Filmmaking

Whether it’s long-form or short-form content, there are so many different ways to storyboard, direct, write, shoot, and experiment with film. But how does one ...

Winter is awards season in Hollywood, the time of year when actors, directors, screenwriters, and other creatives are honored for their work by critics, trade ...

Whether on stage, television, or film, a great monologue is one of the best gifts a performer can be given. It allows the performer to ...

[The 72-Hour Shootout is accepting submissions as March 1, 2020, up until the start of the competition on June 5. People can participate from anywhere ...

In terms of sheer numbers, Bollywood (a portmanteau of Hollywood and Bombay) is as big if not bigger as Hollywood. Based in the city of ...

Even with all the connections in the world, and the most expensive camera money can buy, you probably won’t go too far in the film ...

Building a Brand as a Filmmaker
Scorsese. Tarantino. Sometimes a name alone can signify a brand. We can instantly identify signature styles, techniques, work ethic, personality ...

The entertainment industry continues to grow at a rapid pace — according to Stephen Follows, a data researcher in the film industry, more than 700 ...

Where Do I Begin?
Virtual Reality is an immersive computer technology allowing its participants the opportunity to partake in a simulated environment. The chance to immerse ...

The introduction of sound in filmmaking was perhaps the most dramatic advancement in the history of movies. From chilling sound effects and atmospheric music to ...

It’s in our nature as humans to appreciate things that stand out from the rest. Whether it’s a sports victory or a notable scientific accomplishment, ...

Who could forget Heath Ledger’s Joker applauding Gordon in The Dark Knight or Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter making the “hsss” sound in The Silence of ...

Every year tens of thousands of students across the country graduate with film degrees and get ready to join the workforce. Some of these graduates ...

From reboots of classic television series to new spins on known movies, franchises, remakes, and old stories keep resurfacing in Hollywood for better or for ...

An image system is an image or a motif that is repeated during a film. The audience is watching it but they’re not aware of ...

Anyone with dreams of becoming a successful filmmaker has probably seen a good number of movies in their lifetime — in fact, for many of ...

If there’s one thing every aspiring filmmaker should consider if they want to achieve success, it’s learning to take chances and be persistent. Not giving ...

Whether you are putting together a web series to showcase your comedic talents or nurture dreams of being the next beauty, gamer, or  film vlogger ...

If you’re a filmmaker on a tight budget, you may not be able to afford the best locations, and hiring a scout can be a ...

When you think of the entertainment industry, the first thing that comes to mind are the glamorous actors and actresses that bring characters to life. ...

Film school is unlike any other educational experience in its multidisciplinary demands to master technical skills, collaborate with others, critique your own and others’ work, ...

There’s an old saying that goes, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Well, there’s no such thing as totally free storyboarding software. However, ...

We’ve all heard inspiring rags-to-riches tales of celebrities who found their big break by being discovered in malls or whisked away from their ordinary job by a chance encounter with a talent ...

Alright, so you’ve just graduated and you’re eager to make your first feature film. And you’re broke. Let’s just assume everyone reading this is broke. ...

Are you starting a course at NYFA this summer and wondering how best to use your time before you come for class? Here’s a tip ...

At the New York Film Academy, students in our filmmaking program learn from the best. Starting on day one through hands-on experience, students learn how ...

Whether you are an actor, a filmmaker or a film geek through and through, writing film reviews can help hone your ability to think critically ...

After watching a great movie, few people ever sit back and think about how much work it took to make. They may check out how ...

For independent filmmakers and those just starting out, managing production value can be tricky. You want your film to look and sound great, and that ...

Traveling is a great way to learn about the world and yourself. If you are pursuing a career in the film or arts and entertainment ...

“Sorry, Charlie” — you’re not good enough. Every creative person, from writers and actors to producers, will deal with rejection at some point in his ...

