Film School Blog

New Film School Impacting Filmmakers in Abu Dhabi

Super Admin — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:09:05 +0000

Since the opening of the New York Film Academy’s Film School in Abu Dhabi last year, the growing film community in this area has been quick to recognize the potentials of film and acting schools and the impact they will have in an industry that is rapidly growing in the region.

In a place where just a few years ago, the film scene was almost non-existent, things are now moving at very fast pace. Before the opening of the New York Film Academy and other film schools in Abu Dhabi people mostly relied on the internet with some notable figures in the industry getting their start by creating web sites such as Emarat Films as in Nawaf Al Janahi’s case or starting film festivals such as the Emirates film competition back in 2001 headed by Masoud Amrallah Al Ali a former NYFA student who is now the creative director of the prestigious Dubai International Film Festival.

The new generation of filmmakers in the Emirates such as Janahi point out that productions can tap into the potential of new graduates in the field of sound engineering, editing and cinematography, to name a few. With students receiving first rate education, with a hands on approach in the field of cinema, this will have a significant impact in film and television productions in the middle east.

For productions in the area and from overseas, it is a sound decision to hire crew members locally rather than bring them over from abroad considering the economic situation globally.

Considering the growth of interest in studying cinema in the region, the long term effects of having schools such as NYFA in Abu Dhabi will be apparent within a very short time span.

Pedro Ultreras, visión detrás del lente

Super Admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:27:37 +0000

Phoenix, AZ Septiembre 26, 2008 - Siempre, después de un alejamiento temporal de su residencia en Phoenix, el cineasta Pedro Ultreras debe llegar a comer su añorado cocido de res, y en esta ocasión no fue distinto, salvo, que el cocido ya se había acabado.

“No, ya no hay caldito”, dijo la mesera con tono compasivo viendo la cara desesperada del cineasta, que durante toda su travesía desde Nueva York había saboreado el popular consomé mexicano.

“Ves, no deberías haberme entrevistado”, dice Ultreras después de darle una vista rápida al menú y pedir un plato de albóndigas… en caldo. “Nos hemos concentrado tanto en hablar que nos hemos olvidado pedir de comer”, agrega.

Minutos antes habíamos divagado entre detalles de su carrera, su pasión reciente por el cine, y los motivos que le llevaron a dirigir su nueva película “7 Soles”, que ya está circulando en importantes circuitos de festivales internacionales de cine y que recientemente fue estrenada en Los Ángeles, Chicago y Nueva York, con muy buen recibimiento por parte de la critica.

Asimismo, Pedro varias veces insistió con un humor contagiante, que deberíamos dejar de hablar de cine y que hablemos de las artes culinarias. “Claro, puedes olvidarte de tu nota sobre la película y podemos hablar de comida, además, aquí tienen una limonada muy rica”

La Voz: ¿Cuándo llegas a los Estados Unidos?

Pedro Utreras: Dejó Durango y llegó a este país en 1989, soy el último de mi familia en emigrar, toda mi familia ya estaba asentada en California.

LV: ¿Cuándo Comienzas tu carrera periodística?

PU: Cuando llegué y ví que mis hermanos y hermanas trabajaban duro en los campos agrícolas me dije: ‘caramba, esto esta muy duro, mejor estudio’. Primero ingresé a una escuela de adultos para estudiar inglés; una vez que me sentí listo me inscribí en un colegio comunitario en Península de Monterey, California donde conocí gente que estaba involucrada con los medios de comunicación. Por azares comencé como locutor en una estación pequeña donde por casualidad, uno de los internos también era camarógrafo de Univision, el me comentó que si me gustaba lo de las cámaras y la televisión, que había un programa en mi colegio comunitario que ofrecía un programa de producción de televisión. Después de estudiar me contrataron como camarógrafo en Univision y comencé a hacer pequeños reportajes.

