Hands-On Film Workshop at NYFA
The 6-Week Filmmaking Workshop provides students with a strong foundation in filmmaking and directing. During the film workshop, students go through every step of the filmmaking production process, making it an ideal program for new and aspiring filmmakers.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 6-Week Filmmaking Workshop
The 6-Week Filmmaking Workshop combines rigorous coursework with hands-on film production experience. From the very beginning of the program, students work and study as professionals, using technology and equipment provided by NYFA to learn the essentials of filmmaking. The coursework and projects within the workshop cover directing, writing, cinematography, production, sound recording, and editing.
Students apply the knowledge gained throughout the workshop to make three films. After completing each film, students screen original work and review the work of their peers, participating in an in-person critique with their instructor.
At the end of the film workshop, students can invite family and friends to an exclusive screening. The graduates of the 6-Week Filmmaking Workshop often enroll in NYFA’s more advanced programs to continue their film studies.
NYFA also offers the possibility to learn filmmaking from anywhere through a variety of online filmmaking workshops.
To learn more, see NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
Class Details
Director’s Craft
This course introduces students to the language and practice of filmmaking. Students learn to create storyboards, shot lists, and floor plans while being challenged to think of composition, visual realization of story, aesthetics, and camera movement. Students also gain firsthand experience working with a budget and a schedule.
Cinematography
In this course, students undergo intensive training in the use of the high-definition digital video camera and its accessories. Through hands-on workshops and short camera tests, students learn about lenses, focal lengths, exposure, shutter speed, and frame rates. EDITING In this course, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of editing, both practical and aesthetic. Students apply the information learned in class to their individual film projects. Students 630 will learn editing terminology, the use of digital editing systems, cutting styles, and the process of editing from dailies to final cut. The course also discusses continuous editing, editing with music, including sound as a storytelling device, marking beats, and aligning pictures.
Screenwriting
This course is designed to help students develop their scripts for their final films. Students examine story structure, dramatic arc, three-act structure, creating characters, text and subtext, and scriptwriting style.
Production Workshop
In the Production Workshop, students are introduced to the technical aspects of filmmaking as they are split into shooting crews of 3-4 people to shoot exercises in the field. These workshops are designed to show students the basic storytelling tools for filmmaking: staging, composition, lenses, lighting, camera angles, shot sizes, rules, and tools of continuity.
Sound Recording
This is a comprehensive course that details the process of sound design by providing concepts, technical information, and hands-on demonstration. Students are instructed on how to build a soundtrack for their final films.
TIMES AND BREAKDOWN BY WEEK
These are intensive, full-time Monday through Friday programs that typically run in three x 3hr sessions from 9 AM-6:30 PM. There are breaks in between sessions. Depending on the workshop, there may be shoots held on the weekend. Students will need to anticipate extra time outside of class to complete assignments, projects, and exercises. Daily class times may vary. Request information to learn more.
PROGRAM AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
This course requires the following software and equipment:
- External hard drive (generally costs $30-$200)
- An SD Card
The 6-Week Filmmaking Workshop is available at NYFA’s New York City, Los Angeles, South Beach, Florence (Italy) campuses, as well as our satellite location in Paris (France).
In the 6-Week Filmmaking Workshop, students complete three dynamic projects including a Continuity film, a music and image film, as well as a final piece. To learn more about the film projects that students complete, visit our projects page.
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.