What is New York Film Academy Really Like?

Paul Warner compares AFI to NYFA

2010-02-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

@Paul Warner - I attended the M.F.A. program at The American Film Institute and have been directing film and theatre since graduating, as well as teaching at a number of film schools, including the New York Film Academy, where I have been deeply involved in curriculum development, as well as teaching directors craft, acting, and producing. It is difficult to compare AFI and NYFA because they are extremely different and both equally effective in their missions. Generally, AFI is a graduate/post-graduate institution and most of my classmates had already excelled in some aspect of the business and were seeking to make a professional transition into filmmaking. The New York Film Academy assumes that the student may have no prior experience and therefore gives the opportunity to experiment extensively with all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and writing, to cinematography and acting, in order to help the student discover which aspect of this field might be right for him or her. At the AFI, I made three shorts in a year, and then, after becoming one of five directors chosen for the second year, I directed a longer thesis film, which premiered at Sundance. This helped to secure my first feature directing job. However, I already knew a great deal about directing prior to attending the AFI. And having served on the admissions committee there, I can tell you that students with a strong sense of focus, maturity, and prior achievement, not to mention a B.A. are most likely to be considered (this from my perspective and not speaking on behalf of AFI admissions, by the way). The New York Film Academy, while offering a masters in film, might provide a better choice for college-level students who do not have extensive knowledge of the craft because the curriculum at NYFA is more detailed in terms of director’s craft, directing actors, lighting etc. as well as more nurturing on a daily basis in terms of students having access to faculty, facilities, and equipment. Ultimately, a student in the NYFA one-year program will make eight films in all formats (16mm, digital, 35mm), which will help him or her to better discover their creative voice. Also, the New York Film Academy is different from other places I have taught or attended (such as NYU) in that the administration is accessible and therefore immediately responsive to curriculum requests, such as adding classes and courses each group feels they need more instruction in, without having to go through all sorts of bureaucratic procedures. In short, I loved being a student at AFI, but if I hadn’t already directed a lot of theatre, worked with actors extensively, or assisted on several studio features, I don’t know that I could have survived there as well as I did, since they tend to accept students who have already been through college and have attained a certain amount of life experience, not to mention professional credentials in some aspect of the arts, other than filmmaking. If I knew little about directing, producing, or directing actors and wanted to spend a year making a lot of projects to develop my voice in a nurturing environment, I would most likely have chosen NYFA. Either way, there are many NYFA student films that have gone on to screen at Sundance, Cannes, and Tribeca as with any of the other film schools. If you write a great script, cast powerful actors, and direct the film with a unique aesthetic, regardless of which film school you attended, your work will get noticed.

Whatever school you choose, students should visit classes and observe, first hand, rather than going off message boards and what they are told in marketing materials. If you can observe a few shoots and instructors, that will give you a much stronger idea. Plus, the location of the school, its campus, and the energy of the student body also has a lot to do with where it will be best for you to matriculate. Again, whether it be NYFA, NYU, AFI, etc., they all have their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, it’s about whether that individual student has the discipline, talent, and passion to pursue a filmmaking career and which environment is right for him or her.

Fact vs. Fiction: What NYFA Universal Acting Camp is really like.

2010-02-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

FICTION @littlenickyn NYFA as no affiliation with Universal. They rent out the cheaper exterior sets for short times to sucker people t pay money for their gimmick school. If you wish to goto a legit film school near LA, look into: USC, UCLA or CalArts. I know people who pad $25,000 for 1 year at NYFA and it's a joke.

FACT @riley12383 you not only learn alot you make life time friends that are like you! you have know idea becauuse you did not attend the camps so keep your opinions to your self because you havent experienced it. also, there are camps you can go to so you know whats happening before you pay $25,000 for a hole year!

the high school camps count for college credits. they teach you alot in California and your on the inside and outside sets which its really cool to be on a set for the first time!

i go to the one in California which they tell you the basics in acting. and a week at the camp is kinda expensive but you get to live and breathe acting. the camps are really really good and they do teach you alot and you really take it in because your living it for a week. the camp is expensive, i am paying $2,275 but it is seriously worth it.

xoxxo,
Riley

Jack Node talks about NYFA MFA program

2010-02-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

@Jack Node - As an applicant to the New York Film Academy Master's of Fine Arts program I was asked to submit a narrative statement, academic transcripts, creative portfolio, writing supplements, two letters of recommendation, and complete an interview with the director of the program.