Luego, por cuestiones laborales me mudé a El Paso, Texas, donde nuevamente ingrese a la universidad pero tuve que dejar de estudiar porque me comenzaron a mandar como corresponsal a diferentes países, viajaba mucho, y de ahí fue a Dallas y luego Chicago, Illinois.

LV: ¿Qué tipo de reportajes cubrías?

PU: De todo viajaba mucho, me mandaban a México, cubrí en Centro América el los destrozos del huracán Mitch, también el ultimo reportaje que realicé fue la Muerte del Papa y la elección de un nuevo pontífice.

LV: ¿Cuando comienza tu “comezón” por el cine?

PU: En sí, yo nunca crecí pensando en ser cineasta. Mi comezón por el cine comienza mientras soy director de noticias en la cadena televisiva Telemundo. Muchos fines de semana me iba a la frontera a cubrir temas diversos con un camarógrafo o a veces solo.

De pronto comencé a asociarme con grupos humanitarios pro-inmigrantes en Tucson, a conocer su labor y a recorrer con ellos por el desierto en búsqueda de gente que necesitaba asistencia.

LV: ¿Cómo comienza el proyecto de 7 soles?

PU: En realidad desde hace algunos años tenía el deseo de contar el drama de los muertos en el desierto de Arizona.

Mucha gente habla de las muertas de Juárez, de hecho la comunidad mundial se ha manifestado pidiendo una solución para el tema, han salido películas, documentales. Pero estamos hablando de 500 muertas en 15 años, y aunque me solidarice con las familias de las victimas porque yo viví en Ciudad Juárez, no se compara con la cantidad de muertos todos los años en el desierto. Cada año son 100, 150, 200, hasta 300 llegan.

Una vez me toco hacer un reportaje en la frontera, un día que íbamos caminando por un sendero en el desierto con gente de una agrupación de asistencia para gente que se pierde en el desierto, y de los arbustos salió un grupo de personas que estaban en muy malas condiciones. Yo les preguntaba si no sabían la magnitud del peligro de cruzar la frontera, y la gente me contestaba que sabían que era peligroso, pero que nunca se imaginaban que sería tan difícil.

Ahí nace el proyecto, quería hacer un documental que sirva como testimonio de la magnitud del problema, de lo que pasa en el desierto de Arizona.

LV: ¿Cómo te decidiste por hacer un largometraje?

PU: Bueno, no sabia nada de cine y quería realmente prepararme en cuestione cinematográficas y mi mejor opción la encontré en una escuela de cine en Nueva York (New York Film Academy), una escuela intensiva, donde desde la primera clase empiezas a jugar con los equipos. Ahí es donde realmente comienzo la escritura del guión cinematográfico para “7 Soles”.

LV: ¿En qué se basa el guión?

PU: Bueno, el guión está basado en hechos reales que presencié, o testimonios de gente que entrevisté, patrulla fronteriza, familiares de los fallecidos y algunas organizaciones pro-inmigrantes en la frontera.

Hice una recopilación de historias que había realizado a lo lardo de tres año y los puse en una misma historia, como si hubieran ocurrido en un mismo tiempo.

LV: ¿Por la naturaleza de la película, tienes problemas de distribución?

PU: 7 Soles es una historia muy fuerte que incluso nos ha traído problemas de distribución, porque las distribuidoras nos dicen: ‘el filme es muy deprimente, no queremos hacer llorar, queremos entretener’. Ellos quieren algo más rosa, algo más lírico, más novelesco […] y ese no es el sentido de la película, yo quería mostrar la realidad.

LV: Ya que hablas de distribución y el aparato industrial necesario para que una producción cinematográfica llegue a los cines, ¿Cómo crees que esta la industria, -si se le puede decir así- en Arizona?

PU: Creo que los incentivos que se les están dando a compañías de producción para que realicen sus proyectos en Arizona están muy bien, se nota una iniciativa interesante y sobre todo una predisposición para que esta industria se desarrolle en nuestro estado. Pero creo que todavía esta en pañales, hay mucho por hacer, pero me gusta que Arizona ya sea sede de producciones cinematográficas grandes.

