Home Posts tagged "acting school" (Page 4)

NY Film Academy Faculty Produce and Star in Sundance Award Winning Hit Movie!

Published on December 15, 2011

New York Film Academy Acting Instructor Cassandra Freeman stars as Rose in Kinyarwanda

When Roger Ebert gave feature film Kinyarwanda four stars, he commented, “I thought I knew something about Rwanda, but I didn’t really know very much. I was moved by Hotel Rwanda but not really shaken this deeply. Not like this…Here is a powerful film.” Behind the project are New York Film Academy Acting Professor Cassandra Freeman, star of Kinyarwanda, and Producing Professor Darren Dean, who is responsible for producing the film along with Ishmael Ntihabose, Tommy Oliver, and Deatra Harris. The film interweaves six different tales that together to form one grand narrative, providing a complex and real depiction of human resilience and life during the genocide. 

Poster for hit film Kinyarwanda, produced by New York Film Academy instructor Darren Dean

Kinyarwanda’s many recognitions have included winning the World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival, the World Cinema Audience Award at AFI Fest, the Crystal Heart Award at the Heartland Film Festival, and the Audience Award at the Starz Denver Film Fest. The film is now playing at select theaters throughout the country including at AMC Theaters in Times Square, New York.

Cassandra says, “I’m also a teacher at New York Film Academy. If you’re an actor and you have a lot of things going on, it helps inform your work and it gives you a toolbox of emotions and different perspectives. You can’t just act all the time.”

Cassandra, whose other credits include playing Denzel Washington’s wife in Spike Lee’s Inside Man and the funny best friend in Chris Rock’s I Think I Love My Wife, comments in a recent interview that the experience of playing Lt. Rose Kabuye was more than just learning lines: ”I shaved off my hair. I shaved it off until there was about a half inch of afro and I let that grow in. I actually lived with a real Rwandan family, so I underwent a cultural transformation as well. I had a mom, dad, sister, and brother. So I really had the chance to absorb the culture of Rwanda.” 

To learn more about the film including where the film will next be screening, check out http://www.kinyarwandamovie.com/

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NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY!

Published on December 13, 2011

New York Film Academy welcome prospective students to learn more about our hands-on programs this Saturday, December 17th at all locations. 

12 PM – 1 PM – ADULT LONG TERM

One & Two-Year Conservatory, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Two-Year Fine Arts Degree & MFA Programs in Filmmaking/Producing/Screenwriting/Documentary/3D Animation/Photography/Cinematography/Broadcast Journalism/Game Design (LA only)

Acting for Film long term program in LA covered during this session. All New York Acting and Musical Theatre programs will be covered at 3pm in New York.

1 PM – 2 PM – ADULT SHORT TERM WORKSHOPS

Hands-on Intensive Workshops in Filmmaking/Producing/Screenwriting/Music Video/3D Animation/Digital Editing/Broadcast Journalism/Cinematography (LA only)

2 PM – 3 PM – TEEN PROGRAMS

Hands-on Intensive Summer Camps in Filmmaking/Acting For Film/Screenwriting/3D Animation/Broadcast Journalism (NY only)/Music Video

3 PM – 4 PM – NEW YORK ACTING/MUSICAL THEATRE PROGRAMS

One & Two-Year Conservatory, Two-Year Fine Arts Degree, MFA Programs and Hands-on Intensive Workshops in Acting for Film/ Musical Theatre

MORE OPEN HOUSE OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Mexico – Wednesday, Dec 14th. BIBLIOTECA BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
    Liverpool 31, Colonia Juarez., Entre Berlin y Dinamarca, (a unas cuantas cuadras de el Metro Insurgentes), la Ciudad de Mexico.
  • Australia - Saturday, Dec, 17th from 12 PM – 1 PM. RSVP to australia@nyfa.edu. Creative Enterprise Centre, Level 4, Z1 The Works
    34 Parer Place, Kelvin, Grove, Brisbane QLD 4059
    Tel: +61 7 3337 7888,     for more info or click here

NYFA NEW YORK LOCATION – 100 East 17th Street, NY. NO RSVP NEEDED

NYFA LA – UNIVERSAL STUDIOS LOCATION – 3801 Barham Blvd, Lakeside Plaza, LA, CA 90068. MUST RSVP to studios@nyfa.edu