This was far from easy or just a simple apply and accept process and I found the class I ended up in full of very talented people.

Since graduation I have worked on numerous projects with both ABC and NBC Networks as a director and cinematographer.

Basically it's a young school with a lot of programs that helped me out a lot. I made 12 films in the first year alone. Couldn't have imagined a better way to build my reel.

Well just thought I'd give the other side of it. Hope it helps and best of luck.

NYFA acting school training helps find real characters

2010-02-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

@kayhel - NYFA is practical hands on training that has really made me understand why agents and casting directors look for training on a resume. It has made me realise that there is so much more to learn in acting. I aim to go towards stage acting, and I was nervous that taking on an acting for film program would not help me in my stage acting, but I have learned that they are the same! I use everything I'm learing at NYFA to find real characters that can be portrayed on screen and on stage, I have come to life, and really expanded my skills. performing in every class, we are on our feet and discovering our bodies, voices and emotions. I am enjoying NYFA immmensely, the free speaker evenings are great to attend, even though sometimes they clash with class scheduales, but they are invaluable. Working alongside and being taught by working directors, casting directors, actors, comedians, and producers creates an intense learning curve and creates so many great contacts. I am doing the one year course, I would have done the 2nd year masters programme yet I can't afford to, however, a year at NYFA is like a year finding a million new things about yourself, and finding new skills that you thought you never had. Of course, you can always do better, adn you must push yourself, and not rely just on the teachers pushing you, it is your dream, so you must put the effort in. I am enjoying it immensely and know that I will continue to use the education and skills I gain from here in my theatre work and tv work in the future.

Angela Hart shoots feature film, says film promgram is rigorous and demanding

2010-02-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

@Angela Hart - I am currently in preproduction on my second feature film and now a full-time professional filmmaker. Filmmaking had been a long term ambition and our experience at NYFA gave us the determination to achieve our goal. The intensive hands-on training and rigorous demands of the course were a unique preparation for the real world of filmmaking. The film was sold at a profit after it's first screening and is now being distributed worldwide by Fox Searchlight (the independent division of twentieth Century Fox)

An Experience of a Lifetime at the New York Film Academy

2010-02-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

Week 5: Monday August 3rd-Sunday August 9th

Meeting new people, gaining valuable knowledge about the industry I want to work in, exploring a city of sunshine, beaches, palm trees, and bright lights, learning the art of independence, even taking classes at the New York Film Academy! Living in Los Angeles has really become a perfect getaway. Little did I know that this term would take on a second, even more thrilling meaning in the context of my summer adventure.

Monday August 3rd: Marvel – Production Office

Tuesday August 4th: NYFA – Classes

“Director’s Craft” 11:30-2:00

Lunch, then got my Universal badge! (All of my badge-bling pictured here)

“Writing” 3:00-5:30

Break

“Acting for Film” 6:00-8:30

Back home

Wednesday August 5th: A Perfect Getaway, Red Carpet, Movie Premiere, and After Party!

Pretty excited to run into Steve Zahn! Five minutes before this picture (below) was taken I walked by Dan Byrd, Hilary Duff’s co-star in A Cinderella Story. I happened to have spent a large portion of my youth worshipping Miss Duff, so I turned around and like a little girl I said, “Hey! I loved you in A Cinderella Story!” …Embarrasing, I know. He responded very kindly and we chatted for a couple of minutes. Basically the highlight of my night, haha… I’m glad I refrained from asking what it was like working with Hilary and if he thinks her and I would make good friends.

It was wild to see Timothy Olyphant, Kiele Sanchez, the rest of the cast, and a slew of other celebs at the after party. The life of the rich and famous sure is nice!

To my disappointment, Mila left for a flight to London right after the premier and Chris Hemsworth, the soon-to-be Thor himself, was M.I.A because of Marvel-related business.

Thursday August 5th: Marvel – Production Office

Back to work at Marvel!