In the historic city of Florence, your filmmaking opportunities are endless. Florence is where the Renaissance began, a cultural movement that inspired some of the ...

https://youtu.be/kvhgd9T86Gk
Nothing speaks to the independent filmmaking spirit quite like crowdfunding. Not only can you get your project made without relying on traditional top-down sources, but ...

There’s nothing wrong with studying film all your life in America. After all, cities like Hollywood and New York boast some of the best film ...

All movies aim to grab the viewer right from the start and keep their attention for the next couple of hours, but great title sequences ...

Production designers may not be as well-known outside the film industry as directors, writers, and producers, but aspiring filmmakers learn very quickly that movies can ...

Film festivals used to be the only way for indie filmmakers to find exposure and, if lucky, a distributor. But with the explosion of video ...

In a time when everyone wants to be the next great filmmaker, the task of standing out can seem daunting. The following are a few ...

Studying abroad opens your mind to new ideas and your eyes to new perspectives. For filmmakers, it is especially useful to look at the world ...

It’s not just the script and actors’ chemistry that make iconic kisses sizzle. Costumes, set, sound and lighting all conspire to bring the viewer into ...

https://youtu.be/ViuDsy7yb8M
With “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” already projected to dominate the box office with at least $70 million in ticket sales, it’s hard ...

Every person dreaming of becoming a professional filmmaker had that same special moment: You were watching perhaps one of your favorite films of all time ...

The right filmmaking degree or certificate sets you apart. With the advent of online streaming services, social media, and other new technologies, film is becoming ...

How to Plan an Effective Shooting Schedule
Given that it can quite literally make or break a production, the value of a good shooting schedule cannot ...

Write first, sell later.
That’s the mantra of a spec scriptwriter.
The practice of writing a spec – or “speculative” – screenplay in the hopes that it’ll ...

It’s here. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is finally here. 
After three years and four months campaigning against the theatrical release that was put out by Joss ...

It’s been quite an eventful year for Disney. Like many, they were left trying to figure out a whole new theatrical release model for big-budget ...

“United.”
Ben Afflecks’ Batman in the trailer for Justice League: The Snyder Cut uttered this word and it could not ring truer for the feeling fans ...

The whole world is on pause. Your local coffee shops. Recreational activities. Anything deemed non-essential has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic ...

Star Wars has become one of the most iconic cinematic franchises of all time, spawning three hit trilogies to date, as well as two big-budget ...

These days, comic books are synonymous with summer blockbusters, with box office records constantly being broken and high-profile names in the film industry vying for ...

It’s been said most television sitcoms can fall into three categories–shows about friends, shows about a family, or shows about a workplace. Many dramas typically ...

Pirate films aren’t as ubiquitous as westerns, but they’ve been a key part of Hollywood adventure films for just as long. Between the high seas ...

This summer saw the end of an epic run of films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe ...

Epic adventure film Independence Day was a very big deal when it was released in the summer of 1996, with an emphasis on big. The ...

The Fourth of July means many things to many people, but one thing nearly everyone thinks about on Independence Day are the fireworks. They’re loud, ...

Fathers and father figures have been a storytelling trope for millennia, from oral traditions passed generation by generation, to the earliest written epics and sagas. ...

Some movies just have a certain feel to them, and summer movies are no exception. Summer movies can evoke the feeling we had when the ...

You don’t need huge budgets or a major film studio system in place to create a timeless film. While you may be familiar with some ...

The final victim after eight seasons of fire, ice, and bloodshed on HBO’s fantasy epic Game of Thrones just might be our Sunday nights. Thrones ...

March 20, 2019 wasn’t just the first day of spring–it was also the day Disney officially bought a majority of 20th Century Fox, including a ...

Screenwriter, producer, and director Larry Cohen, a filmmaker with a passionate and loyal fanbase, has passed away at the age of 82 (his birth year has ...

How many films can you name that won the Academy Award for Best Picture? Probably quite a few, if you think hard enough, but could ...