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New York Film Academy Graduate Aubrey Plaza stars with Megan Mullally in New Funny-Or-Die Video

Published on December 7, 2011

NYFA Graduate Aubrey Plaza (left) with Megan Mullally (right)

New York Film Academy Graduate Aubrey Plaza stars with Megan Mullally in new Funny-Or-Die video Peggy Dvorak’s Home for Actresses. The short finds the Breaking In star schooling actresses on how to be less US weekly reading, small dog toting clones. Famous co-stars that have unwillingly signed up for her treatment include Lizzy Caplan, Lake Bell, Michaela Watkins, Ellie Kemper, and Casey Wilson. Infractions at Megan’s strict facility include singing Kesha in the shower and eating muffins. Watch the full video HERE. 

Since graduating from the New York Film Academy’s summer acting program for teens, Aubrey Plaza has gone on to star in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Funny People, and Mystery Team. She had a cameo on 30 Rock and stars in 56 episodes of Parks and Recreation as April Ludgate along co-star Amy Poehler. 

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New York Film Academy Giving Workshop at Colorado Thespian Conference

Published on December 2, 2011

NYFA’s Blake Babbitt is a guest artist at the 2011 Colorado State Thespian Conference

New York Film Academy will present workshop ”An Insider’s Guide to a Killer Audition” on Friday, December 9th as part of 2011 Colorado State Thespian Conference. Want to learn how to make a lasting impression in the casting office? NYFA’s Blake Babbitt will conduct an exciting and well-rounded audition techniques workshop, emphasizing theatre, film, television, and commercial auditions. Students will learn all aspects of the professional auditioning world, as well as the tools and terms of the “biz” necessary to land the role. Using materials from actual shows, you will have the to opportunity to take direction as you would in a real world casting session.  Students will also learn about “type;” the realities and importance associated with truly knowing your “type,” audition etiquette, and how to make a lasting impression on casting directors, agents, and managers.  Blake will share his personal list of Do’s and Don’ts associated with auditions, and you can pick his brain on any industry questions you may have!    

“I’m excited to be back in my home State to see all the talent Colorado has to offer” Blake comments, “I look forward to teaching students my exciting audition techniques workshop!”

Blake Babbitt is an admissions counselor at the New York Film Academy.  In addition to working at NYFA, Blake is an accomplished New York based actor, emerging playwright, and award-winning director.  Recent Off-Broadway credits include Baylis in Blackbird, Berowne from Love’s Labors Lost in the 45th Street Theatre’s annual Shakespeare Festival, and Joe in the premiere Dan Savage’s of Seeking Savage Love at the Laurie Beechman Theatre.  Blake has also worked closely with Oscar and Tony Award Nominee Murray Schisgal (Tootsie) on his new play Wallstreet Fandango.  Other theatre credits include, Tim in Suburbia, Richie in Lover’s and Other Strangers, and Adam in Complete Works Of William Shakespeare.  TV and film credits include Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX), Bottom Feeders (an original TV pilot), and Passed Over (an original web series).  Blake recently won a best play award for his direction of emerging playwright Josh Billig’s Benefit of Friends at the American Globe Theatre.

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NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY STUDENTS JOIN THE SET OF EMMY-WINNING WRITER/DIRECTOR JOSS WHEDON’S ‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’

Published on November 29, 2011

Dozens of New York Film Academy students joined the cast of Joss Whedon’s latest project, a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in just 12 days, NYFA students made up 75% of the background players.

New York Film Academy AFA Acting for Film grad, Chris English, worked on the set for 2 days. Says English, “It was incredible being on Joss Whedon’s set, which was at his house. It was the most comfortable environment you could imagine. It was a very memorable experience I’ll definitely take with me.”

Adam James Shirley, an AFA Acting for Film student, enjoyed his day working as an extra on the set, saying, “The mood on set was very uplifting. Everyone was there for the love of the film, and everyone always had a smile on their face. There were no complaints and all crew and cast members were approachable to talk to at anytime.” Adam added, “Seeing Joss Whedon direct was a real treat. It was interesting to see how one of Hollywood’s top directors does his job. The most interesting part of the entire set experience was that even though he was the director, he still took a few minutes between prop set-ups and takes to play with his children.”