Friday August 6th: NYFA

“Acting for Film” 4:30 – 7:00

Out to dinner with some NYFA students

Saturday August 7th: NYFA

Guest Speaker Dana Lustig spoke of the ins and outs of independent, low-budget filmmaking. Her advice: if pursuing a career in this industry, don’t underestimate the importance of business knowhow. “The film business is still a business,” she said. And studying more of the legal, financial, and logistical side of things is something she wishes she had done more of back when she was just beginning her career. Dana also emphasized the importance of having big actors in your film, even (or especially) if it’s low budget. Big names attract money and attention to your work and in the end, the goal is to sell the film and create a profit for your investors (which they will ideally then re-invest into your next project). As far as markets go, Dana spoke of the lucrative nature of the foreign markets. The trend of shooting films in countries like Bulgaria, Romania, etc., where labor and other costs are cheaper, underlines the importance of filmmakers creating and maintaining strong foreign relations.

Dana also spoke in depth about film distribution:

Two major markets: Domestic (US and sometimes Canada) and Foreign (elsewhere)

Main mediums of distribution: DVD, TV, Cable TV, Theatrical Release, Internet, Phone (now developing more), Airplanes/Cruise ships

Film markets: Annual events which attracts thousands of industry participants from all over the world who converge to buy and sell distribution rights for completed films or to gain financing for projects in various stages of production. This is a tradeshow where production and distribution deals are closed. Attendees generally include: acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, press and all those who provide services to the motion picture industry. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Film_Market)

For a list of film markets visit: http://www.movieindustrymarketing.com/cgi-bin/gt/tpl.h,content=15

Film festivals: Today, many film markets are taking place in conjunction with film festivals. “A film festival is an organized, extended presentation of films in one or more movie theaters or screening venues, usually in a single locality.” Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_festival)

Overall Dana states, “Never put your ego before the big picture. You want the picture to sell, to satisfy your creativity and artistic vision and to produce a ROI for your investors.”

Sunday August 8th: Beach and brainstorming

Headed to the beach to relax and write. Next week, I’m going to have the opportunity to shoot my own short film at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios!

Keep a lookout for new video posts this week on My YouTube Page. For more pictures from my trip, check out My Flickr Page. Thanks for reading guys! Love reading your comments!

Next post…Monday August 10th-Sunday August 16th

Yana Gorskaya decides on studying at film school in LA , not NYC

2010-02-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

@Yana Gorskaya - Deciding where to go to film school is a very hard decision for most young filmmakers. There are literally thousands of film schools throughout the world and finding the best one for your needs can be quite a challenge. One of the best ways to determine if a school is right for you is to ask alumni and students of the school you are intersted in. We asked former film student Yana Gorskaya why she decided to enroll in film school at that the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Here are her reasons…

I receive intensive hands-on instruction and production experience
It is the collaboration of the best things; to create the curriculum NYFA distilled the essential elements from the world’s best programs
Developed especially for imaginative and ambitious people
Limitation of the class size
Open door policy - meet with instructors and school administration anytime
Students from diverse backgrounds, from all countries which results in different art visions, rich cultural mix
The most prestigious and inspiring locations in the world. New York - crossroads of the world. Culture pot… Hughes, Pollack; Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe; Coppola, Scorsese, Allen; Actor’s Studio, SoHo, Broadway, Tribeca, Times Square, Central Park, 5th Avenue; Holly Golightly, Carrie Bradshow …The setting of choice to the most distinguished TV shows and films. City itself helps to shape the artistic vision, invigorates your imagination, motivates your creative enthusiasm; it is the perfect training ground for any art form. LA - the heart of movie land, the entertainment capital of the world; Back to the Future, American Beauty, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; Desperate Housewives, The L Word… The city with the whole world inside it; Hollywood walk of Fame, Kodak Theatre, Sunset Strip, Mulholland drive, Malibu beaches, Beverly Hills… Further more, the unique backlot of Universal Studios, where the movie magic happens, literally made up of the neighborhoods of the world: a Mexican Villa, a Roman square, New England street, a Renaissance courtyard… It is a chance to network with the entire city devoted to film production. Los Angeles itself with all these Studios around is the place which inspires, stimulates and at the same time disciplines you.
Just mere being in these cities would help me to move forward, make me evolve as an artist
Attitude towards students: open door policy with mentors and tutors
Immersion in process
Guest lectures in classes => plenty of time to ask for advice
Total freedom of one’s creativity
Students’ projects are treated as actual productions
The integration of many kinds of knowledge (I learn how they interact with each other and drive the production) and professional experience in all aspects of the given subject; collaborative roles. All that gives student flexibility - immeasurable value for the future career
Comprehensive real-life studies; dozens of programs to actually make movies not just talk about it
High quality equipment to my disposal
Hands-on opportunities to engage in interviewing, contract negotiations etc.
Learning-by-doing philosophy which enables one to put himself into the real-world context
Celebrated professionals as guest speakers
The knowledge and skill the student attains is of great value for his future career in producing
Students are encouraged to develop professional network
The Academy gives an opportunity for students to showcase their talents for their reels
It is a great chance for an international student to enter the world of ‘real’ filmmaking near the most famous Studios in the world; the backlot of Universal Studios presents the filmmaker (and producer) with locations as varied as their imagination
A chance for my production to take part in the film festivals and for me to try to get a demanding but highly exciting job afterwards

