The New York Film Academy was founded by veteran producer Jerry Sherlock in 1992, who produced such classics as "The Hunt for the Red October". Encouraged by friends of his who wanted to send their children to film school, but found the prices too costly, Sherlock designed a school that was not only affordable but more importantly, was founded on the principle of learning by doing.
Inspired by the idea that to learn how to make movies, one must actually make movies, Sherlock and his colleagues designed a truly unique curriculum. Blending a mixture of traditional film school instruction with a new approach, the Academy emphasizes coursework based around students actually going out and shooting films as part of their coursework. Students write, produce, direct, and edit their own original films while also serving as crewmembers on their fellow classmates’ films to gain extensive on-set experience.
This commitment to learning by doing applies to all of the programs the Academy now offers, with students working with industry-standard equipment in world-class facilities. At the Academy, students can choose from a wide range of visual and performing arts programs that include Filmmaking, Acting for Film, 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Broadcast Journalism, Cinematography, Digital Editing, Documentary Filmmaking, Game Design, Graphic Design, Musical Theatre, Photography, Producing, and Screenwriting.
ACADEMY PHILOSOPHY
It is the Academy’s belief that the most significant art form of its time is the moving image. Through the medium of film, individuals, communities, and nations express their most profound visions of humanity to the world. The ever-growing and evolving mediums of animation and video games are creating new platforms for creative professionals to express themselves and the Academy’s programs have grown to reflect these advancements in the visual arts.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE
Learning By Doing
Students must make movies to learn how to make them, which guides each program at the Academy.
Full Immersion
Students fully commit themselves to their chosen craft, working on their own projects, and assisting their classmates.
Hands-On Experience
From day one student are behind the camera, working with equipment, and gaining first-hand expertise in their craft.
Entertainment Capitals
Whether studying at the Academy’s NYC, LA, or additional campuses, students are exposed to rich artistic environments outside of NYFA.
Professional Education
Each department’s faculty is comprised of professional experts who are accomplished and active in their field.
Always Evolving
The Academy is continuously expanding its course offerings to keep up with the ever-evolving entertainment industry
- Ranked 57th among 247 best colleges for performing arts in America by Niche in 2020.
- Ranked 408th among 1,692 most liberal colleges in America by Niche in 2020.
- Ranked 54th among the most liberal colleges in California by Niche in 2020.
