Learn How To Become a Filmmaker at NYFA
In the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Filmmaking at NYFA’s Film School, aspiring directors and filmmakers create films and multiplatform content, while building their confidence as directors and visual storytellers. As the goal for every BFA film student is to graduate with a tremendous amount of filmmaking experience and a reel, our students learn-by-doing, getting intensive on-set production training while creating their own films.
Our signature hands-on approach helps students gain advanced skills and knowledge in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and producing. The program aims to provide students with the framework to bring capitvating stories to life through film and content creation, and to emerge from our BFA program with strengthened communication, leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and time management skills.
Curriculum
- Technical and creative classes that train film students on how to be directors and strong visual storytellers, such as Directing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Editing, as well as foundational courses in other major filmmaking disciplines
- Training in a series of formats including high resolution cinema, 35 mm, and 16 mm
- Additional coursework in liberal arts, cinema studies, arts and humanities, and science that strongly relates to filmmaking
- Award-winning filmmaking faculty who actively work in the film industry and have up-to-date knowledge on filmmaking techniques
- Consistent access to filmmaking equipment, including industry-standard cameras, lighting, grip, and sound gear
- Opportunities to attend exclusive guest lectures from leading film industry directors, actors, producers, cinematographers, including distinguished NYFA alumni and more
The BFA in Filmmaking is a nine-semester degree. Students may complete the program in three years by taking three full-length semesters in each year. Students may also choose to complete the program in a traditional four-year time frame.
Aspiring filmmakers and directors develop their voice during the BFA, writing, shooting, directing, and editing more than ten of their own original films, which increase in complexity as the program advances. These projects include fundamental filmmaking formats and styles, such as Mise en Scène, Continuity, Commercial, Intermediate, and Thesis films. Students also work in key crew positions on their classmates’ films, such as a gaffer, key grip, cinematographer, etc. To see the types of filmmaking projects BFA students complete, visit our film projects page.
A strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is crucial to the development of a filmmaker. In addition to their filmmaking coursework, students further their undergraduate studies in Foundation Studies, Arts and Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The liberal arts and sciences courses complement the filmmaking courses, creating a balanced course load that emphasizes critical thinking and develops college-level writing skills.
Prospective students can learn more about BFA requirements on NYFA’s Liberal Arts and Sciences overview page.
The BFA in Filmmaking is offered at our campuses in New York City, Los Angeles, and South Beach.
Acting Film Alumini
Faculty Highlights
Andrea Swift
Ed Timpe