When I read about the opportunities offered in the Academy my hands are trembling. I like the collaboration of creative, artistic vital aspects of producing with more technical side; as well as the combination of seminars and lectures with intensive hands-on film shoots. Otherwise it could be a boring program.
It’s the unique educational institution to provide the most focused producing instruction in the world; the most intensive& hands-on film school.

Sharad Malhotra says NYFA is hectic and amazing

2010-02-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

@India-Forums - Sharad Malhotra is back to India after a successful stint at the New York Film Academy. In this exclusive Telly Buzz interview, he talks about his stint at USA, his equation with Divyanka and more…

Sharad Malhotra, who became an instant hit with Banoo Main Teri Dulhan, left his family, friends and fans asking for more, as he left for USA for nearly a four months course at the New York Film Academy. Now he is back and boy is he glad!

Sharad shares exclusively with Telly Buzz all the activities he did during the time that he went missing from the small screen.

Welcome to India-Forums, welcome to India, Sharad.
Thank you (Smiles).

So how was the experience in New York?
It was very hectic but I got to learn a lot. It was a very different experience. I learned to be very professional. I was among one of the world’s most hardworking and intelligent group of people. So it was an amazing experience.

Elaborate on the New York Film Academy experience..
I went to New York Film Academy, the one in Los Angeles. Actually I had a choice between New York and LA but I chose LA because there the Academy works in collaboration with Universal Studios. You get to experience what its like to be a part of the Universal Studios crew.

Why the craze about Universal studios?
Right from my childhood I’m a big fan of Batman and Superman. And both the films have been shot there. So that’s why…

What all things did you get trained for?
I participated in the acting workshop which went on for about three and a half months. I also wanted to participate in the directing workshop but couldn’t do so because I didn’t have the time.

Tell us about the short films you made there.
Within a span of around three months we made around 9 short films. We were a team of around 4 people and we were given various topics and sometimes no topic, but the team spirit and competition all doubled up the excitement. Plus, I was working with people from all around the world. There were girls from South Africa, boys from Australia. Then there were few boys from London. There was a Chinese girl. I was from India. There was so much to give on each individual’s part so that everybody else could learn. Touchwood we never had any issues with each other. It was just lovely.

In your last interview with Telly Buzz, you had said you’d love to work behind the camera. Did you get that opportunity there?
Actually I did not get an opportunity but main itna ziddi hoon ki maine opportunity nikaal hi liya( but I’m so stubborn that I made myself an opportunity). I went behind the camera for a few shots and checked out the frames. Analyzed whether they were wide angle ones or close ones. I had fun when I was behind the camera. So I’m looking forward to an opportunity where I can act, direct and handle camera together.

Did you miss India?
Yes of course, especially Indian food. As everybody knows I am a diehard foodie, for which I used to get nice scoldings from my instructor too; so that was something for which I felt very deprived.

Which Indian food did you miss the most?
Oh, that’s easy- Rajmah Chawal. My mom does lovely cooking but my demand to her is always for Rajmah Chawal.

