All posts by softsystemsolution

Behind The Black Panther: Film School Founder Recalls Early Days Of Chadwick Boseman

Behind The Black Panther: Film School Founder Recalls Early Days Of Chadwick Boseman

Travis Bean, Forbes Contributor

When Patrick DiRenna talks about what makes for a great performance in a film, he speaks of emotional clarity; facial expressions; screen presence; controlling the audience.

But going beyond the mere components of acting, DiRenna views a great performance as a result of great filmmaking: the camera is in sync with the actor; the characters are well- developed; the direction is dictating the performance.

At the Digital Film Academy, that’s what DiRenna hopes students will learn: filmmaking is a team effort. And with that mentality, you can go far in the industry.

“You can make it big,” says DiRenna. “That’s what Chadwick did.”

Yeah, that’s right. Patrick DiRenna, the president and founder of Digital Film Academy in New York City, is talking about that Chadwick. One of his former students, the star of Black Panther—Chadwick Boseman.

With a new slew of future filmmakers set to attend the academy this September—with a second location opening in Atlanta due to attendance growth—DiRenna is looking back on what prepped the school’s most well-known graduate for success in the film industry.

DiRenna, a mentor to Boseman at the time, taught the upcoming star of 21 Bridges “acting for directors.” DiRenna saw the confidence behind Boseman’s performance and knew he had the potential to break out.

“He came here talented, focused, sharp,” DiRenna says.

That poise would certainly take Boseman far, but DiRenna says the actor’s willingness to learn and grow as a performer while attending the academy is what set him up for success.

“Thurgood Marshall is no slouch,” DiRenna says, recalling one of the many prominent African American figures Boseman has inhabited since graduating from Digital Film Academy. On top of portraying the nation’s first black Supreme Court justice, Boseman played Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get On Up.

“For me, from a tactical point of view, it’s about who they are,” DiRenna says. “These are three historical figures with big differences between them. If you really want to become these characters, you have to really be willing to take it on.”

Boseman’s versatility and range doesn’t surprise DiRenna, who remembers Boseman as a spot- on student. “Serious and not overly formal,” DiRenna describes Boseman, who has the range of Gary Oldman and the screen presence of Keanu Reeves. Boseman’s capacity to occupy Thurgood Marshall or James Brown goes beyond the ability to mimic those men’s gestures, movement and tone—DiRenna says it requires a quiet, steadied occupation of their being.

“I remember his face and the level of concentration in his eyes. You could see internal processes working,” DiRenna recalls. “At that time he was building himself. I could see he was putting the pieces together.”

But not everybody can find success because of their gripping screen presence. And, really, Boseman’s striking performances are benefitted by the players around him, DiRenna claims. Filmmaking is a collective experience between many professionals working together—and DiRenna’s academy strives to get all those different players ready for the industry.

“My example for all of this is The Godfather,” DiRenna explains. “Al Pacino does next to nothing in the film. But he’s got the face; and then you surround Michael Correlone with all the characters; if he’s still, the camera is moving. There’s all this activity going on.”

DiRenna believes that collective experience at the Digital Film Academy is truly what sets every student—not just Boseman—on a path towards realizing their careers. Alumni like Brad Bailey win awards for documentaries like Hale; alumni like Shaun Dawson nab managerial roles at digital platforms like Vimeo; alumni like Pavel Kercle work on visual effects for huge films like Avengers: Age of Ultron and Jurassic World.

DiRenna’s goal is for the Digital Film Academy to not only coach students while attending school, but set them up for the future. That way, you can find jobs and make money like Boseman did—like Bailey and Dawson and Kercle did.

“This is the only school in the world when after you graduate, you have free access to our equipment forever,” DiRenna says. “That’s how you make money. Forget filmmaking—we’re talking digital filmmaking as an industry.” “

Source: Forbes Online, Jul 12, 2019, 02:16pm

MOMA, Film Society Of Lincoln Center And Film School Nyc

1. DIGITAL FILM ACADEMY GRADUATE SCREENS HIS FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER !

Back in 2018, the winner of the Orizzonti Prize for Best Film at the world famous Venice Film Festival was none other than Digital Film Academy graduate student Mr. Phuttiphong Aroonpheng.

Fast forward to March 2019 and our former student had the US premiere of his movie screened at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

The event was part of the acclaimed New Directors/New Films festival. Every year for the past 50 years this NYC film festival has introduced audiences to the work of emerging filmmakers from around the world, even acting as a launching pad for previously little-known talents like Spike Lee, Chantal Akerman, Bi Gan, Valerie Massadian, Gabriel Mascaro, RaMell Ross, and Kelly Reichardt.

This year, it was the turn of Digital Film Academy graduate Mr. Phuttiphong Aroonpheng.

His film ‘Manta Ray’ is set in Thailand.

It centers on the friendship between a fisherman and the mute refugee he rescues from a swamp. Its dreamy and sometimes mystical tone makes it a visually immersive experience. A must-see on the big screen!

The festival is presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art). Students and staff from our film school in New York were proud to be there on this special occasion for which Phuttiphong himself had flown in from Bangkok to be in attendance.

Check out the video here:

The Q and A session afterwards allowed audience members to pose questions
to the (slightly jetlagged but still smiling!) director on stage. Digital Film Academy School President Patrick DiRenna was also present to meet with his former international student and congratulate him on his career success since Digital Film Academy days.

