New York Film Academy Review

How much does it cost to study acting for one year?

fantastic place to vist and meet new film directors and see new films - you do not know what you are missing

I did an intensive 4-week NYFA Filmmaking Workshop when I was in my second year of my undergraduate education during Winter intersession. We called it "Jan. Term" at the college I went to. Although it was stressful and rigorous, and involved me commuting back and forth from Amherst, Massachusetts into NYC twice a week all throughout January into early February it was COMPLETELY worth it. Luckily, I'm from Brooklyn, so this made things easier as I was able to base myself there during workshop days. It was the perfect compliment to my film work undertaken the following semester back up at campus. I can't speak at all to what the Battery Place NYFA location is like, but it looks really nice. When I attended it was in the old Tamany Hall location on E. 14th St, in the Union Square area. I LOVED that building, it had a lot of character.

I never attended school there but I went to a free workshop and one of the teachers there said that you don't have to go to school to be a filmmaker.

This school is a joke. They flash lots of hype at you to get you to sign up by using pictures of famous directors and actors (none of which ever go near this actual "school"). They do the same with the equipment - flashing pictures of actual 35mm motion film cameras and huge lights. Once they have your money though its a classic bait and switch.

The equipment they give you is nothing more than a dslr with one cheap lens. The lights will make you lol. You'd be better off buying a book and a dslr on your own than giving them your money.

in the other spout when the virus is over I'm going because I'm going

Don't get cheated by the name. It's not worth the money you pay. Nice Cover. No content. That's what NYFA is. I don't know about the people commenting here, if at all they have even seen this school building. They run batches, maximum possible to get maximum money out of one single building at 3300 W.Riverside Dr. Burbank. I feel terrible for having spend so much money there for nothing. This place is a joke. They keep taking feedback from you in papers "always' but nothing happens. Everything done there is for the sake of it.
If you don't believe me ! Go join there, pay fees and cry your whole life. :D

PS: I even 'doubt' that the 5 stars given here by people may be 'hired' by NYFA. They don't mind doing such things, that's the standard (otherwise I see NO reason even a single student liking this school. I never met one during my tenure there).

Did my photography there! Loved it, learnt a lot and so went for filmmaking again! Again, learnt a lot. Totally worth it!

This place is a joke. Everything about it is. 99% of the teachers are either frauds, has-beens, or never-weres.

Look up their list of "luminaries" (i.e. former students). No one even close to notable has come out of it, in 20 years of operation. Statistically, you're more liable to find a future film personage in a cement factory.

I have four children, of which the three largest. The first one is 13 years old and he wants to be an actor in movies, the second one is 9 years old and he wants to be a novelist and singer and the third one is 5 years old and he wants to be an actor too. It is the real and true dreams of some children. Which you have to keep inspiring so that you can fulfill your dreams.

I just graduated from NYFA's MFA Producing program. I attended the Los Angeles campus. Here's my advice for anyone considering this school (more specifically the Los Angeles campus)

This school puts the producing, filmmaking, and screenwriting students on a pedestal. The school does so much for us, but not so much for the students in the acting programs. My roommate (who graduated from the MFA Acting program) constantly complained about their lack of regard for him and his former cohort members. During my time there, I never had an instructor who didn't know what they were doing. With most of the instructors being former USC, AFI, or NYU students (and now seasoned industry professionals), they are pretty knowledgeable about the craft. Barbara Weintraub, who is the industry outreach director, does a hell of a job with helping students secure internships and even jobs post-graduation. Yes, this is a for-profit institution, but it's really what you make of it. Personally, I believe that since the school doesn't really reject anyone, you have a lot of people attending, thinking that they're going to become wealthy movie stars overnight, but aren't really willing to put in the work. When they realize how hard it actually is, they drop out and claim it's a scam. Believe me, I had my reservations about the school prior to attending, but I'm extremely happy I did.

Again, this is ONLY for the Producing, Filmmaking, and Screenwriting Departments in LOS ANGELES. For acting, do NOT waste your time.

I can't speak on the NYC campus because I know nothing about it.

NYFA has way more programs these days. When I attended it was pretty much producers, screenwriters, actors and directors. I was fortunate to have some excellent screenwriting teachers while I attended, all with solid experience in the film industry. That's something you can expect from NYFA... instructors with real world experience. The programs here are highlighted by a ton of hands on expereince and, like any school, how much you get out of your expereience depends on how much you put in.