What was your schedule there?
My classes used to start at nine and end at 8 at night. So yeah it was pretty much hectic. I used to get a lot of homework which I used to hate as a child, but enjoyed when I got it again after so many years. So after 8, I used to sit and do my homework like a good boy.(laughs)

Why did you feel the need to ‘learn’ acting?
I’ve heard Mr. Amitabh Bachchan saying that he still learns new things every passing minute. Al Paccino, Marlon Brando all these great men have achieved so much because they constantly kept learning. Many people have asked me this question before, which was also followed by a confused – ‘So what did you do for the past three years?’(Laughs) So I told them yes, I’ve learnt for the past few years but along with my work, I need to do learn more, in a different environment, a bit formally to understand the nuances.

But didn’t you feel out-of-touch with the Indian industry?
No not at all. I was in contact with everyone through phone, through India-Forums and Facebook. I was always in touch with my fans and friends.

Which friends did you miss the most?
I missed a lot of close friends. Divyanka, Manish, Kanvaljeet, Mohammad..a director friend of mine, and many members of India-Forums who are like family to me.

Your sudden return surprised which friend of yours the most?
I think the person who was surprised the most was Divyanka. Then Debashish too was quite shocked that I returned so soon.

So what’s exactly the equation between you and Divyanka? There are a lot of rumors that you guys are seeing each other.
Well when a guy and a girl are good friends, rumors arise. It’s inevitable. But I’ll tell you one incident which will give you a clear picture of what’s the equation between her and me. When I came to know that she is in Shhh Phir Koi Hai, I told her- Wow! You’re a ghost now? So the bride has become the ghost and the groom has gone missing eh? And then we both laughed like crazy.

So when will we get to see Sharad onscreen again?
To be honest, I myself don’t know what I’m going to do next. But one thing is certain ,whatever I do its going to be magical and I’ll work with full honesty, as always. People speculated that I’ll do a film because I went to Newyork ‘Film’ Academy. But that just happened because there’s no separate ‘Television’ academy as such.

Your message for India-Forums fans.
I want to thank you all for being there for me right since my first baby steps into the industry till now. You all are always by my side and I thank you for that.

Jonathan Walls Talks about Filmmaking after NYFA

2010-02-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

@AlexTimes After I finished a directing workshop at the New York Film Academy, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life, but I sure didn’t think it would be [Playing for Change],” Walls relates about the peace-through-music movement in a recent telephone interview.

Yet, a friend Walls grew up with in Olean, N.Y., was living in Los Angeles at the time with (creator / co-founder) Mark Johnson. For the idea that Johnson had in mind, he needed a filmmaker, so they convinced Walls to come out and live on their couch while they developed the project.

The premise was simple but profound. By capturing street musicians performing their own music on various streets around the globe, viewers would get an easily digestible understanding of their cultures, their desires, their despairs and their very existence. By asking the artists to perform standard songs of hope and unity (such as Ben E. King’s Stand By Me and Bob Marley’s One Love) and then layering them into a single voice, Playing for Change would hopefully be able to influence audiences’ opinions that humans share a common existence, regardless of race, sex, education level or social status.

After a two-year search for funding, Johnson, Walls and two additional crew members set off on their quest for harmonic knowledge. As one might expect from a journey covering the far corners of the globe, their experiences have been remarkable.

“In traveling to places like northern India, where refugees literally climbed the Himalayas in search of freedom, you get a better understanding of what some people go through just to obtain the daily lives that we take for granted,” Walls explains.

“A common theme we kept creeping up on, time and again, was how people use music to help persevere through such horrific situations, like in New Orleans after Katrina,” he said. “In the township of Soweto in Johannesburg [South Africa], you see the lasting effects that apartheid had on these people. The abject poverty was apparent in the seas of shacks we walked through. But then you mingle with them, and see the joy and sparkle in their eyes, and you realize that somehow, some way, they’ve been able to overcome.”

After spending a few hours (or sometimes a few days), the four-man crew would slowly earn the trust and respect of their subjects.

“That’s what’s key,” says Walls, “in order to get the truth out of them they have to trust you. As a filmmaker, you have to wrap yourself into the moment and be open for the pure randomness that can occur in that sort of situation. It’s surprising what will come out.”