Contacte al reportero: Edward.bernal@lavozpublishing.com

For Full Article - Click Here

A Digital Film School For Future Filmmakers

Super Admin — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:11:05 +0000

The use of digital technology in film was first used in a little known movie in 1977, Star Wars directed by George Lucas. Since 1977, there have been thousands off blockbuster movies produced using digital film technology. In fact, most films today use some form of digital technology in production. Recognizing that digital technology has become an industry standard in the motion picture and entertainment industries, The New York Film Academy, one of the most innovative and recognized film schools in the world, is now offering a specialized program in digital filmmaking offered through one, four and twelve week workshops at their location in Manhattan, NY and Universal Studio locations.

Digital Film Making (DFM) is the process of blending art and technology. DFM uses advanced technology to speed up the film making process. It also allows the film maker to be even more creative and go outside the constraints of film by using advanced digital cameras such as RED HD camcorders and editing suites such as Final Cut Pro; both used by NYFA.

With all of the new technology being used in today’s films, hands on experience is becoming even more valuable and essential in the learning process. President of the New York Film Academy, Jerry Sherlock, says that “learning to be a filmmaker, digital or otherwise, is not done “by the numbers.” It is done by immersion in the process and by knowing the “whys” that teach the “hows.” It is done by hands-on experience, trial and error, feedback and correction, and questions and answers”. This is what is gained from attending a film school.

The New York Academy Digital Film School recognizes that technology is changing how movies are created, produced and distributed. Until recently, Hollywood studios were the only ones who had the money to pay for digital tools and for the labour involved in producing digital effects. The cost of technology has come down dramatically over recent years and continues to open doors to many would-be filmmakers that would otherwise not be able to afford to make a film. This shift to digital media affects in Hollywood AND film-making as a whole has revolutionized the motion picture industry. As traditional film technology is universally being replaced by digital technology, the logic of the film-making process is being redefined.

Through their hands on workshops, the New York Film Academy hopes to provide the professional instruction, tools and opportunities needed for future digital filmmakers to perfect their craft and prepare them for a career in motion picture and entertainment. NYFA continues to stay on the cutting edge with their offerings.

For course information visit Digital Film School

Ted Hope Visits The New York Film Academy

Super Admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:32:06 +0000

On Oct 21st, Ted Hope spoke to students at the New York Film Academy School of Film on the current state of “indie film”. If you’ve missed Ted Hope’s soapbox tour, here’s your chance to get the latest installment. This is part 1 of 3. You can view the rest of the videos at NYFA’s YouTube channel.

Ted Hope, born in 1962, is an independent film producer based in New York City. As the American Indie wave hit in the early 90’s, Ted was among the first producers to emerge from the pack, and today remains one of the few consistently delivering vital and exciting new work. As times, platforms, and tastes change, Ted’s work continues to break new ground, reach new audiences, and define the term “Independent”.

Ted Hope Speaks to the New York Film Academy

NYFA Film School Student Debuts His Feature “After School”

Super Admin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:50:46 +0000

Trailer: ‘Afterschool’

“AFTERSCHOOL,” the debut feature of Antonio Campos, a 25-year-old New Yorker, unfolds in the cloistered environment of an elite boarding school, though it is perhaps more relevant to say that it takes place within the brave new world of digital information overload. Shot mainly on old-fashioned celluloid but fluent in the language of viral video, the film combines the timeless bewilderment of adolescence with a very contemporary recognition that for many of us — not least adolescents — reality is now largely a virtual experience.

…

By 2006, when Mr. Campos started writing “Afterschool” — which had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this year and screens on Monday and Wednesday at the New York Film Festival — he realized that the sensation of being both connected and disconnected was also a central feature of the media-blasted present.