“Manta Ray” has by now gone on to receive glowing reviews by Variety Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and Indiewire. (Film Comment voted the movie one of the best undistributed films of 2018)

2. GET THE DIGITAL FILM ACADEMY EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF !

We are located in the heart of New York City, only blocks away from Times Square. Attend our Open House presentation Saturday April 20th 2019 at 3:00pm.

Add your name to the guest list below or check for upcoming dates: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

Are you already an NYC filmmaker? Come observe a free advanced level film class! Use the following link to choose times that work best for you: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/observe-free-classes/

Tom Griffin

Director of Admissions

Digital Film Academy
630 Ninth Ave (Suite 901)
New York, NY 10036
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 212-333-4013
Fax: +1-917-398-9853
Skype: admissions_736

www.DigitalFilmAcademy.edu

Like us on www.FaceBook.com

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/digitalfilmacademy/

Follow us: @digitalfilmacademy

Twitter:

www.Twitter.com/DFANYC

Follow us: @DFANYC

Financial Aid, school code: 042062

fafsa.ed.gov

ABOUT US

– Digital Film Academy is located close to Times Square in Manhattan.

– we offer One or Two Year Programs in Digital Filmmaking.

– students learn Directing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Video Editing, Sound Editing, Sound Design, Producing etc. Elective class options include: Web TV Production, Steadicam, Digital Imaging Technician, Maya 3D animation, After Effects, Documentary Theory and Practice, Color Correction etc.

See the detailed curriculum here:

One Year Program: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/one-year-digital-filmmaking-conservatory/

Advanced Year Program: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/advanced-digital-filmmaking-conservatory/

– During your studies, you will have FREE access to the DFA equipment (which you can use on-site or off-site) and facilities! This includes cameras, lights, audio equipment, editing suites, green screen room, multi-purpose audition rooms, soundbooth, so you can produce professional quality work for clients in the New York City and tri-state area. Students in the Advanced program will have access to RED Cinema cameras, which is top of the range!

– each student will write, direct and produce their own thesis film. In the shooting of the film, other students will assist as your personal film crew. In turn, when they are directing their own media projects and short films, you will then be part of their film crew too. This provides a fantastic opportunity to rotate through the various roles on a film set, learning by doing.

– after your studies, students who successfully graduate with good grades (minimum 3.0 GPA and 85% attendance) will qualify for our ‘Forever Toolkit’ program. This enables you to CONTINUE to have LIFETIME FREE access to DFA equipment and facilities! As a New York-based film school, this free and open access to equipment really differentiates us from all other film programs.

– exclusive access to the DFA Jobs’ Board: Monetize your new digital media skills with outside clients and organizations looking to hire film students and graduates for paid projects, independent work and jobs (part-time and full-time)

– excellent value for money. Our One Year Program costs $17,995 and our One Year Advanced Program $17,560. Compare our prices with other film school fees here: http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/about-dfa/why-dfa/

– next program start dates: May 10th 2019 or September 4th 2019 (Late starters permitted up to 2 weeks late!). Classes run according to daytime schedule: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10.30am to 5pm. Conditional Acceptance Letters are available for High School Seniors. Apply early to avoid disappointment!

– Financial Aid is available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders): Pell Grants and Federal Loans. Sign up on the Financial Aid website https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and use the Digital Film Academy school code 042062 or contact us to set up a financial aid appointment.

– our next Open House events will take place right here at our Manhattan film school on Saturday April 20th 2019 (3 PM – 5 PM) and after that Saturday May 4th 2019 (3pm to 5pm). Attendance is 100% free, of course! If you’d like to attend, click here to reserve a seat or to check future upcoming dates: http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail transmission and any attached / accompanying documents contain confidential information which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you have received this e-mail transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or email. Further, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, duplication, distribution or taking of any action that relies on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Any information given in this email is not intended as legal advice. Always consult an attorney on legal matters.

VISIT US AT OUR OPEN HOUSE EVENT :

www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

I’M READY ! I WANT TO APPLY NOW :

www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/forms

SXSW, Geek of Chic and PRITCH London

1. SXSW (South by Southwest) and Digital Film Academy Alum: Ellie Zambrano

South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual conglomerate of film, interactive media, music festivals and conferences that take place annually in Austin, Texas.

This year, our own Digital Film Academy graduate Ellie Zambrano took part in a live podcast at SXSW.

SXSW_meets_Geek_of_Chic_-_Digital_Film_Academy_grad

As Executive Producer of the fashion tech web series, Geek of Chic, Ellie discussed her experience in media and creating the linkage to fashion technology. She states she created Geek of Chic due to wanting her voice to be heard!

Check out this video to learn more about her inspiring story as a pioneer in the media industry here:

Thank you Ellie for providing an accessible fashion platform!

2. PRITCH London – Digital Film Academy Alumni: Pauline Gefin

Pauline Gefin, a Digital Film Academy alum acted as Director of Photography and Producer on PRITCH London’s ‘Illusion of Form’ ad campaign. PRITCH is a luxury fashion brand that creates garments made from leather. The brand is an innovator in the fashion realm and integrates functionality into their apparel.

PRITCH_London_Digital_Film_Academy_Pauline_Gefin

This collection draws inspiration from the idea of optical illusion. We commend Pauline and her ability to bring grand ideas to life.

