ACTING & FILM SCHOOL

The New York Film Academy is training the next generation of journalists to be prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of journalism in the 21st Century. Working with top broadcast and investigative journalists, the New York Film Academy created an intensive hands-on curriculum to address the pressing demand for multi-skilled, independent journalists on broadcast television, cable, and the Internet.

Students are introduced to cutting edge digital technology and methods that are now being used professionally in the field. Today’s journalists are expected to research, write, shoot, produce, edit, and even appear on camera in their own field reports and investigative segments. In small crews or even solo, these intrepid reporters are the fastest growing part of the journalism profession. Our Investigative Journalism programs will challenge students to practice and develop these skills in preparation to enter this exciting and competitive field.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Through study and hands-on practice, students are trained in the fundamental principles, techniques, and craft of contemporary journalism. This is accomplished through a combination of lecture, demonstration, in-class handson production, and the students’ own work. Each student produces a series of prerecorded news projects, shot both single and multi-camera and edited on Final-Cut Pro.

Students who complete this program should be able to confidently research, produce, shoot, write, report, narrate, and edit news projects suitable for broadcast and the Internet. The first semester provides a foundation in journalistic skills in this digital age that students apply to more advanced work in the second semester where the focus is on a live weekly newscast. Students learn the process of show production as they rotate positions that include anchor, reporter, writer, producer, camera person and director.

CLASSES

BROADCAST JOURNALISM
This course is the spine of the program and encompasses the principles and foundation of news-gathering and production. All student projects are introduced in class and it is the venue where they are viewed and critiqued. Topics include: Story ideas and development, research, basic reporting, producing and directing single and multiple camera shoots, live and remote production. Classes are geared towards preparing students for their own productions throughout the year.

HANDS - ON CAMERA & LIGHTING
Functions, operation, and use of the HD digital video camera and associated equipment. Training for shooting in the field and in the studio. Students learn to operate professional cameras and production equipment enabling them to technically execute single and multi-camera productions and understand the necessities of a variety of shooting environments and conditions. Lighting is a key element in this class, and students will learn basic three-point lighting techniques, lighting for various interview situations, and lighting on location.

HANDS - ON AUDIO
Students learn to record in a multitude of situations. Students also learn mixing and communications. Training encompasses wireless, interview, and boom microphone techniques.

PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
In these teacher-supervised labs, the process of producing, shooting, interviewing and sound recording for news projects is put into practice. Each workshop is an opportunity for students to implement and examine in a controlled environment the techniques they are learning in class. Prior to the execution of their individual projects, students meet with the Production Workshop instructor for review of their preparation. Required materials may include scripts, location details, and shooting schedule.

EDITING
Students train on the non-linear editing system, Final Cut Pro. They master fundamental editing tools and techniques using this software. Students edit their own projects, and can supplement classes with individual consultations at the editing station. Students are taught the skills of editing nonfiction material, both practical and aesthetic. Topics include editing terminology/vocabulary, time code, cutting styles, organizational tools and rules for editing, and building the story in post.

SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES & PROJECTS

Through the second semester, students gain full understanding of news coverage from inception to broadcast, as they produce their own weekly newscasts. There is focus on both the practice and theory of studio and location reporting and the combination of these elements from every aspect of production. There is also a strong emphasis on web casting and the use of new and next media in the news industry.

Broadcast Production Workshop
Broadcast Production Workshop comprises the bulk of Second Semester class, production time and projects. Students devote the majority of their week to story research and development, and preparation and production of the weekly broadcast. The second semester instructor acts as Executive Producer, as students fill the roles of show producers, assignment desk editor, anchors, reporters writers, field producers, cameramen and directors.

In these teacher-supervised labs, live and remote production methods are put into practice. The instructor assigns stories to student news reporters and the accompanying crews with realtime deadlines for live coverage. This Production Workshop will break down the various elements of news broadcasting operations and build towards combining the elements into a complete show involving the control room and studio, live remotes and the employment of the various associated technologies. At times, students will be reporting live. The broadcast is viewed weekly in the classroom.