Spring in-person classes

“When are you going to be back in-person?”. That’s by far the most asked question from aspiring filmmakers that are interested in attending DFA. We get it – and we heard you!

We are finally back with selected classes on our NYC facility.

While the COVID pandemic isn’t quite over yet, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. After all, DFA is known as a hands-on training school. And that hasn’t changed, even while we’re teaching online.

We managed to make the transition to online classes smoothly. But we know that there are some subjects that are just not completely suitable for online learning – like cinematography and sound recording. That’s why we came up with the in-person spring classes.

To make that happen we’re taking every precaution: masks required, limited classrooms, daily temperature check, sanitizing equipment and facilities religiously.

And for those who can’t attend, we are transmitting every class live through zoom, even when it’s outside. Thanks technology!

Student Testimonial

We had a talk with Tramelle Stroman, one of our current students and he shared some interesting insights:

How is cinematography going?

Cinematography is going really well. I was nervous about doing it at first, but I’m you know, developing a comfort for it.

How much experience did you have before you got to class?

In cinematography? Zero.

How is the pacing been? Have you been getting left behind, or are we going too slow?

I feel the pacing is right where it needs to be, we’re advancing pretty quickly but at the same time the instructors are taking time to make sure everyone’s on the same page and if there’s someone behind to allow us to keep up.

What’s your strong point? Do you want to be a cinematographer?

My strong point is: I want to be a screenwriter and eventually gravitate towards directing. So, to be a director you obviously have to level up in cinematography and to be a good screenwriter you have to know basically how these looks that you’re inflicting to your screenplay will come out on camera. 

Besides cinematography, what’s been your favorite part of DFA?

Definitely the Documentary class and I’d say Screenwriting with Don Cato. 

Why did you choose DFA?

The first time I came in I felt extremely welcomed. It didn’t seem like you guys were trying to get people in for their  money, it seemed like you cared and it seemed very structured here. 

Just at first? (laughter)

No (laughter). You guys maintained well after the pandemic also. A few hiccups but it’s been enjoyable.

Would you recommend Digital Film Academy for someone that’s looking for a film school?

I’d definitely recommend Digital Film Academy for someone especially if you take your craft seriously and want to make a living off of the industry.

Find out more about our training and lifetime access to equipment and facilities available to all DFA students and graduates that qualify on one of our Open House events. Join, listen, ask questions.

Instagram            Twitter            Facebook            YouTube            DFA Blog

It’s a short script, you wrote it and, you’re filming it with your friends/fellow students/Cousin Brad. You’re the producer and director and writer, you know this project like the back of your hand. So it will be okay, right? 

NO!

You should always have a shooting schedule. Even for small simple projects. 

Why?

Because something will go wrong. Something always goes wrong. An actor gets sick, a location drops out, Cousin Brad got arrested for tax fraud. Whatever happens, you will need to quickly adjust because time is money. And your shoot schedule is going to help you when the schedule has to change. Because all of the essential elements are there in your shoot schedule. 

A good shoot schedule is designed to be changed and modified. You can see the essential elements needed for any given scene and easily move to an alternative day’s schedule so there aren’t any interruptions in production.

Effective and thorough Pre-Production is the backbone of all good shoots and one of the hardest things to learn on your own. It’s much better to learn from industry insiders, seasoned professionals with practical experience. 

Which is why every student that comes through Digital Film Academy gets training in all aspects of Pre-Production, so they have the tools they need to go out and create compelling media. 

If you’d like to learn more about how we prepare our graduates for the real world check out our Programs or join us at one of our Open House Events. We’d love the opportunity to talk with you and see if we’re a good fit.

Instagram            Twitter            Facebook            YouTube            DFA Blog

This was going through the mind of Robert Dominguez Boblett, a Digital Film Academy New York student, as he embarked on his short film “Blind Art”.

“Everyone is surrounded by opportunities, riches, and beauty. Some people take advantage of this and some people don’t.”

As Robert describes it, this was his first year project and first attempt at telling a story.

Robert is now a New York-based Spanish editor, producer, and filmmaker. Born in Barcelona, Spain, he attended a high school of the arts and later went on to study psychology. After moving to New York City, he attended Digital Film Academy NY.

“For ‘Blind Art’, I had one actor, my camera and me, – just the ‘three’ of us! I did all the filming and editing. When I started putting the idea together, I was thinking that everyone is surrounded by opportunities, riches and beauty, and some people take advantage of this and some people don’t. ‘Blind Art’ speaks to that.”

DFA students are still producing great work, even during quarantine and lockdown.
Challenging times can make creativity blossom, so we encourage all of you filmmakers to keep going, no matter what.

Visit Robert’s website: Robert Dominguez

To learn more about Digital Film Academy, attend one of our upcoming online Open House events, 100% free. Check dates and sign up here: Open House