PRITCH_London_Fashion_Ad

3. Interested in learning more about Digital Film Academy?

Attend our Open House tomorrow, March 30th 2019 at 3:00pm. We are located in the heart of New York City, only blocks away from Times Square.

This is your chance to experience Digital Film Academy for yourself!

Add your name to the guest list below or check for upcoming dates:

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

If you’ve previously attended an Open House but haven’t come to a decision, observe a free film class!

Use the following link to choose times that work best for you:

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/observe-free-classes/

Join the next class of innovators at Digital Film Academy!

Natasha Greene
Admissions Associate

Digital Film Academy
630 Ninth Ave (Suite 901)
New York, NY 10036
USA

Sundance Film Festival Hollywood Reporter

Hello friends, followers and fans of Digital Film Academy NYC,

In this post, we feature more news from the best film school in the USA: Digital Film Academy in New York !

1. Sundance Film Festival – Digital Film Academy graduate:Carol Mazzoni

We are very proud to see one of our Digital Film Academy alumni Carol Mazzoni from Brazil perform her Assistant Director duties on the feature film ‘Abe’.

This lighthearted drama features the young star Noah Schnapp who you might recognize as one of the main child actors of Netflix’s sci-fi horror TV series ‘Stranger Things’.

In ‘Abe’ the movie, our young hero is obsessed with cooking, baking and reconciling his divided family. Abe is a New York teenager from a mixed Palestinian-Israeli family. His grandparents can barely hold a conversation without heated arguments breaking out. Abe tries to find a way to use his cooking skills to bring everyone together.

Check the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTEE2KSbwKE

The movie was directed by Fernando Grostein Andrade and also stars Brazilian musician and actor Seu Jorge as Abe’s foodie mentor.

‘Abe’ headlined at the 2019 Sundance film Festival where it won audiences over with its charming story.

The Hollywood Reporter did a very positive review of ‘Abe’, describing it as “an appetizing fusion of diverse influences.”

High praise indeed !

We congratulate Carol on her fantastic work.

ABOUT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL:

Sundance Film Festival takes place annually in Park City, Utah, the biggest independent film festival in the USA. The very first incarnation of the film festival began in 1978 under the oversight of chairman Robert Redford. It featured films such as Deliverance, A Streetcar Named Desire, Midnight Cowboy and Mean Streets.

2. Review of Digital Film Academy: the student experience

Did you ever wonder: what is it like to go to film school?

Well, wonder no more.

This interview with NYC film student Wyatt Miller is an example of some of the great work that DFA Advanced students are able to create! This Digital Film Academy review was filmed in Cinematography class.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxbcyh4Kpwg

  • Director of Photography Sebastian Campana
  • Video Editor Theresa Ramos

3. YOU’RE NEXT ! READY TO START YOUR CAREER IN MEDIA ?

Contact us and find out how to apply to our film school.

Want to visit our film school in New York City first?

If you’re close enough to the New York area, come check us out! Our next Open House is 2 days from now, Saturday March 16th 2019 at 3pm.

Click to add your name to the guest list here or to check future upcoming dates:

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

If you’ve already attended an Open House and are still undecided, why not come back to do a trial run film class?! Click here to choose days and times that work for you. Best of all? It’s FREE:

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/observe-free-classes/

It’s time to make your move. Carpe Diem!

And remember: it all starts at Digital Film Academy…

Tom Griffin
Director of Admissions

Digital Film Academy
630 Ninth Ave (Suite 901)
New York, NY 10036
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +1-212-333-4013
Fax: 917-398-9853
Skype: admissions_736

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu
Financial Aid, school code: 042062
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

ABOUT US

  • Digital Film Academy is located close to Times Square in Manhattan.
  • we offer One or Two Year Programs in Digital Filmmaking.
  • students learn Directing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Video Editing, Sound Editing, Sound Design, Producing etc. Elective class options include: Web TV Production, Steadicam, Digital Imaging Technician, Maya 3D animation, After Effects, Documentary Theory and Practice, Color Correction etc.

See the detailed curriculum here:

One Year Program: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/oneyear-digital-filmmaking-conservatory/

  • During your studies, you will have FREE access to the DFA equipment (which you can use on-site or off-site) and facilities! This includes cameras, lights, audio equipment, editing suites, green screen room, multi-purpose audition rooms, soundbooth, so you can produce professional quality work for clients in the New York City and tri-state area. Students in the Advanced program will have access to RED Cinema cameras, which is top of the range!
  • each student will write, direct and produce their own thesis film. In the shooting of the film, other students will assist as your personal film crew. In turn, when they are directing their own media projects and short films, you will then be part of their film crew too. This provides a fantastic opportunity to rotate through the various roles on a film set, learning by doing.
  • after your studies, students who successfully graduate with good grades (minimum 3.0 GPA and 85% attendance) will qualify for our ‘Forever Toolkit’ program. This enables you to CONTINUE to have LIFETIME FREE access to DFA equipment and facilities! As a New York-based film school, this free and open access to equipment really differentiates us from all other film programs.
  • exclusive access to the DFA Jobs’ Board: Monetize your new digital media skills with outside clients and organizations looking to hire film students and graduates for paid projects, independent work and jobs (part-time and full-time)
  • excellent value for money. Our One Year Program costs $17,995 and our One Year Advanced Program $17,560. Compare our prices with other film school fees here:
    http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/about-dfa/why-dfa/
  • next program start dates: May 10th 2019 and Sept. 4th 2019 (Late starters permitted up to 2 weeks late!). Classes run according to daytime schedule: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10.30am to 5pm. Conditional Acceptance Letters are available for High School Seniors. Apply early to avoid disappointment!
  • Financial Aid is available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders): Pell Grants and Federal Loans. Sign up on the Financial Aid website https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and use the Digital Film Academy school code 042062 or contact us to set up a financial aid appointment.
  • our next Open House events will take place right here at our Manhattan film school on Saturday March 16th 2019 (3 PM – 5 PM) and after that Saturday March 30th (3 PM – 5 PM).
  • Attendance is 100% free, of course! If you’d like to attend, click here to reserve a seat or to check future upcoming dates: http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail transmission and any attached / accompanying documents contain confidential information which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use of the recipient named above. If you have received this e-mail transmission in error, please notify us immediately by telephone or email. Further, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, duplication, distribution or taking of any action that relies on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Any information given in this email is not intended as legal advice. Always consult an attorney on legal matters.

