As always we appreciate the love and support! Check out our highlights for the week. Perhaps you will be included next week.
New York Film Academy’s Community Highlights
Watch New York Film Academy Professors’ “Being Elmo” Tonight on PBS
Catch the Sundance Special Jury Prize winning documentary, Being Elmo, from New York Film Academy Docs’ Master Class professors, Philip Shane and Constance Marks TONIGHT at 9P.M. EST on PBS! Congrats to our wonderful filmmakers for their critically acclaimed documentary!
Check local listings for time and specific channel in your area.
New York Film Academy’s Weekly Roundup
“Well, tell Jim his honor’s not going to Michigan. Romney’s a clown, and I don’t want him standing next to him.” – Henry Francis on Mad Men
- HBO Will Pay For Your Game of Thrones Tattoo Fans were inked with one of the five sigils from the warring families of Westeros in Game of Thrones. When can we get our Boardwalk Empire tattoos?
- Blood on Tracks on Film Bob Dylan’s acclaimed album Blood on Tracks will be made into a feature length film. This should be pretty trippy.
- Today Gets Ratings With Palin Say what you want about Sarah Palin, the woman can still deliver ratings. Now, whether she can the run the country or not is another question.
- Mad Men Slams Romney Character, Henry Francis, called Romney a “clown.” Not Mitt Romney, George Romney. Bet you didn’t know Mitt had a clown for a father.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Woody’s in Rome Woody Allen returns to the screen in his film To Rome With Love. Wonder which country is next on the Woody Allen European tour?
New York Film Academy Professor Gets Final Word on Titanic
New York Film Academy’s Emmy-winning professor, Tony Gerber, teams up with National Geographic to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking with a two hour documentary featuring James Cameron. The Master Class professor’s documentary will air this Sunday on NAT GEO and is titled, Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron.
The countdown to the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, will be marked by a few key moments:
- 4/6: Titanic 3D releases. The record-shattering, eleven Academy Awards-winning, mega blockbuster now plays in 3D.
- 4/8: NAT GEO airs Titanic: The Final Word w/ James Cameron at 8:00P.M.
- 4/12: Director Tony Gerber will screen it on the big screen for the first time at New York Film Academyin New York City, sharing his behinds-the-scenes lessons and secrets with the NYFA Documentary students - just as soon as the traditional premiere embargo is lifted.
- 4/14: Marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
Check out Entertainment Tonight’s and NIGHTLINE’S coverage of Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron.
The Power of Pitchfest
Pitchfest are events at New York Film Academy are held shortly after graduation for MFA and AFA students in Screenwriting and Producing. A culmination of their studies, graduates pitch their thesis projects, usually a TV pilot or feature screenplay, to television and film professionals. It’s a great opportunity for students to start developing relationships in the industry. About 15 producing students held their event on campus in March, pitching their projects to industry professionals including guests from HBO and Network Television, and even George Gallo, writer of Midnight Run, Bad Boys, and The Whole Ten Yards. Twelve screenwriting students held their event at West Hollywood’s luxurious Andaz Hotel. By the end of the evening, each student had pitched to about 20 companies.
Since the event, a number of students from both departments have gotten interest from companies. Congratulations to our recent Screenwriting and Producing graduates!
New York Film Academy’s Alumni Spotlight: Jesse Bernal
Acting for Film graduate Jesse Bernal is one of many military veterans who chose 
to attend New York Film Academy after leaving the military. The San Antonio native followed in the footsteps of his father and other brother who both served their country. Jesse spent 7 years in the US Air Force, working as a calibration technician and electronics specialist. His service took him to New Mexico, South Korea, and South Carolina.
to attend New York Film Academy after leaving the military. The San Antonio native followed in the footsteps of his father and other brother who both served their country. Jesse spent 7 years in the US Air Force, working as a calibration technician and electronics specialist. His service took him to New Mexico, South Korea, and South Carolina.Though Jesse had started taking some acting classes while serving in the military, and booked some television roles (including Lifetime’s Army Wives, and the film The New Daughter with Kevin Costner), he decided to attend New York Film Academy at Universal Studios to further develop his talent.
“The GI Bill paid my full tuition and living expenses. Without having to worry about [the money], I was able to put my best foot forward,” he explained. “The military gave me structure and helped me with time management. When we were doing scenes, I would think that it’s not just working, but working with my team.”