With box office hit and the critically well-received 2018 romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians, Hollywood has come a long way since Asian and Asian American ...

Netflix continued to dominate the television industry in 2018, coming out on top with 112 nominees at last year’s Emmy Awards, and boasted more than ...

Filmmaker, producer, and actress Penny Marshall has died at the age of 75. In addition to being a three-time Golden Globe nominee for her starring ...

Cue the haunting piano music: Michael Myers is back in theaters this October with a brand new Halloween sequel. In true 21st century filmmaking fashion, ...

It’s the story we just can’t seem to get enough of [SPOILERS AHEAD for those who’ve never seen any version of the A Star is ...

National Hispanic Heritage Month lasts from September 15 through October 15 and celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to the heritage and culture ...

Although it’s usually the big-budget films raking in the cash and getting all the commercial attention, film’s greatest strength as a source of entertainment for ...

With television adequately keeping up with the vastly different business model that became necessary with the advent of the internet and digital culture and consumption, ...

You might be following Puppy Twitter, Weird Twitter, or Cupcake Twitter, but are you following Silent Movie Twitter?
If not, you might be missing one ...

Most tourists visiting New York City typically ignore the southernmost borough, Staten Island. In fact, many New Yorkers who’ve lived in the city their whole ...

Podcasts have been popular for quite some time, and statistics show that the popularity of podcasts isn’t slowing down any time soon. According to Nielsen ...

Whether you’re very superstitious and believe in the curse of Friday the 13th or are simply looking for some great films, these movies will help ...

The greatest award show of the year is just around the corner! With the list of Oscar nominees already garnering predictions and buzz, fans will ...

While the Oscars are still a few weeks away, the 71st British Academy Film Awards are finally upon us. The ceremony will be hosted by ...

There’s two types of people that watch the Super Bowl—those who want to watch football, and those who want to watch the commercials. Either way, ...

Ah, Groundhog Day — it’s everyone’s favorite holiday, from the cute little mammal to the intermittent time travel.
Time travel?! Yes, that’s right: you may not ...

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” opened last weekend to a whopping $220 million Box Office take — which USA Today reported is the second-largest opening ...

[NOTE: This isn’t spoiler heavy, but if you still haven’t seen “The Last Jedi” and you want to go in cold Porg-y, er… turkey, you ...

A cool, crisp breeze is in the air. Leaves are turning colors and drifting down to the pavement. It must be fall, which means the ...

“Veep” actress Anna Chlumsky, “S.W.A.T” actor Shemar Moore, and Television Academy CEO Hayma Washington announced the 2017 Emmy Awards nominees were announced at the Television ...

Women’s Equality Day is a holiday to mark the day in 1920 in which the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed, granting women the ...

The Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF), held annually in New York, is the industry’s one-of-its-kind first and longest-running cine fiesta that is devoted to ...

Minority representation in films and other entertainment mediums have been heavily discussed, with a focus on the industry’s lack of inclusion for women and minorities. ...

July 20 marks the 48th anniversary of Neil Armstrong setting foot on the moon — prompting the well known quote, “That’s one small step for man, ...

by Dr. Leona Godin
On July 9, New York City hosted the 3rd Annual Disability Pride Parade. We at NYFA love diversity and wanted to take ...

Summer is a time for playing in Earth’s beautiful spaces, near oceans and lakes or in mountains and forests, so we thought we would pause ...

After a long hot day of barbecuing and baking in the sun, you might want to step inside the cool dark indoors with a patriotic ...

“Wonder Woman.” “Iron Man.” “The Avengers.” “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The past decade or so has seen an influx of superhero films based on comic ...

“Angels in America”
https://youtu.be/UIWezS6eP54
This sweeping, breathtaking six-part HBO miniseries covers a number of important issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-1980s, including the rise of ...

Have you even noticed how much films are always seemingly evolving? Over the past few decades, film technology has made major advancements. Just  compare the ...