V I S I T U S A T O U R O P E N H O U S E E V E N T :
https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

I ’ M R E A D Y ! I W A N T T O A P P L Y N O W :
https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/forms

Variety magazine and Starlit Movie

Dear friends, followers, and fans of Digital Film Academy New York

Variety Magazine reviews Digital Film Academy student’s winning feature film!

We are very pleased to see that one of our DFA graduates was just reviewed in ‘Variety’ magazine for his debut feature film, Kraben Rahu (Manta Ray). For those who might not be aware, Variety is a ‘go to’ source of reading material in the entertainment business.

The magazine is over 100 years old and has built up a pretty formidable reputation as an authoritative and trusted source of entertainment business
news. Its readers include highly influential producers, executives, and other talented powerhouses within the entertainment field. It provides business
analysis and insights into music, theater and most importantly for us: TV and film.

We are even prouder to report that our graduate student Mr. Phuttiphong Aroonpheng (an international film student from Thailand, who graduated
from Digital Film Academy in 2004,) received high praise indeed from Variety magazine for his ‘Manta Ray’ movie.

The film is a symbolic story of the Rohingya people, a stateless ethnic minority who are in a constant state of flight from persecution. As Variety
magazine concludes, the film travels thorough ‘intriguing psychological territory‘ including some very hypnotic and beautiful imagery, all as it tells
its story through symbolism and metaphor.

Writer and Director: Phuttiphong Aroonpheng Cast: Wanlop Rungkumjad, Aphisit Hama, Ramsee Wayrana Video Editors: Harin Paesongthai, Lee Chatametikool Sound designers: Christine Ott, Mathieu Gabry Cinematographer: Nawarophaat Rungphiboonsophit

See link below for Variety’s full movie review of our Digital Film Academy graduate:

https://variety.com/2018/film/festivals/manta-ray-review-1202929088/

STARLIT: 6 awards and counting…(Interview with Director Andre Ocampo, DFA grad)

The romantic comedy movie ‘STARLIT; just keeps going from strength to strength. With currently 6 awards racked up, we were delighted to welcome Digital Film Academy’s Andrea Ocampo (class of 2015) come to visit her alma mater to tell us about her debut feature film which she co-directed.

Photo, left to right: leading actor Valentina Corbella, producer Kerry Borchardt, content licensing agent Diana Lenska and director Andrea Ocampo.

‘Starlit’ tells the charming story of Jessica Alvarez, a bored 24 year old woman who craves independence and adventure. What she has instead is an
MBA, a safe corporate gig, a bland boyfriend and a suffocating mother. Then she meets a mechanic who steals her heart. He persuades her to join him on
the road for a summer filled with adventure and high jinks. What could possibly go wrong?!

Watch our full interview with director Andrea Ocampo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i08NGCBYcU

You’re Next! Want to start your Filmmaking / Media Career?

So, are you ready to jump in and start learning industry-level skills at a professional level? Contact us and find out how to apply to film school.

Want to visit our school first? If you’re close enough to the New York area, sign up for one of our Open House events. Come to find out if DFA is the right school for you! Our next Open House event is Saturday, December 1st, 2018 at 3 pm. Click to add your name to the guest list here or to check future upcoming dates: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

If you’ve already attended an Open House and are still undecided, why not come back to observe a real class?! Click here to choose days and times that work for you. Best of all? It’s FREE: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/observe-free-classes/

And remember: it all starts at Digital Film Academy. It’s time to get your career started!

Venice Film Festival

Our student won VENICE FILM FESTIVAL! Open House, TOMORROW Sat. Oct. 13th 2018 3pm

Dear friends, followers, and fans of Digital Film Academy New York,

It has been an exciting few weeks here at our New York film school. Let’s get started:

New York Digital Film Awards (NYDFA 2018)

I will say this though…Wow !

If you weren’t at the recent New York Digital Film Awards which took place at the Anthology Film Archives, you sure missed a treat. A total of 15 different short films, vignettes, music videos and experimental pieces by our New York film students were screened over the course of a lively and enjoyable evening in the East Village, NYC.

After the film screenings, there was an interesting Q & A session with the New York DFA filmmakers. Ben Orifici, a DFA instructor and Anthology Archives Board member, led the questions and functioned as MC.