According to a press release posted on the film’s website, Much Ado About Nothing is the first project produced by the newly-formed of Bellwether Pictures, a micro studio created by Whedon and wife, Kai Cole, for producing of small, independent projects.

In an interview in The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s star, Sean Maher, confirmed that the film was shot in black and white, and has a ‘very noir’ and ‘stylized’ look to it. In addition to Maher, the film features a number of Whedon alums, including Amy Acker, Tom Lenk, Nathan Fillion, and Alexis Denisof.

Much Ado About Nothing is currently in post-production, and is scheduled for completion in early spring, when it will hit the festival circuit.

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Award-Winning Casting Director Speaking at New York Film Academy this Week

Published on November 25, 2011

New York Film Academy welcomes Casting Director Jen Rudin to speak to students and alumni on Friday, December 2nd from 2:00 – 3:30pm at NYFA New York. Award-Winning Casting Director Jen Rudin, owner of Jen Rudin Casting, LLC has significant experience as a Studio Casting Executive, freelance Casting Director and audition and career coach.  Jen’s credits include The Incredibles, The Princess and the Frog, Chicken Little, Meet the Robinsons and more. Outside her film work, Jen was in charge of casting for the following successful Broadway shows and tours: The Lion King,  Mary Poppins,  The Little Mermaid, High School Musical. Jen will speak to students and alumni about what she looks for in an audition, how to stand out from a crowd, and how to make sure you are casting the right actors for your project.

Event will take place at 100 East 17th Street, 4th Floor Screening Room on 12/2 at 2pm. Students and alumni only.

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New York Film Academy Raises Over $1000 in Aids Walk

Published on November 15, 2011

NYFA students at the 2011 Aids Walk in Los Angeles, California

New York Film Academy students and staff joined over 30,000 participants for AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2011. Spearheaded by the Universal Studios campus’ 5th Floor Manager, Sara Blindauer, Team NYFA helped raise over $1,000 to support AIDS Project Los Angeles. Says Blindauer, “I feel strongly that community service is something we should do. A lot of students said they wanted to do events to show their school spirit, and I thought it would be great if we could do school activities that benefit other people.”

Anne Moore, New York Film Academy acting instructor, shared, “I had a great time walking for the first time this year.  I was proud to represent NYFA and humbled to be there. This is such an important cause as it doesn’t just affect one community, it affects us all. “


MFA Acting for Film student Tannisha Brown said, “Even though I don’t personally know many people with AIDS, it made me feel great walking for those who were affected. My experience was wonderful. We had a great time interacting with others. I would definitely do it again.” Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has raised more than $72 million for HIV programs and services throughout Los Angeles County.

New York Film Academy is dedicated to supporting our community, and is in the process of creating a charity outreach group called NYFA Gives Back. Stay tuned for details on future events!

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NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY!

Published on November 14, 2011

New York Film Academy welcome prospective students to learn more about our hands-on programs this Saturday, November 19th at all locations. 

12 PM – 1 PM – ADULT LONG TERM

One & Two-Year Conservatory, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Two-Year Fine Arts Degree & MFA Programs in Filmmaking/Producing/Screenwriting/Documentary/3D Animation/Photography/Cinematography/Broadcast Journalism/Game Design (LA only)

Acting for Film long term program in LA covered during this session. All New York Acting and Musical Theatre programs will be covered at 3pm in New York.

1 PM – 2 PM – ADULT SHORT TERM WORKSHOPS

Hands-on Intensive Workshops in Filmmaking/Producing/Screenwriting/Music Video/3D Animation/Digital Editing/Broadcast Journalism/Cinematography (LA only)

2 PM – 3 PM – TEEN PROGRAMS

Hands-on Intensive Summer Camps in Filmmaking/Acting For Film/Screenwriting/3D Animation/Broadcast Journalism (NY only)/Music Video

3 PM – 4 PM – NEW YORK ACTING/MUSICAL THEATRE PROGRAMS

One & Two-Year Conservatory, Two-Year Fine Arts Degree, MFA Programs and Hands-on Intensive Workshops in Acting for Film/ Musical Theatre

MORE OPEN HOUSE OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Milan, Italy – Thursday, Nov 17th from 10:30 AM – 12 PM. RSVP to italy@nyfa.edu for more info or click here
  • Australia – Saturday, Nov 19th from 12 PM – 1 PM. RSVP to australia@nyfa.edu for more info or click here