The New York Film Academy is, plainly and simply, a misconception. To be frank, I'm not in favor of insulting businesses with poor reviews, but after attending this school for over 2 months, I thought I'd advise those of you who are thinking about attending the New York Film Academy in the future. First off, NYFA, in one way or another, is a scam for your money. The school, primarily in New York, offers no career advancement, no film festivals and invests more in its advertising internationally than its students. Most of the kids at this school are international, living in and around NYC on an academic visa. The primary goal of this school is to get you in and out...whether it's a 4 month, 8 month, or 1-year program, this school simply wants your tuition money, hence the name: a "for-profit" conservatory. Secondly, on a more professional note, the film industry is almost entirely connection based. There is not an artist in the world who can graduate from a school like NYFA, or even Tisch or USC for that matter and automatically get a job on a real movie set controlled by a production company. It simply does not work that way. For example, take some of the most A-list directors today (James Cameron, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg). These directors, first off, were extremely talented and had a vision. The question is what did they do with that vision? Did they drop 20-thousand dollars a semester on a film degree or did they go out in the real world and build professional contacts? Think about it. What does a director have to do to get "in" the film business... he or she has to be talented, have an original vision of creative work (preferably a screenplay), market that screenplay to industry members or friends of industry members (whether it's a producer, screenwriter, gaffer, reader... whoever), and then finally, he or she has to make a great film, either independently or production based. The bottom line is, if you truly want to reach a certain level of success in the film industry, don't go to film school, and especially do not attend the New York Film Academy. It's simply a scam for your money. There are so many other ways to learn the art of filmmaking.

I am confident that with the passion of the educators thus witnessed and my formidability that I will pursue my dream. Honestly, no student will ever be happy with schools. I attended a 4 year college only to end up in positions I didn't study for. Though, I learned one thing: that if I don't take the lessons I've been taught (small or large) and be tenacious with my pursuit I won't reach my dreams.

Seemingly those who have not study there are the ones with the five star rating, but those who did are giving 2 or 1. Am already getting more experience with a technical school. (Plan is to finish this and see where life takes me for instance NYC)

I have been in touch with NYFM to ask for more information. The name gives you the feeling it really something. When you ask and read further, it smells like scam. Take a look at the content, the setup, there is no evidence of real people doing real courses. The descriptions are vague and don't go in detail. Even if you ask the contact person for more detailed information over the program they refer you to the general information on the website. Also looking into the reviews, like the "Spy Kaizer" with 5 stars and 1 review is very curious. And yes this is America. Everything is possible, especially with such a president. I'd like to warn people to rethink before they spend money on this.

This school is all about getting your money. You are paying for the school location and the Statue of Liberty view. Does not worth the money. I ve attended the one year acting for film program and I regret spending the ridiculous amount of money I ve paid for what I received in return. Most of the teachers clearly hate their jobs and they don't even try to hide it. The program director, Lyndi Arns, once said 95% of the students there wouldn t make it to the film industry. She is a very rude lady and she laughed at me when I asked her for help. So, if the faculty doesn t believe in the programs offered, why would you?

It is the best thing that has ever had happened to me

I wish it wasn't so expensive. Very friendly staff. I sat in on a class and I was amazed, impressed, and overwhelmed. I learned so much. This school makes you remember why New York is loved so much.

A pretty small campus in southern Manhattan. This is a good program where you can learn a great deal. Worth checking out at least once.

My dream is to go to that school I'm dying to meet her

Which program do you have to choose if you're becoming an actor, preferably go there in a whole year, maybe more?

I am a former student here, I already done the one year program on Acting for film, and I must confess my experience was Amazing, I really loved the training and the techniques I received as a student .. Best School for Acting.... I highly recommend it!!!

their basic coffee is much better than other places. you get a decent cup for $2.30.

Don t waste your money there are no guest stars, the RA s constantly slander you, And every promise they have on their site is not in their school.

My Favorite School of the Newyork Love you New York Flim Academy

I haven't actually attended the academy but I did go to a free workshop run by them and it was AMZING! I am so excited because it sounds and looks amazing and everyone was so nice and easy to talk to and I really REALLY want to go there! It sounds like they give you so many amazing opportunities that I would be an idiot to miss out on

Very inspiring and great moments of acquiring knowledge

I have not gone yet but I have heard so much about it. It may be a lot of money but it so worth it. Btw I know we re I going to go to college at.

Nyfa is a good place for acting I already signed up I just have to go there

Best place to learn film in NYC. At least it might be. :)
Beautiful historical building at first, great source of knowledge and inspiration at second glance. I enjoyed the year I've been studying there, I learned the great deal of stuff. Some teachers are great and can become a mentor for your life, some are just wasting your time. It's all luck, but I strongly believe, that it's true for any school. Knowledge and experience are priceless, rooms are comfy, equipment is great, stuff is helpful. Internet is horrible, but it;s the only downside. :)

Let life teach you cheaper and better end product trust me

Stay active and you'll learn a lot. In my personal experience, I had great teachers, every single one of them were awesome. I wish it was not that expensive. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone.

One of the best Film Academy in the world! !
I am so proud that I've graduated from NYFA.(8 week/Acting for film)
All people are professionals and give you all the tools to start your career!
I highly recommend it!
Thank you very much.
From, (Cyprus, Limassol)

Awesome is not beginning with this place. I went to the summer camp and it was awesome! Staff was awesome,TA s were helpful,equipment was very good. 10/10 would recommend

My thing is acting and music so someday I hope to get to that academy because it is my biggest dream

Did the 1 year acting program. Great location and facilities. But not worth the high fees. Need better acting teachers imo.

