamawy, and Laith Nakli, offering an authentic and refreshing perspective on the lives of Muslim individuals that are rarely seen on mainstream TV. The show has achieved history-making moments by pushing boundaries and challenging stereotypes. Ramy Youssef’s win for Best Actor in a Comedy Series at the Golden Globes marked a significant milestone, making him the first Muslim actor to win in that category. Image via Hulu.
Dicks: The Musical (2023)
A24 is all set to make a melodious mark in the cinematic world with its upcoming venture, DICKS: The Musical (2023). Directed by Larry Charles, this exciting project marks A24’s inroads into the world of movie musicals, showcasing their versatility once again. Set to premiere at this year’s highly anticipated Toronto International Film Festival, the film will open TIFF’s Midnight Madness section. As A24’s first-ever musical, DICKS: The Musical promises to captivate audiences with its harmonious blend of storytelling and musical performance, all while pushing the boundaries of traditional narratives. The show includes top talent such as Megan Thee Stallion, Josh Sharp, Aaron Jackson, Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang.
Get Started in Entrepreneurial Producing at NYFA
In an era of expanding digital media and streaming platforms, the demand for fresh and original content is at an all-time high, making it an exciting venture for those passionate about filmmaking. Ambitious filmmakers interested in starting their own independent film production company can build essential skills and experience in producing in our new Online Master of Arts (MA) in Entrepreneurial Producing and Innovation program.
This unique and entirely remote program provides hands-on, practical training in just three semesters. Students complete real-world projects such as a short film and new media projects, single-project finance plans, marketing and distribution plans, episodic television series bibles, pitch decks, start-up company business plans, and websites. The program culminates in a final capstone project of an e-portfolio. NYFA also offers a series of 1-Year Producing programs at our campuses in New York and Los Angeles.
To learn more, request information from our Admissions team.