For full article from The New York Times

Related - New York Film Festival

“My Vote For Free Speech” 2008 Film Contest Winners

Super Admin — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:46:39 +0000

The New York Film Academy attended the National Coalition Against Censorship’s annual dinner honoring Dan Rather, Ruth Gruber, Caroline Hirsch, Anthony Lewis, and Barney Rosset, and awarded two one-week scholarships to the winners of the 2008 Youth Free Expression Network’s “My Vote For Free Speech” Film Contest.

Join the New York Film Academy Network

Super Admin — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:01:16 +0000

In the film and acting business what you know is as important as who you know. Just ask any big name producer, director, actor or actress how they got into the business.

The New York Film Academy School of Film and Acting is proud to know thousands of students, alumni, and industry elite from around the world. NYFA want’s to help you grow your network by joining any of NYFA’s social network accounts.

Add NYFA to Your Social Network
(click links below for our profiles)

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Have a website or blog? Please link to our website, and we will return a link to yours.

When linking to us please use the following code and email the URL of your page to marketing@nyfa.com

Copy and Past Into Your Website/Blog

New York Film Academy - School of Film and Acting

Thanks for joining our network!

“Your network, is your net worth.”

Let The Right One In

Super Admin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:37:44 +0000

This blog is published by The film school & acting school at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!

New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi

Super Admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:14:20 +0000

The founding of the first accredited film school in the Middle East, NYFA-Abu Dhabi, will create a unique platform for the nurturing of young creative talent and develop a vibrant film industry for the region centred in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration between ADACH and New York film Academy is the first initiative of its kind in this part of the world.

The New York Film Academy is the largest film school and international centre for film training in the world. It maintains two principal campuses, in New York and Los Angeles, and has other training locations around the globe.

The NYFA was founded in 1992 as a practical, total immersion alternative to the traditional classroom-based film education. It was founded on the belief that the highest quality education in filmmaking should be accessible to anyone with the drive and ambition to make films.

Students at NYFA-Abu Dhabi will learn about all aspects of the film industry – creative and technical. Courses will include the film industry, acting, scenario writing, 3D animation, production and documentary film making. Class size is limited to enhance interaction between students and staff, and visits from celebrities from the world of cinema will bring the reality of the film industry into the classroom.

This exciting collaboration between ADACH and NYFA will play a pivotal role in the development of film-making skills and enrich the cultural life of the Gulf and Middle East for years to come.

This blog is published by The film school & acting school at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!

First Digital Film School Using RED HD Video Camera

Super Admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:03:19 +0000

Known for shooting some of the latest blockbuster films such as Jumper, Angels & Demons, Guerilla and Crossing the Line, the RED HD camera is a digital film makers dream. Just ask students at the Digital Film School at the New York Film Academy.

The New York Film Academy School of Film and Acting is proud to be the first and only film school to own and make available to students the RED HD camera during a new two year Digital Filmmaking conservatory program at their New York City and Los Angeles locations.

NYFA owns six RED HD cameras that students can sign out for their film projects throughout their second year of study in the Filmmaking and Digital Filmmaking programs. The camera has been well received by NYFA faculty and students. “Being able to shoot with the RED camera now will give me experience that a small amount of students will have because no other school gives their students the access to this camera like NYFA does.” says one student.

“Typical high-end HD camcorders have 2.1M pixel sensors and record with 3:1:1 color sub-sampled video at up to 30fps. RED offers the Mysterium ™ Super 35mm cine sized (24.4×13.7mm) sensor, which provides 4K (up to 30 fps), 3K (up to 60 fps) and 2K (up to 120 fps) capture, and all this with wide dynamic range and color space in 12 bit native RAW. At 4K, that’s more than 5 times the amount of information available every second and a vastly superior recording quality. In addition, you get the same breathtaking Depth of Field and selective focus as found in film cameras using equivalent 35mm P/L mount lenses. Mysterium ™ boasts greater than 66db Dynamic Range thanks to its large 29 sq. micron pixels. And 12,065,000 pixels deliver resolution that can only be called Ultra High Definition.”