Superman was the first superhero to grace the silver screen back in the 1940s. Since then the Man of Steel has had many incarnations, as ...

The entertainment industry has its share of human rights activists, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether for queer or trans rights, these amazing individuals have ...

Many people hear stories of their grandparents going to the drive-in theater for a Friday night hangout, but do you know the history of the ...

https://youtu.be/VSB4wGIdDwo
Wonder Woman is one of the most iconic superheroes in the world and has a large, faithful fan base. Bursting into the world in 1941, ...

Let’s be honest: Many student filmmakers don’t have the time, money, or knowledge to produce a film of professional quality. Students at the New York ...

Ah, the joys of studying abroad: new food, new friends, new experiences, and of course- who could forget?- new films! If you’re a study abroad ...

As Memorial Day dawns upon us, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just a day of barbecues and pool parties. Memorial Day was established ...

It’s that time of year again! On Wednesday, May 17th in the seaside town of Cannes, France, the renowned international film festival will kick off. ...

With Mother’s Day giving us all a chance to focus on some very special people in our lives, these films prove that there’s nothing a ...

Each May, the entertainment industry turns its eyes to the beautiful resort town of Cannes, France, not only eager to see the film festival’s media ...

With Mother’s Day around the corner (May 14 – don’t forget!), we find ourselves remembering some of the most famous mothers in film. Whether it ...

Mexico City is the fourth largest production center in North America (after LA, New York, and Vancouver), and Mexican filmmakers have had great success with ...

“The Last Jedi” is scheduled to hit theaters December 15, 2017, and that’s not nearly soon enough for die-hard “Star Wars” fans. Last month an ...

The Tribeca Film Festival is praised for giving independent filmmakers from across the globe the chance to show what they’ve been working hard on. It’s ...

Despite being one of the youngest events in the industry, the Tribeca Film Festival continues to draw millions of filmmakers, artists, and enthusiastic audience members ...

When you first dreamt of becoming a filmmaker, you probably had a few names in mind. Say, Sundance or Cannes. But what about Tribeca? The ...

Every new season, it’s exciting to see which new actors, directors, and shows are coming to your television. For students, it’s especially inspiring to watch ...

The diverse, international NYFA community is made up not only of our hard working and hard dreaming students, but also of incredible alumni who have ...

It’s the anniversary of the Titanic sinking, so it’s time to revisit James Cameron’s 1997 epic film “Titanic.” It’s three hours and fifteen minutes of ...

Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran concert goer, one cannot deny that the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an experience like no ...

April 11 is a red letter day for all pet owners. Whether you’re a dog person or a cat lady or you prefer raising white ...

Oh, Bollywood! From tragic epics to side-splitting comedies, the Hindi film industry  based in Mumbai, India) has blessed us with numerous classic films since its ...

Location can be the most important part of a movie. Production designers will painstakingly search for the perfect location to fit with the vision of ...

NYFA’s upcoming intake dates in May 2017 mean that it’s almost time for you to begin your journey into the world’s most intensive, hands-on visual ...

Who are the first people you think of when you hear “successful director, screenwriter, or producer”? Unfortunately for a lot of people, they may only ...

Not all filmmaking podcasts are created equal. Browse the TV & Film category on iTunes and you will quickly be overwhelmed by the quantity and ...

As Black History Month comes to a close, New York Film Academy celebrates the diversity and strength of its community. We had a chance to ...

In the second part of this series, we’re bringing you six more (one is a husband and wife team) industry insiders who are blazing trails ...

The Academy Awards has finally unveiled their exciting list of nominees. Much like every year, a mix of expected and surprising nominations have breathed an ...

As the world hotly anticipates the already record-breaking 89th Annual Academy Awards, New York Film Academy recognizes that the entertainment industry is an increasingly international and diverse community. The beauty of ...

Each year we see the movie industry evolve in order to continue giving us films to love and enjoy. And while 2016 was a great ...

Celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February, Black History Month is a dedicated time to honor impactful people and events in the ...

Are you feeling alone this Valentine’s Day? Or do you and your lover want to spend the 14th of February in a simple no-frills manner ...

The start of each year is a thrilling time to be a fan of film. In January, we always kick off with the Golden Globe ...

As American cinema expands to tell stories from a wide variety of cultural experiences, we’re seeing more and more authentic African-American stories hit the big ...

The 69th annual Directors Guild of America Awards took place in Beverly Hills last Saturday, Feb. 4. This prestigious awards ceremony honors outstanding directorial achievement ...

Through social media and emerging technologies it’s become so easy to connect with friends from all over the world, offering the illusion that the world ...

Australia isn’t always the first thing people think of when they think of major Hollywood blockbusters, but Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, should definitely be included as part ...

The Oscars are the most important and coveted awards in cinematic history and eagerly watched by millions all over the world. But as you wait ...

Every year, at America’s biggest indie film festival, there is one prize that matters above all: the Dramatic Competition prize. This award can put a ...

On January 16, we celebrate the birth of one of the most inspiring thinkers and activists in our American history: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ...

With so many great films to enjoy each year, it’s easier than ever to accidentally miss out on one or more movies you meant to ...

It’s that most wonderful time of the year, and here at the New York Film Academy, we’re taking a quick look at some of the ...

As the year comes to a close, it’s normal to experience a certain amount of sadness, regret, and plain old exhaustion. As a film student, ...

Ah, the holidays! Many a childhood home will be descended upon by adult children and extended family, and many will find themselves cozied up to ...

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is unlike any “Star Wars” film before it. Its focus is on a ragtag group of would-be heroes defying ...

Here in the United States, the day has arrived where we traditionally gather with friends and loved ones to be thankful for what we have ...

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in the United States, but did you know it was especially beloved by Hollywood? Yes, it’s true ...

In case you didn’t notice from your opinion-barraged social media pages, voting day is upon us. Whether you look forward to this time or just ...

Recently, New York Film Academy students had an opportunity to attend a screening and live Q&A with the cast and crew of Disney’s “Queen of ...

Just as the hearts of parents swell with pride and a little bit of heartbreak as they watch their children head off to film school, ...

Each year, new horror films are released in hopes that they’ll scare audiences enough to tell their friends all about it. Of all the film ...

At NYFA, our students come from over 120 countries around the world. So Columbus Day may not be a very familiar holiday for many in ...

The right filmmaking degree or certificate sets you apart. With the advent of online streaming services, social media, and other new technologies, film is becoming ...

There are many reasons why people can’t wait for fall to arrive. Some of us love the holidays that autumn brings, while others are just ...

Ah, fall movies. Along with colorful trees, crunchy leaves, and cooler weather, these are all signs that fall has arrived. From spooky decorations and pumpkin ...

New York Fashion Week is in full swing, which means fashion lovers all over are ready for their first look at anticipated trends and lines. ...

Animals with GoPros may not have gone to film school or won any Oscar awards, but they may have something to teach us about filmmaking.
Filmmakers ...

For the last few decades, music videos have grown to be an important part of the music industry. Once seen only as marketing tools, music ...

For many Americans, Labor Day weekend is a time to celebrate the achievements of workers in our country … by doing the opposite of work. ...

Who’s a Good Boy? The Real Dogs Behind 10 Iconic Canine Roles
There are more than a few bizarre national holidays out there. Take National Punctuation ...

Whether you aspire to make movies of your own or simply enjoy watching them, a love for great films is something people all across the ...

The wait is over.
“Suicide Squad” has hit the theaters, and while the initial reviews are looking less than favorable, it’s undoubtedly the biggest coming-together of ...

For much of human history, athletes have inspired unity, strength, and respect. Popular culture idolizes athletes, and today that doesn’t just mean that their achievements ...