Finally, the eagerly awaited moment came as the NYDFA award winners were announced:

  • Best Cinematography award went to filmmaker Nitin Das from India for ‘How Forests Heal People’, which was beautifully shot and based on his healing forest philosophy.
  • Best Director award went to Digital Film Academy student Lorenzo Adams. His disturbing horror short film ‘Rotary’ (written and directed by Lorenzo P. Adams) was a jarring 9-minute ride.
  • Best Short Film award went to the enormously talented Patrick Mandeville, for his hilarious and deliciously awkward short film ‘Walls’, complete with Star Wars references.

Here you can see a 60 second sampler of Digital Film Academy student work, all DFA films which were screened at the event: Watch Video

To watch the ‘Walls’ short film in its entirety, click here: http://www.patrickmandeville.com/walls.html

AVID Media Composer 101 / AVID Media Composer 110

Our next Media Composer training dates are rapidly approaching in November 2018!

Media Composer is the video editing application used in most movie and television productions. By taking our 2-day media composer training course, you will gain confidence and efficiency with the Media Composer system. The very intensive, hands-on training will lead you through the user interface and basic editing techniques before moving on to trimming, fine-tuning the edit, adjusting audio, handling multicamera editing, adding transitions, adding titles, and outputting your finished project.

Interested?

Add your name to our list: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/avid-certified-courses/

Venice Film Festival and A Digital Film Academy Winner !

As if the New York Digital Film Awards weren’t enough, a Digital Film Academy graduate recently took things up to a whole new level: he scooped up a prize at the 2018 Venice Film Festival !

For those who may not understand the implications of this, let me just pause here to put this in context…

The Venice Film Festival is literally THE oldest film festival in the world.

It dates back to 1932.

It is one of the TOP film festivals in the world, alongside the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival (the Berlinale). Taken together, in the world of film festivals these are known as the “Big Three”.

So, winning at the Venice Film Festival is a hugely prestigious accomplishment, to say the least!

And for one of our graduate to win at the Venice Film Festival is something we are very proud of indeed.

Mr. Phuttiphong Aroonpheng is a Digital Film Academy graduate from Thailand whose movie “Kraben Rahu” was named Best Film in the festival’s Orizzonti (Horizons) section.

Phuttiphong studied at Digital Film Academy of New York in 2004. After his studies, he continued making short films and visual artworks, screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. He continued by winning the Asian New Talent Award for Best Cinematography from the 2016 edition of the Shanghai International Film Festival.

In September 2018, we were delighted to learn that his film “Kraben Rahu” had won at the Venice Film Festival. ‘Kraben Rahu’, which translates as ‘Manta Ray’, addresses the situation of the Rohingya people in Myanmar and Thailand. It is our graduate’s first feature-length film.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Phuttiphong and are honored to say that it all started at DFA!

You’re Next: Find Out How to Start Your Career in Media!

So, are you ready to jump in and start learning industry-level skills at a professional level? Contact us and find out how to apply to film school.

Want to visit our school first? 

If you’re close enough to the New York area, sign up for one of our Open House events. Come to find out if DFA is the right school for you! Our next Open House event is 2 days from now, Saturday, October 13th, 2018 at 3 pm. Click to add your name to the guest list here or to check future upcoming dates:

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

If you’ve already attended an Open House and are still undecided, why not come back to observe a real class?! Click here to choose days and times that work for you. Best of all? It’s FREE: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/observe-free-classes/

And remember: it all starts at Digital Film Academy… 

It’s time to make your move!

Digital Film Academy Graduate Wins Academy Award

ACADEMY AWARD for a DFA student, Brad Bailey! Open House, Sat. Aug. 11th, 2018 3pm

Hello friends and followers of Digital Film Academy in New York !

More news in and around our New York film programs:

DFA Graduate Wins OSCAR!

We are MORE than proud to report that Digital Film Academy graduate Brad Bailey won a Student Academy Award Gold Medal for his documentary, ‘Hale’.

Digital Film Academy Oscar winner | Brad Bailey, filmmaker: DFA film school | Hale Zukas

The film chronicles the life of disability rights pioneer, Hale Zukas. As a child, Zukas was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Sitting in a wheelchair, his physical mobility was limited to his head, which he uses with a pointer attached to his helmet, to operate his electric wheelchair and spell words out on a letter board.

Despite these obstacles, this wheelchair-bound man went on to become a major figure in the disability rights movement back in the 1970s. Top it all off with a witty and engaging intellect and you’ve got great subject matter for our Digital Film Academy documentary maker, Brad Bailey.

The 22-minute long documentary, titled simply ‘Hale’, later went on to receive the 2017 Student Academy Award Gold medal in the 44th Student Academy Awards. And in the words of Brad himself: “it all started at Digital Film Academy! “

Hale documentary, Brad Bailey, Digital Film Academy graduate, Oscar winner

In the video below, Digital Film Academy Oscar winner Brad Bailey speaks about how our New York film school was instrumental in starting his career in filmmaking:

Jobs for New York Film Students

Want to work as a filmmaker? Desperate to break into the media industry? Digital Film Academy in New York has got you covered!

While researching the top film schools in the USA, Kevin Dizon from the Philippines focused on what would provide the best value for money.
Pros and cons of film school?