Not great for all the money spent. I was in a group where 1/2 really wanted to do well, and the other 1/2 were late and didn't care, while making films. We were depending on every member to make our films and teachers weren't helpful when tried to get their help. For all the money spent, there should be more support.

I love this place. Great staff, TA s and great people it is such a positive place attracting the most positive people. I had a great time here! Learned so much more than I imagined and they really have perfected their courses/ have hired incredible teachers. The best part is they want to stay involved with you after you ve finished your course. You will have the best experience here. Did I mention I love this place.

I took the Rolling Stone Music Video workshop in NY. First of all, it's a waste of time if you already have some experience in the field, the classes are for beginners, they teach you how to set the camera and basic lighting. Second of all, the schools only provides old equipment that is useless in a professional shoot. And finally, it's pointless that is called "Rolling Stone", the magazine does not have anything to do with the course, IT'S JUST A MARKETING STRATEGY. So save your money and enroll in a serious film school.

Seems like an interesting school pretty expensive for a few weeks summer program went to the open house seem like great people

This place is honestly a scam! if you have a check that shows you can pay the for the course you will get in FYI.

You do not have to be smart to get into this school at all. So when ppl say they go to NYFA I look at them as a joke this school hols no true value.

New York Film Academy film & acting school offers the best hands-on degrees, accelerated courses, & intensive workshops. Very friendly staff.

Amazing . I cant wait to do 2 year's conservatory acting program .

I took the 1-year online screenwriting course. In theory it sounded perfect for me, since I wasn't in a position to go to school full-time. I had high hopes.

On the positive side, I did learn the basic principles of screenwriting. Also, I finished a first draft of a film script, which was pretty cool. The discipline of meeting weekly to report on my progress helped me achieve my goal. I wish my review could end there, on a positive note.

But on the negative side, I found the instructor extremely rude to anyone who didn't agree with their opinions 100%. The person often ridiculed students and dismissed their contributions. The surly attitude shut down conversation more than once. I have a Masters degree, and have been a student in several schools as an adult - and I have encountered only a few instructors as abrasive as this person. (That's saying a lot, considering how arrogant many professors are!)

Also, the instructor was late to class more than once. To be fair, the person did make it up, by extending the classroom time. Still, when you've arranged for child-care, it's a drag to sit and wait in front of your computer, while your instructor fumbles around, making half-baked excuses why they were late. I have kids at home who play the same tricks in an attempt to evade their responsibilities, I don't need my screenwriting instructor doing the same!

Worse yet, the instructor once shared personal information about their family of origin that was unnecessary to the classroom context. (We paid a hefty tuition fee to learn screenwriting skills, not to hear sad facts about this person's childhood. Hey, we all have a few sad memories about childhood! Get over it! An online classroom is not the place for a paid instructor to share personal memories). I would have been more sympathetic to their plight if they had been a nice human being from the beginning. They weren't nice, so I'm not sympathetic.

Finally, the instructor went back on a promise they had made to me during a classroom session. Another student hadn't come to the online class, and we were scheduled to read their script. So I volunteered to submit my rough draft - with the understanding that I could re-submit my script once it was finished, for another classroom review. The instructor agreed to those terms - but went back on their agreement a few weeks later.

When I questioned the instructor about it, my concern was dismissed. So, I copied the transcribed conversation in which the instructor made the promise. They replied that they were way too busy to give each student individual attention! (Then why make the promise in the first place?).

My poor rating is entirely based on the habitually unprofessional conduct of the instructor. The actual course content was very, very good. Had someone else - with a good work ethic, a sense of punctuality, and a commitment to personal and professional integrity - taught the course, then I would have given NYFA a perfect score.

So, although I'm indebted to NYFA for helping me acquire basic screenwriting skills, and giving me the opportunity to complete a rough draft, I found the personal conduct of the instructor a very serious obstacle to the learning experience.

My suggestion to anyone who wants to enroll in an online screenwriting course:

- Make sure the educational institution has a professional code of conduct

- Make sure the school holds their instructors to that code

If you can't afford the cost of tuition:

- Buy a good book on screenwriting. It will give you the exact same info about skills that this course provided, at a fraction of the cost

- Enroll in a writing class at your local community center, where you can find like-minded people who will hold you accountable as you write your next project

-Keep writing! Don't give up.

I would come to New york film Academy is a really good school hat to you

Outstanding film school on the East Coast. What better place to learn about film other than NYC. This is the mecca.This school is not only for degree programmes but also for specialize courses i.e. 3D animation, screenwriting, editing etc..

If living in or visiting NYC do stop by and get a tour or call before to set one up.

This school is a treasured landmark that will extend your curiosity towards expanding your creativity.