Nerve is coming out on July 27. In the film, Emma Roberts and Dave Franco are brought together by a real world, high stakes game, ...

Combing through cinema history, we thought we’d list ten unforgettable and well executed scenes that have stood the test of time. While we’re not listing ...

If you’re about to begin film school, consider this your essential viewing guide. Below is a list of classic and modern films, in no particular ...

Who doesn’t love Shark Week? As usual, here at New York Film Academy, we’re thinking about our favorite films. This week, in particular, check out ...

2016 has shown no departure, thus far, from the successful trend of adapting social media-exploding, literary best-sellers into ultra hyped, big screen affairs. Consider Room, ...

Like every season that preceded it, Season 6 of HBO’s Game of Thrones has provided its audience with some unforgettable moments that are completely original ...

With the recent passing of boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, the New York Film Academy has been scouring film and TV history to highlight some of ...

This upcoming Monday marks Memorial Day, a holiday honoring the brave veteran men and women who have served our nation. For many of us the day ...

New York Film Academy (NYFA) recently enjoyed virtually sitting down with two of its esteemed colleagues, Eric Brown and Michael Kunselman, to learn more about ...

Njoki Muhoho is a lover of growing organizations to support people and takes pleasure in scripting and producing films, so don’t ask her to choose ...

In 2018, Somasekhar “Som” Kovvuri decided to leave his job and pursue his dream of finally becoming a filmmaker. With a younger son in Berklee ...

Ester Nunes has always been a creative person. Growing up, Nunes would always draft short stories and as a teenager would create homemade videos and ...

New York Film Academy (NYFA) Filmmaking alum Ismael Gomez III recently released his latest film Death of a Fool on Amazon Prime Video. The film ...

In its 92-year history, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has only ever nominated six filmmakers of color for the Best Director ...

Whenever anyone talks about Spanish cinema, it’s impossible to ignore the achievements of Pedro Almodóvar, one of the most internationally successful Spanish filmmakers of all ...

Screenwriter, producer, and director Larry Cohen, a filmmaker with a passionate and loyal fanbase, has passed away at the age of 82 (his birth year has ...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have announced the nominees for the 91st annual Academy Awards, to be given out during ABC’s televised ceremony ...

Filmmaker, producer, and actress Penny Marshall has died at the age of 75. In addition to being a three-time Golden Globe nominee for her starring ...

There are occasionally filmmakers who break all barriers, whose work stands the test of time and continues to captivate audiences and critics even decades later. ...

Most people know the likes of Zack Snyder, Ava DuVernay, Christopher Nolan,  — high-profile filmmakers at the helm of the big budget movies getting all ...

The title “one-point perspective” is so evocative of what the technique actually does: changing your perspective.
Hi, my name is Miguel Parga, and I’m a ...

Alfred Hitchcock is arguably one of the most well-known directors in the last century. Born Aug. 13, 1899, the English film director created more than ...

https://youtu.be/PJmpSMRQhhs
There was a time not too long ago when romantic comedies dominated the box office. Films like “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Bridesmaids” were perfect ...

Film industries across the globe are growing, and many Middle Eastern countries have a rich cinematic history. For example, Egypt has a film industry that ...

Sundance: the famous film festival in Park City, Utah, best known for providing big breaks to independent filmmakers — some who are debuting their work ...

Social media isn’t just a tool for film promotion or connecting with fans. As a visual and performing artist, social media can also be a ...

The year 2016 has been very kind to Richard Tanne. In January he debuted his first feature, “Southside With You,” an unauthorized bio-pic of White ...

Recently, we had an opportunity to sit down with Paul Feig, famed director of Spy, Bridesmaids, and the recent re-launch of Ghostbusters. Feig is also an actor, producer, ...

Previously in the Directors Essentials series:

Wes Craven
Kathryn Bigelow
The Coen Brothers
Danny Boyle

Every now and then, we delve into the filmography of not just directors who have ...