NYFA NEW YORK LOCATION – 100 East 17th Street, NY. NO RSVP NEEDED

NYFA LA – UNIVERSAL STUDIOS LOCATION – 3801 Barham Blvd, Lakeside Plaza, LA, CA 90068. MUST RSVP to studios@nyfa.edu

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    Backstage Interviews NYFA’s Acting Expert Glenn Kalison

    Published on September 12, 2011

    New York Film Academy Acting Chair Glenn Kalison is featured by industry publication Backstage in the September 9, 2011 article, “Is There an Acting Teaching Approach with Which You Disagree?” Check out Kalison’s response:

    No, unless we’re talking about using paddles or rulers. The teacher is much more important than the philosophy. A breakdown in communication between teacher and student will stunt progress within the framework of any philosophy.

    The learning process for actors cannot be forced or rushed. Fantastic teachers need to be patient, dynamic, smart, confident, and inspirational. They need to inspire commitment and trust in students and remind them that acting is about the storytelling, not emotional output. Classes that wallow in emotion can feel like therapy and can take joy out of the process (not much different than the paddle, actually). We need to work on our skills, on broadening our emotional palette, of course, but without losing sight of the bigger picture. Good teachers keep that in check.

    The most important learning moments I’ve had as an actor have been moments in which I have genuinely discovered something—about listening, about placing all my focus on the other person in the scene, about playing an action, about making a strong choice in service to the story, about how others perceive me, etc. Some of these discoveries happened in the classroom and others on stage or in front of the camera. The best teachers I’ve had in my life have pointed me in the direction of these discoveries without taking the credit, knowing that they might happen at a later time. The work of an acting teacher is sometimes covert, in that it’s better to say nothing and gently guide in a certain direction.

    Other actors require a stronger push to realize their potential. Genuine discoveries, even small ones, are mind-blowing, monumental experiences that stick with us and become building blocks for our future work. They build our constitution as actors and people. Some are insidious. We are really all teaching the same thing, and the key is having it make sense to the student, not to prove our philosophy. Different approaches will work for different people, so we need lots of tools in our chest.

    Learn more about the New York Film Academy Acting Conservatory today.

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    Chasing the Dream: NYFA Graduate Grant Turnbull on Life after Acting School

    Published on August 23, 2011

    Grant Turnbull was a qualified architect when he contacted New York Film Academy to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. Grant says, “I studied 75 hours a week in college just to get my masters…now I am here doing what I love in life but working 10 times harder than before, chasing that dream.” Grant’s hard work has paid off, as he has been busy doing plays, films, and modeling gigs since graduation from New York Film Academy’s September 2010 One-Year Acting Conservatory.

     

    Recently, NYFA Acting Instructor Kathy Curtiss directed Grant as Angelo the Goldsmith in the Drilling Companies production of A Comedy of Errors. Nytheatre.com called production the “the strongest, funniest, and most creative” interpretation of the show the reviewer had ever seen. NYFA Acting Instructor Glynis Rigsby also directed Grant for the show BFF, which co-starred NYFA graduates Emily Seale Jones and Clio Davies. The show ran for four nights at The Tank, a space operated by NYFA Acting Instructor Kevin Laibson. Grant is thankful for the many collaborations he has had with the NYFA community: “The amazing thing about NYFA is the faculty are working actors and they will present you with opportunities… however, you as the actor have to find them, they are not just handed to you on a plate.” Grant has also been actively booking print work after signing with Flaunt Models, FFT Models NYC and Bella Agency. In the last three weeks, he has booked four shoots in New York for emerging jeans and T-shirt brands.

    Grant’s film work has included starring in Josh Winker’s NYFA thesis Buddy, which Grant comments was “no ordinary student shoot.” The project included 7 days of rehearsal and 10 days of shooting, and shot in multiple locations including Nassau County Correctional in Long Island. The film, which received rave reviews during a recent faculty critique, screens this coming Friday, August 26th at Natsumi Restaurant and Lounge (226 West 50th street) at 9, 10, and 11 PM. Grant has been invited by Glenn Kalison, Chair of the NYFA Acting Department, to speak at the September Orientation on the value of hard work in the entertainment industry and getting back only what you put into an experience. Grant comments, “You have got to earn your opportunities. Respect and hard work…will lead you down the correct path.”

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