It’s this aspect that’s made Playing for Change one of 2009’s most unlikely cultural phenomenon. Becoming a YouTube sensation with tens of millions of internet views led to the movement gaining a fair amount of media coverage, with appearances by a collection of the project’s musicians on The Tonight Show and The Colbert Report, as well as being named “Persons of the Week” on ABC’s World News Tonight. The two-disc CD and DVD Playing for Change: Songs Around the World stunned the music industry in April, selling more than 26,000 copies in its first week and landing at No. 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. An edited version of the documentary Playing For Change: Peace Through Music was used as a centerpiece to PBS’s August fundraising drive. All of this attention has led to the movement’s current tour and the full-length DVD release of Peace Through Music this past Tuesday.

Bringing together such a diverse collection of nine musicians from seven countries offers a unique premise for future Playing for Change coverage.

“I’m really interested in seeing how this tour will turn out, to be honest with you,” Walls says. “Not only with what happens on stage but also what happens off-stage. The interactions these musicians will have with each other, capturing their emotions, both good and bad … my plan is to give out some handheld cameras for them to film what I might miss. I think the results could be amazing.”

Film School Advice

2010-02-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Unedited and uncensored, what film school is really like at the New York Film Academy in New York City. 1 Year Cinematography program student Rebecca Royadnya shares her experience about studying...

Show Business is More Business Then Show

2010-02-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Week 6: Monday August 10th-Sunday August 16th

This week I spent most of my time at the New York Film Academy where I take classes. I really enjoy the coursework (focused on acting and filmmaking) and have met some great fellow students who have quickly become friends. Something I found interesting is the consistent emphasis on networking and the benefit of a business or law background when approaching show business. I know that I will be prepared to tackle this industry with a Fisher College of Business education under my belt.

My weekly update:

Monday August 10th: Marvel – Production Office

Tuesday August 11th: NYFA – Classes; Film shoot

Shot student films on Universal lot (crew of four people, each gets a chance to serve as director, cinematographer, and actor-with two actors per film) Today was my debut as a director!

Wednesday August 12th: Marvel – Production Office

Thursday August 13th: NYFA – Classes, Film shoot

Friday August 14th: NBC Tour; Edited films we shot on Tuesday and Thursday

Saturday August 15th: NYFA Classes

After class today, there was a party held in honor of students at NYFA and the anniversary of a famed Russian talent agent. The first time I walked a red carpet (and hopefully not the last!)

Sunday August 16th: Casting Call; Screening

Attended audition for upcoming film. Later, private screening held for Middle Men, directed by George Gallo with a Q&A with Mr. Gallo after the show. NYFA students invited!

Next post…Week 7: Monday August 18th-Sunday August 23rd

New York Film Academy [video]

2010-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

@Mohamed - Here is a video of students/friends from a four week filmmaking course I took in Los Angeles last year...one of the best four weeks of my life.

The Art of Being a Sponge @ The New York Film Academy

2010-02-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

@Allie - This week was filled with interesting speakers, all of which had incredible stories and advice to offer to my group of students at the New York Film Academy. Actress Trilby Glover emphasized the importance of being self-motivated in a competitive industry; casting director Ronnie Yeskel expressed her fondness of bold choices, skill, and a great headshot for actors; director Brett Ratner inspired with his own insatiable enthusiasm and tales of his journey to success; actor Jason Alexander noted networking no-no’s. All in all, my goal was to absorb as much information from these people as possible and, with this new sense of enlightenment, chart plans for my own unique future in the business of entertainment.

My weekly update:

Monday August 17th: Marvel – Production Office

Tuesday August 18th: NYFA – Classes

Wednesday August 19th: NYFA – Classes; Master Class

Master Class with up and coming actress Trilby Glover

Thursday August 20th: Marvel – Production Office

Got a tour of the Iron Man 2 editing and special/visual effects departments today!

Friday August 21st: NYFA – Classes Master Classs

Master Class with famous casting director Ronnie Yeskel

Master Class with popular director Brett Ratner

Saturday August 22nd: BBQ at Brett Ratner’s house!