The lifetime access to film equipment at DFA’s Times Square school was a huge plus! So, Kevin ended up walking in and signing up to study in our Advanced Year Digital Filmmaking Program, hoping to fast-track his career in media.

Little did he know the filmmaking opportunities that were about to open up for him through Digital Film Academy…

Kevin Dizon, Digital Film Academy alumni, JD Loo Speedway, Philippines

Fast forward several months and Kevin was already receiving his first job offers…all thanks to the DFA jobs’ board.

The Digital Film Academy job’s board is our digital job search platform. Local New York media companies can post work opportunities for film students in NYC. This means our creative filmmakers can find media jobs in NYC, working in film and media production even straight out of our NYC film school. Digital Film Academy puts your media career on the fast track.

Watch this space for more good things to come from this talented young man. But in the meantime, strap yourself in and hold on tight: because it’s time to check out Kevin’s work!

YOU’RE NEXT: FIND OUT HOW TO START YOUR CAREER IN MEDIA!

So, are you ready to jump in and start learning industry-level skills at a professional level? Contact us and find out how to apply to film school.
Want to visit our school first?

If you’re close enough to the New York area, sign up for one of our Open House events. Come to find out if DFA is the right school for you! Our next Open House event is on Saturday, August 11th, 2018 at 3 pm. Click to add your name to the guest list here or to check future upcoming dates:

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

If you’ve already attended an Open House and are still undecided, why not come back to observe a real class?! Click here to choose days and times that work for you. Best of all? It’s FREE:

https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/observe-free-classes/

And remember what Brad Bailey says: it all starts at Digital Film Academy…

Vimeo offices New York and Digital Film Academy

Vimeo offices New York and Digital Film Academy: Open House, Sat. June 23rd 2018 3pm

Hello friends of Digital Film Academy in New York !

Here is a round-up of news in and around our Times Square film school:

“5 YEARS OF FILMMAKING SKILLS IN ONE YEAR”

Our international student Vishvak hails from the city of Chennai in India. He came to the USA one year ago on the F-1 international student visa to study filmmaking. Vishvak just completed 12 months of study and training in our Advanced Year in Digital Filmmaking Program.

In this video, he showcases some of his cinematography skills which he developed forwhile taking our cinematography classes in NYC: he speaks about the unique DFA experience and how his level of professional knowledge and confidence has ROCKETED upwards since joining DFA.

Where else can you get the equivalent of 5 years’ worth of media-making skills compressed into 12 months?

Only at DFA!

VIMEO and proud of our graduate: Shaun Dawson

Where do Digital Film Academy graduates find work?

Sometimes just around the corner! Congratulations to Digital Film Academy graduate Shaun Dawson, who is now working at the local New York office of Vimeo.

Vimeo New York Digital Film Academy

For those who don’t know: Vimeo is a video-sharing website in which users can upload, share and view high definition video, very similar to YouTube.

Shaun is a veteran: she served in the U.S. military, within the air force and the navy, for a total of 8 years before attending our film school where veterans are welcome. After graduating from the Digital Film Academy Advanced Year Program in 2014, she worked for a while at Disney ABC Television Group. Since then, she has gone from Digital Film Academy to a new position at Vimeo, working as their News Operations Manager for the past year.

Listen to her feedback in one of our older videos right here:

Now it’s your turn: jump start your career in media!

It’s time you started building your own media career. Our next year long programs in Digital Filmmaking start September 4th 2018. If you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder (permanent resident) you can apply for financial aid to pay for your studies.

Are you ready to jump in and begin learning industry-level skills at a professional level? Then go here to start printing out the application forms: www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/forms

Want to visit our school first? 

If you’re close enough to the New York area, sign up for one of our Open House events. Come find out if DFA is the right school for you! Our next Open House event is on Saturday June 23rd at 3pm. Click to add your name to the guest list here or to check future upcoming dates: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

If you’ve already attended an Open House and are still undecided, why not come back to observe a real class?! Click here to choose days and times that work for you. Best of all? It’s FREE: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/observe-free-classes

About Us

Digital Film Academy is located close to Times Square in Manhattan.

  • we offer One or Two Year Programs in Digital Filmmaking. Students receive a one year certificate in filmmaking.
  • students learn Directing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Video Editing, Sound Editing, Sound Design, Producing etc. Elective class options include: Web TV Production, Steadicam, Digital Imaging Technician, Maya 3D animation, After Effects, Documentary Theory and Practice, Color Correction etc.

See the detailed curriculum here:

One Year Program: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/one-year-digital-filmmaking-conservatory/

Advanced Year Program: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/advanced-digital-filmmaking-conservatory/