Jesse landed a manager after participating in an actors’ showcase put on by New York Film Academy. Soon after his graduation in June 2011, he booked a role in a promo for HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher. He also joined the staff of the New York Film Academy to stay busy between auditions and performances. “Everyone on the staff believes in me and my talent,” says Jesse. He adds, “It’s amazing to see new students as they come in. I get to see their passion. It’s uplifting.” He also thanks his family for their support and inspiration.
You can catch Jesse in a starring role in A Few Good Men at the Sky Lounge in the North Hollywood Arts District. The play was written by Aaron Sorkin, who later adapted the script for the film. The production with Rise Above Theatre Movement has just been extended and runs through April 22. In between work and evening performances, Jesse also squeezed in a modeling job for a national print advertising campaign. He is also producing a short film called The Secretary, a slapstick comedy about a couple and their infidelities. He is gearing up to direct a stage production of Reasons to be Pretty at the end of the summer.
New York Film Academy Supports the LA Food Bank
New York Film Academy is proud to announce a food drive at the Universal Studios campus running from April 2 to April 27. Supporting the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, the goal is to collect over 300 pounds of food for families in need. Students and staff can donate dry goods, canned goods, and non-perishable items in collection boxes at the front desks in each of the 3 buildings.
Founded in 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank works with 640 partner agencies, distributing food to battered women shelters, senior centers, food pantries, soup kitchens, AIDS hospices, and more. In 2011 the organization was able to distribute 60 million pounds of food in Los Angeles County.
Please help us fight hunger in our community and support this noble organization by donating your unwanted food. You can also support the cause financially by contributing to our virtual food drive. For every one dollar that is donated, the food bank is able to distribute five dollars worth of food and products. Spread the word by tweeting @LAFoodBank and becoming a Facebook fan. Every little bit counts!
Learn more about our programs in Los Angeles at Universal Studios. Click here.
One Graduate’s Journey to the Cannes Film Festival
New York Film Academy Abu Dhabi grad Faraz Waqar’s graduation thesis film 9:11 AM was selected for its world premiere at the Festival de Cannes 2012 Short Films Corner. The Short Films Corner hands you an annual tailor-made program of industry meets, workshops and conferences that deal with strategic issues. Faraz will benefit from all the advantages of being an accredited attendee of the festival. He can access the Marché du Film exhibitors or those in the Village International. Faraz will also be able to network with all the biggest industry players, whether they are institutions, financiers and the most important international reps in the film business. Talk about opening some doors. What more can a film graduate ask for?
Tell us where your passion started?
Studying film and working in film was always my dream. Reviving the film industry in my own country through films has always been my goal. However, the pressure for financial success and lack of support from my family forced me to study Business Management instead of filmmaking. I spent 12 years working in the corporate world as a banker in the Middle East but never let my dream of becoming a filmmaker die. After achieving a fair degree of success in my business career and achieving financial independence, I was in a position to finally pursue my dream and passion.
What drives you as an artist?
The Middle East has played a very important role in the of human civilization. In recent years, however, this region has been in the media for all the wrong reasons. Cinema is the most powerful tool to make or break the image of a person, culture or country. Becoming a film director puts you in a position of immense power. You can influence the hearts and minds of people of the world. This is the best way to contribute something which will benefit your own culture. You also enjoy the immense opportunity to be creative. You’re having fun too.
How was your NYFA experience?
I joined the 1-year Filmmaking program in Abu Dhabi last February. The institution brought to my doorstep the facilities and instruction that has trained so many prominent filmmakers in the United States. I graduated from NYFA two months ago. It was perhaps the most memorable year of my life. I truly lived my dream. The best part about studying at NYFA was learning from professors who had a wealth of experiences working as directors and cinematographers on world renowned film projects both in Hollywood and in the Middle East. The student body in Abu Dhabi is extremely diverse. We have classmates from Australia, India, Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Eastern Europe, Pakistan, Lebenon, Switzerland, Iraq, UAE, Nigeria and Denmark. It was superb because you got to make some wonderful friends from different cultures and benefit from their vastly different perspectives. I formed some very close friendships and enjoyed working with this diverse international group. Film school always ends up attracting the most creative and passionate people. The network I’ve established will benefit me in any project I pursue.
NYFA’s program is intensive and comprehensive. Film projects start from idea conception to script finalization, and ranges from casting, editing, production and post-production. I wrote, directed and edited 8 complete films during my one year at the school. In addition I was also involved in the production of 39 films in various capacities as part of the crew (short films, documentaries and music videos) for other directors. I got full freedom to experiment, shoot and work on different ideas and scripts for my projects.