For more info on the Digital Film School

This blog is published by The film school & acting school at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!

New York Film Academy Presents “CRASH”

Super Admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:52:06 +0000

Screening and Q&A With Producer - MARK HARRIS

People are born with good hearts, but they grow up and learn prejudices.

“Crash” is a movie that brings out bigotry and racial stereotypes. A Brentwood housewife and her D.A. husband. A Persian store owner. Two police detectives who are also lovers. An African-American television director and his wife. A Mexican locksmith. Two car-jackers. A rookie cop. A middle-aged Korean couple. They all live in Los Angeles. And during the next 36 hours, they will all collide.

When: Sunday October 19th, 2008
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Warner Bros Studios Los Angeles Screening Room #12

GUEST LIST RSVP: shawn.aly@nyfa.edu

This blog is published by The film school & acting school at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!

Local Color Screening

Super Admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:36:56 +0000

Leonard Maltin, film critic for Entertainment Tonight since 1982, interviewed Writer, Director George Gallo and Producer Julie Lott Gallo after the screening of their film “Local Color”. After the interview, New York Film Academy students had a Q & A with them.

This blog is published by The film school & acting school at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!

Come one, Come All!

Super Admin — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:31:28 +0000

The New York Film Academy is honored to announce that the much revered producer, Barbara DeFina will be joining us for our 2008-2009 industry speakers series on September 15 at 6:30PM.

She is probably best known for her work on such iconic films as “Goodfellas”, (Academy Award Nominated), “Casino”, (Academy Award Nominated), “The Age of Innocence” (Academy Award Nominated), “The Last Temptation of Christ” (Academy Award Nominated), “The Grifters” (Academy
Award Nominated) and “You Can Count on Me” (Independent Spirit Award).

She has most recently completed, “Lymelife”, with Alec Baldwin and Emma Roberts. It will world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival in it’s discovery sidebar. The Independent Film portrays life in late 1970’s Long Island through the eyes of a 15 year-old boy (Rory Culkin).

This blog is published by The film school & Acting School at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!

Choking Man

Super Admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:47:20 +0000

Josh Zeman, a producing partner at Ghost Robot production company, is a constant resource for the New York Film Academy giving many of our students internships over the years. Recently, one of our students was lucky enough to shadow Josh at Ghost Robot and she wrote us, “I’ve never been happier in my life “. Josh also kindly sits on numerous film panels here at NYFA.

He has recently been named inaugural fellow for Sundance Institute’s creative producing initiative for the project “Forest Grove,” the first narrative feature by Jonathan Caouette (Tarnation).

His film “Choking Man,” won the Gotham Award in the “Best Film Not Playing Near a Theater Near You,” category and was pronounced, “…delightful by the New York Times.

The following is an excerpt of an interview with his director, Steve Barron.

This blog is published by The film school & Acting School at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!

T’ai Chi Chih/Qigong at NYFA

Super Admin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:58:43 +0000

FREE for students of NYFA
Every Tuesday, 8:30am-9:15am, beginning: August 26, 2008
New York Film Academy, 4th Floor

Starting Tuesday, Aug 26th, Sokie Lee will teach a simple form of Qigong called T’ai Chi Chih (TCC). T’ai Chi Chih is NOT T’ai Chi Chuan, a martial art which requires many years of training. TCC is a series of meditative movements that are easy to learn, yet powerful. Based on principles of Circularity, Continuity and moving from the Center, TCC consists of 19 self-contained movements and a closing pose. TCC complements Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, or any other physical activities.

Below is a video of Sokie teaching students on a ship’s deck in Alaska.

This blog is published by The film school & Acting School at the New York Film Academy. Visit our website to learn more about our exciting curriculum!