  • During your studies, you will have FREE access to the DFA equipment for film students (which you can use on-site or off-site) and facilities! This includes cameras, lights, audio equipment, editing suites, green screen room, multi-purpose audition rooms and soundbooth, so you can produce professional quality work for clients in the New York City and tri-state area. Students in the Advanced program will have access to RED Cinema cameras, which is top of the range!
  • each student will learn how to produce a short film (write, direct and produce it, all the way to postproduction). In the shooting of the film, other students will assist as your personal film crew. In turn, when they are directing their own media projects and short films, you will then be part of their film crew too. This provides a fantastic opportunity to rotate through the various roles on a film set, learning by doing. 
  • after your studies, students who successfully graduate with good grades (minimum 3.0 GPA and 85% attendance) will qualify for our ‘Forever Toolkit’ program. This enables you to CONTINUE to have LIFETIME FREE access to DFA equipment and facilities! As a New York film school, this free and open access to equipment really differentiates us from all other film programs and film schools in the USA.
  • exclusive access to the DFA Jobs’ Board. Find jobs for film students! Monetize your new digital media skills with outside clients and organizations looking to hire film students and graduates for paid projects, independent work and jobs (part-time and full-time)
  • excellent value for money. Our One Year Program costs $17,995 and our One Year Advanced Program $17,560. Compare our prices with other film school fees here: http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/about-dfa/why-dfa/
  • next program start dates: September 4th 2018 and January 15th 2019  (Last minute application to film school is permitted up to 2 weeks late!). Classes run according to daytime schedule: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10.30am to 5pm. Conditional Acceptance Letters for High School Seniors are available. Apply early to avoid disappointment!
  • Financial Aid is available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders): Pell Grants and Federal Loans. To get financial aid for film school, sign up on the Financial Aid website https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and use the Digital Film Academy New York school code 042062. You can also contact us if you want to set up an appointment to ask about financial aid for film students.
  • our next Open House events will take place right here at our Manhattan film school on Saturday June 23rd (3 PM – 5 PM) and after that Saturday July 21st (3 PM – 5 PM). Attendance is 100% free, of course! If you’d like to attend, click here to reserve a seat or to check future upcoming dates:  http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

Visit us at our Open House Event

http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

I’m ready! I want to apply now

www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/forms

IBM Commercial and ZARA fashion: you get HIRED with Digital Film Academy media skills!

EMAIL NEWSLETTER: 2018 April 6th

Hello friends of Digital Film Academy !

Here’s a round-up of news in and around our film / media school…

IBM COMMERCIAL, ZARA FASHION AND CAROL MAZZONI

Digital Film Academy’s one year training programs can put you on the right path to a successful career!

Do you need proof?

Then look no further than our international student Carol Mazzoni!
After graduating from our Advanced Year Program in Digital Filmmaking in 2013, this hard-working Brazilian woman was involved in a series of increasingly professional projects on film sets throughout the New York tri-state area. Her roles included Production Manager and 1st Assistant Director.

In 2017, Carol was 1st Assistant Director on the feature film “Abe”
starring Noah Schnapp. (Some of your may recognize the name: Noah is the talented young actor who stars in the enormously successful ’Stranger Things’ hit TV show). The plot of ‘Abe’ is about a half Palestinian-Arab, half Jewish-Israeli boy who tries to bring both sides of his fractured family together by using his talents to cook the best meal he can. The movie is currently in post-production.

Within the past 3 months of 2018, Carol has already been 1st Assistant Director on a commercial for ‘ZARA’ the women’s fashion retail chain store, as well as performing the role of Line Producer on the IBM commercial ‘Six Degrees of Automation’.

Check out her IBM commercial here which she line produced:
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/insights-on-business/gbs-strategy/ibm-services-wired-present-six-degrees-automation/

EMMY AWARD-WINNING INSTRUCTORS AT Digital Film Academy

All DFA training is delivered by seasoned professionals who are themselves active in the media industry. One of our new post-production instructors Mr. Cleber Redondo is a perfect example!

Cleber teaches After Effects (Motion Graphics and Visual Effects) and Maya 3D animation at Digital Film Academy. He also just happens to be an Emmy award-winning Director with over 25 years of animation and post production experience! Check out his credentials:

– creator of ‘Cosmic Collisions’, a space show narrated by Robert Redford, which is showing, at the Hayden Planetarium in the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space

– director of ’The Happy Cricket’ feature film, a 20th Century Fox Brazil theatrical release, also playing on Starz Kids & Family.

– created ‘The Frolickers’ direct to DVD as Walt Disney Television and Interactive games.

– effects and 3D animation for “The Cat In The Hat: The Ride” in the Seuss Landing attraction at Universal Studios Orlando.

STARLIT: BEST COMEDY FEATURE

Wrapping up the Queens World Film Festival, we are very pleased to see Digital Film Academy graduate ANDREA OCAMPO (class of 2015) take home the award for Best Comedy Feature Film for the movie ‘Starlit’ which she co-directed:

https://twitter.com/DFANYC/status/978678830364811264

Starlit trailer: https://www.starlitmovie.com/

COME VISIT OUR SCHOOL!

Thinking about studying in one of our One Year Digital Filmmaking Programs? Come find out if DFA is the right school for you! Our next Open House event is 2 days from now on Saturday April 7th 2018 at 3pm.

Add your name to our guest list or check our future upcoming Open House dates here:
http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/open-house/

APPLY NOW

Our next programs start May 10th 2018 and after that, September 4th 2018. If you’re ready, then go here to print out the forms and start the application process:
http://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/forms

DFA Think Contest

  • A Brand New DSLR Camera plus Lenses
  • Also, a FREE 2-Day Intensive Filmmaking Workshop at Digital Film Academy, NYC
    Saturday November 18th and Sunday November 19th.

You also get to make your own short film using World-Class Equipment and Facilities at Digital Film Academy, New York.