We had access to some of the best film cameras in the world. We shot from digital to 16mm, 35mm and even on the Red Epic. It was amazing.
What is your perspective on screening at film festivals? Advice on the process?
Recognition at quality film festivals do add a lot of credibility to a new filmmaker’s profile. It gives one confidence as a professional to people. Recognition at a major festival immediately bring you into the spotlight, especially in a market where filmmaking is still in a nascent stage and the people in the industry all know each other. It helps bring your name into notice amongst all in the film making circle. Never make your film with the intention of getting into any particular festival. That is not the way I would do it. Be selective about the festivals you apply to once your film is complete. I believe that whatever comes naturally from your heart will represent you and what you are most passionate about. It will turn out to be your best work. It is also very important to present their films professionally. Films submitted should be properly branded. DVDs must be labelled, craft themed posters meticulously, and make sure to select originally composed or royalty-free music. This improves the chances of selection too. Every small detail helps.
What kind of advice would you give to the aspiring filmmaker and NYFA student dreaming to succeed?
Be yourself. Let your work be original. Let it be your best creative effort on a subject you are passionate about. It will naturally bring out the best in you. Believe in your work but never shy away from feedback and criticism from a trusted source. The audience is your consumer, and you must communicate a certain point of view. Being too abstract for the sake of being artistic may cause the message of your film to be lost. Be intelligent. Do not focus on controversial topics for the sake of controversy. Base your film on a controversial topic if you truly believe in it. Your script is everything. Make sure it’s perfect. Make sure it’s engaging and interesting.
Actors matter the most. Their performance can make or break your film. Select them wisely, prepare them well and value their time and effort. You cannot make a film alone. It’s a team effort. Your crew is contributing in a major way to give shape to your vision. Value them and treat them with respect. Build your team with the next project in mind. Don’t use and discard others. Selfishness and a bad attitude will take you nowhere in a very team-dependent industry.
Learn more about NYFA in Abu Dhabi. Click here.
New York Film Academy’s Student Spotlight: Paris Bauldwin on Cannes and Eric Roberts
MFA Filmmaking student Paris Bauldwin recently finished her thesis film, Chrysalis. The film centers on Abigail Hunter, a struggling waitress with little direction in her life, aside from drugs. Her aimless drift is disrupted when a young runaway shows up, claiming to be her daughter. The girl’s search for family and affection interrupts Abigail’s free fall, and the two decide to define family on their own terms. It features veteran actor Eric Roberts.
“He’d had issues with addiction in the past and was really honest about it. I wrote a letter and sent it to his team. He and his wife made [the process] really easy. They invited me to their home. He is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met.”
On a recent visit to New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, Roberts spoke glowingly about working with Bauldwin, saying “Paris is a real director, guys. Really.” He joked, “She is also very… kind in her manipulation.”
Paris recently published her first book, Fragments of Addiction, co-written with her father. “It’s always been something I’ve been passionate about — helping people with addiction” she says. “I grew up around addiction. I knew all the characters really well. They were my sisters and brothers.”
Paris also recently completed a short film called Looking for Liana that was accepted to the Cannes Short Film Corner. She is excited to visit Europe first time, and participate in her first major festival. She credits New York Film Academy for giving her the education she needs for her film to succeed, saying, “To have support from people who have already done it was really amazing. Ultimately, I don’t think I would be able to complete this project anywhere else.”
Paris has plans to take Chrysalis on the film festival circuit, as well as fundraising for the next feature film she is producing. Of her hectic schedule, Paris says, “Sleep is secondary. I’m on the right track.”
New York Film Academy’s Community Highlights
If you’re a film student, or just a movie buff, chances are you’ve sat around with friends in an epic “movie game” battle at some point. One person names an actor and the next has to name a movie they’re in. And the chain can go on until everyone is stumped. Last week, we created a virtual “movie game” through our @NYFA Twitter. Fans were firing back movie titles, ranging from Stardust to Philadelphia. Who knew Stardust had such a star studded cast?
We also chatted on Quentin Tarantino’s birthday, trying to nail down his best film. Pulp Fiction? Reservoir Dogs? Not sure if we will ever decide, but we know our followers are huge fans of his. Finally, we had one follower “sold” on New York Film Academy simply from a courtesy tweet. Now that’s what we call loyalty.