This incredible director welcomed a select group of students into his home, where he insisted on giving a grand tour. In the lower level, Brett has his own private dance floor, specially designed for John Travolta and Olivia Newton John after the release of Grease. Apparently, because they were so famous, they couldn’t go to clubs without interruption so the dance room was built just for them! The home was filled with photographs of popular figures in entertainment who he had befriended such as Michael Jackson and Madonna. I also fulfilled a lifelong goal: seeing an orange Kid’s Choice Awards blimp up close : P After the tour, Brett treated us to lunch and screened various projects including his first student film from his days at NYU, music videos he’d directed for artists like Mariah Carey and Madonna, and a part of his new film New York, I Love You.

His energy was truly inspiring.

Sunday August 23rd: Q&A

Q&A with Jason Alexander at Warner Brothers Studios. In reply to an intriguing question, Jason spoke of not only networking, but networking in the most beneficial way. From my two months in LA I’ve deduced that when you are starting out in this industry and just beginning to build contacts, you encounter so many actors, producers, directors, agents, etc. that it’s difficult to distinguish who is legit from who is all talk no action. Jason’s tips: make sure the relationship can be a two way road, i.e. you each have something to bring to the table and collaboration could potentially enable a goal to be realized. He also cautions not to bring your resume or other information to one person who you believe can get in to the primary person you’re after. For example, Jason said he particularly dislikes when he is given things and asked to pass them on to Jerry Seinfeld :P

Next post…Last Week!

How I Made it in Hollywood

2010-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

@Allie - Sadly, my time in Los Angeles has come to an end. After two months, I feel more knowledgeable, independent, and goal oriented than ever before thanks to my work at the New York Film Academy and my internship at Marvel.

Okay, so there’s no formula for acquiring wealth and the admirations of millions. But there are some ways to play the game that can increase your odds of getting ahead. First of all, fame and fortune should not be your motivation, instead you should be your motivated by passion for your craft.

In the past two months, I have gotten to know many different people. Some are striving to become directors, some producers or actors, others corporate execs. Regardless of the goal, your best bet to make it big is to take action. If you want to become a director, you should be studying filmmaking, working on your own films, helping with others’ productions, watching tons of movies, putting together a reel, meeting other aspiring filmmakers, actors, handing out your business cards, directing people to your website (and your Twitter page, and your YouTube page, and any other social media outlet you deem necessary), studying the market…doing anything and everything to sharpen your skills and get noticed. The same principle applies to actors, producers, and corporate leaders but the ingredients in the recipe for success vary. My point: when pursuing a goal, to maximize the amount of “luck” that comes your way, you have to be exceptionally prepared for opportunities. This is by far the most important thing I learned this summer.

I met casting directors, producers, actors, studio executives, agents, and many other people that you’d love to run into on a daily basis as an aspiring ’star’. However, for me this trip was exploratory and at every meeting and every mixer, I simply soaked in information, gradually pieced together my perception of the entertainment industry, and sorted out what side of it I wanted to be a part of. As an actress, I could meet a thousand casting directors, but without a couple of headshots, a reel of my work, a recommendation or two or an impressive education in the performing arts, and confidence in my abilities, few would give me the time of day. People flock to Hollywood from all over the world in search of fame. A small percentage got noticed in the mall for having a good “look” or stumbled upon celebrity status for some other reason. The majority of those that “make it” will tell you it was hard work and luck that got them where they are. Even those that hit the jackpot after just one try wouldn’t have made it past 15 minutes without diligence. So the key to making it in Hollywood is simply knowing what you want and going after it.

I have yet to pinpoint exactly what I want. In general, the most I could do was network and make connections that I revisit once I return to Los Angeles (and meanwhile check in via the internet every few months). The next time I’m in the capital of entertainment, I will come with a specific goal in mind and action steps to get noticed.

New York Film Academy Scam? The Truth Behind the Biggest Film School in the World

2010-02-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

If you are considering spending big bucks on a film school you are going to want to know if you are throwing your money away or making a smart investment. There is no better way to find the TRUTH about a school then asking a wide range of former students to get the big picture about the school...and not just getting one persons opinion.

This here blog is a collection of thoughts on the New York Film Academy from my fellow students as I study for my Masters in Filmmaking at their New York school.

My father always told me, "don't jump in the pool, until you know how deep it is"...in other words, know what you are getting into.

I hope this blog sheds some light on the facts, rumors and not-truths of the New York Film Academy, one of the most notorious film schools in the world.