Eligibility

  • Must be between ages 17 and 25
  • Must be a resident of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
  • Must be passionate about Filmmaking and Digital Media
Step 1

Shoot a film no more than 60 seconds on the topic ‘Think – Perception, the New Reality’. The medium of filming should be digital i.e. Cell Phone, DSLR Cameras, Digital Film, or any other pro/consumer Digital Camera. The film must be edited with music and sound (if there is dialogue) to the best ability of the filmmaker.

Step 2

Post your film on Instagram and Twitter Only before 12 midnight October 27th, 2017. Tag @digitalfilmacademy on Instagram and @DFANYC on Twitter. You must use the hashtags #ThinkDFA #ThinkDFAContest to be eligible for selection. The top 10 films with the most Likes/Views on Instagram and Retweets plus likes on Twitter combined will automatically make the cut. The final 10 contestants will be selected by a team of faculty and film experts at Digital Film Academy.

Step 3

Directors of the 20 selected entries will attend a 2-Day Intensive Hands-On Digital Filmmaking Workshop at DFA where they will be taught high level directing tips, lighting tricks, cinematography and rudiments of screenwriting.

Step 4

Participants get to write, shoot, edit and screen their own short film. The best film overall wins the grand prize. All participants get a certificate of participation from Digital Film Academy.

Digital Film Academy successfully concludes ‘THE DFA THINK CONTEST’ with a young female filmmaker emerging as winner of the Grand prize

The inaugural “The DFA Think Contest” was a big hit with several entries from young filmmakers across the Tristate area of which 8 filmmakers were selected as finalists to attend the Free 2-Day Intensive Filmmaking Workshop at Digital Film Academy in New York that took place on November 18th and 19th, 2017.

On Saturday, November 18th, contest finalists, Nahrin Alam, Justina Adorno, Grace Griffin, Diya Thomas, Sylvester Maldonado and Mia Diaz arrived early to start an impressive immersive program with a Sound recording class introducing them to the Dual Recording System, Time Code and state of the art sound recording equipment.

They shot scenes in the class using the RED Digital Cinema camera and the digital audio recorder. They students went further to synchronize the sound and video using the industry standard post-production programs Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve 14.

The day continued with a class in Cinematography where the finalists were properly introduced to the RED Digital Cinema camera, its functionalities, 3-point lighting, shot composition, scene coverage, and a whole lot more. Digital Film Academy president, Patrick DiRenna, personally taught the directing master class which opened the eyes of these young filmmakers to an entirely different and revolutionary approach to directing including working with actors, understanding emotional context and content, developing clarity as a director. This lesson culminated with a revolutionary and simple formula to eliminate complications in production.

Day One wrapped up with classes in Screenwriting and Producing where the filmmakers got the full breakdown of the 3-Act Structure in screenwriting, character development and how to get story ideas.

According to the President and Founder of Digital Film Academy, “We want technology to enable deeper, wiser and more forward thinking. Media technology specifically is playing a great role in human evolution and needs to be effective and meaningful.”
The 6 filmmakers in attendance were tasked with developing a story, writing it into a 2-page screenplay, delegating roles (crew), casting, shooting and editing the material.

Day Two, Sunday November 19th, all finalists came in very early and assembled in one of the computer rooms at Digital Film Academy. They discussed their story idea as a group, and wrote the screenplay. Justina Adorno was selected as the director of the project. They brought in their actors, and spent the greater part of the day filming with the Red Digital Cinema Camera and DFA Equipment in the DFA Facility. After filming, they proceeded to the editing room where, together, they edited the film and finally screened it for the instructors. The DFA instructors were very pleased with the piece while the students enjoyed the thrill of the challenge and the opportunity to work with expensive, industry standard equipment they never had access to before the DFA THINK CONTEST.

Nyack High School student, GRACE GRIFFIN, emerged as the overall winner with her short film PERCEPTION. She won the grand prize of a Canon EOS 70D and a Canon 18-55mm Lens. She said, “DFA has changed my life for the better. Thank you for a fantastic weekend and for opening me up to endless possibilities in the filmmaking world. It was unforgettable experience that I will treasure forever”. Each finalist received a certificate of participation from Digital Film Academy.

One of the finalists, Mia Diaz said, “I learnt more than I expected, met amazing, talented people and was able to share ideas in a great environment. You cannot get this kind of experience anywhere else”. Sylvester Maldonado said, “The DFA contest not only allowed us to create content under pressure and learn from our mistakes, but also taught an invaluable amount of knowledge for making films in just 2 days that I will take with me forever. The teachers are amazing people who still have fire in their eyes for the craft!” He went on to say, “Meeting and working with everyone else was such a delight and as the finalists, we are already talking about doing something together as a team”.

Justina Adorno, It’s been a long time since I walked into a room and left completely inspired and motivated. DFA did that for me during the two day workshop I was grateful to be selected for. I am so glad I stumbled upon the school and contest. The faculty students and alumni we so encouraging and straight forward with the tools and knowledge they had to offer. I felt right at home can’t wait to go back at the next opportunity I have! Thanks DFA for putting the light back into my eyes!

Patrick Direnna presented the prize and certificates to the winner and finalists. “We believe that discovering, encouraging and supporting filmmakers at a young age will not only have a great impact on the motion picture and digital media industry, but it also keeps these talented kids away from trouble and inspires hope. As a vocational school with a conservatory program, we don’t just educate and send graduates out to the streets like an assembly line. We are committed to the success of our students and the development of our community”.


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