The academy nurtures creativity, organizational, leadership, writing, and critical thinking aptitude among students for their future success
Visual storytelling is a powerful and enthralling medium for spreading messages. It is an art in which effective use of still photography, illustration, video, graphics, and audio can be utilized for alluring targeted audience in a mesmerizing way. However, to hone those vital skills of visual storytelling, educators should act as conservator and innovator, passing on the accrued knowledge, techniques, and methods of the art while incorporating new technology and innovations to the aspiring visual storytelling artists.
New York Film Academy (NYFA) Australia is one such institute which is trusted by numerous artists all across the world. This institute has earned a reputation of providing industry-specific education at par with the international standards which are innovative and foster creativity among aspirants.
NYFA promulgates visual literacy and visual storytelling through hands-on intensive learning. It seeks to make visual storytelling education accessible to the most diverse, international, and broadest possible spectrum of students, and to hone the skills of future professionals so that they may one day serve the visual storytelling arts as industry leaders.
Academy founded by a Veteran Producer
The New York Film Academy was established in 1992 by a veteran producer- Jerry Sherlock, who has produced many cult classics like- “The Hunt for the Red October.” He founded this academy on the principle of learning by doing. Inspired by the idea that to learn how to make movies, one must make movies, Sherlock and his colleagues designed a truly unique curriculum, making for an educational experience unlike any other.
Today, the academy has expanded its curriculum as well as its global presence with its four established campuses (New York, Los Angeles, South Beach and Gold Coast) and many destination programs worldwide, and has earned a reputation of a trusted learning centre for filmmaking courses.
Cutting-edge Courses
The Australian campus provides Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51015) which offers vital exposure to students in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Screenwriting, 3D Animation, Documentary, and Producing. While its Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA60615) develop creativity among students for Filmmaking, Acting for Film, and Screenwriting.
The Hollywood Reporter and Variety have even recognized NYFA as the institute of excellence in film education.
All its Australian courses are nationally recognised and approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and Australian Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Moreover, the academy has been associated with various prominent bodies of filmmaking verticals like- Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS), and Australian Directors Guild (ADG). NYFA is also an educational partner with RED Digital Cinema Camera and B&H Camera and Video.
Degree Pathways to the US
The academy provides an opportunity to the Australian students to continue their education at the New York Film Academy’s U.S campuses. Pathways to the U.S are available to qualified students who complete their Advanced Diploma at the Australian location, allowing eligible students to transfer credits to their U.S Associate, Bachelor or Master Degree programs.
Moreover, to strengthen the dreams of underprivileged, it also provides financial assistance to students applying to the school’s US Conservatory and Degree programs. Partial Talent and Creative based scholarships are also available to outstanding candidates for these programs.
Uniqueness of NYFA
The curriculum at NYFA for the filmmaking program is created by distilling all the essential elements of professional film productions into an intensive, accelerated, hands-on program. Their filmmaking courses combine essential concepts and theory with extensive practical experience. Throughout the course, students can utilise industry-standard equipment in premier professional facilities.
As part of the filmmaking program, students write, direct, shoot, and edit their own original films while also serving in a variety of crew positions — including director of photography, gaffer, grip, and assistant camera operator. This variety of experience and exclusive access to NYFA production sets at Village Roadshow Studios produces well-rounded filmmakers who graduate fully prepared to enter the film industry.
Students at NYFA Australia gain a working understanding of contemporary professional production equipment, including lighting and sound equipment, as well as an assortment of camera accessories. In their second semester, Diploma students gain exposure by learning shooting skill as per the industry standard RED.
Students learn the craft of filmmaking and acquire significant production experience. They also gain invaluable professional skills and establish a network of working relationships with their classmates that can become a part of their professional life, long after they complete the program, both in Australia and beyond.
Notable Alumni
Julian Lawrence- Filmmaking
Since graduation, Julian has worked on a multitude of feature films shot both in Australia and internationally, including Thor: Ragnarok, King Kong: Skull Island and Hacksaw Ridge.
Jordan Abbey-Young Acting for Film
Jordan recently finished up shooting on feature film Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan at Village Roadshow Studios. He plays the role of Private Ron Eglinton alongside Travis Fimmel, best known for the History Channel’s Vikings series.
Manon Lewis- Filmmaking
Landing an assistant role with Bud Hopes Casting after graduation, Manon has worked for feature films such as Aquaman and Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge.
Brooke McMaster- Acting for Film
Combining her passions for acting and screenwriting, Brooke is a recipient of the 2018 Screen Queensland Talent Development Fund for her scripted TV pilot The Caddie.
Career Driven Offerings
NYFA’s global Guest Speaker series assist students in fostering the creative process from within, which is the most vital trait to succeed in the filmmaking business. The academy with the help of its Australian Director, Tasha Cooper, originally from the Los Angeles Campus, has built robust strategic partnerships with iconic studio brands in Australia such as Village Roadshow and Warner Bros Movie World that allow its students to get filmmaking training at par with international standards. With its intensive, project-based learning, NYFA is considered one of the best for learning filmmaking; in fact, Variety has recognized NYFA as one of the best film schools of 2018.
About the Leading Light
The mentor of NYFA is Michael Young, who is serving this prestigious global academy in the capacity of its President. He is also the founding member of New York Film Academy and NYFA Australian Board Member.
Michael’s award-winning film McJew screened at various film festivals internationally, including the Oberhausen Film Festival, Cinéma du Réel, Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, Tel-Aviv, Ann Arbor, and more. He is also a recipient of an NEA grant and the Scorsese post-production award.
Michael has done his BA from Harvard University where he graduated in magna cum laude and obtained his MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
“Words of Trusts”
“NYFA Australia has prepared me for working in the ‘real world’ of the film and television industry by giving me hands-on experience with industry recognised cameras and equipment.”-
Elizabeth McLeish, Filmmaking
“The lecturers at NYFA Australia were always helpful and professional, their guidance throughout my entire journey was a step above and I am where I am today because they brought out the best in me.”- Cameron Dean, Acting for Film
“If you’re passionate about the film industry, and truly desire a career in this field, then enrol in the New York Film Academy Australia. The incredible lecturers and staff nurture and support, offering every tool you require building the future you want. And fast.” – Kerri-Anne Isbister, Screenwriting
“NYFA Australia has taught me the structure of making a film and provided us with networks within the film industry.”- Stephen Osborne, Filmmaking
“Studying at NYFA Australia allowed me to create amazing bonds with the lecturers and endless opportunities that followed with those bonds. I also loved being in such a tight-knit community with fellow actors and filmmakers!”- Madison Jennings, Acting for Film
