May 29th, 2009 by admin

Express Buzz - Kollywood makes itself irresistible to those charmed by it. Even if those screen-smitten have to force themselves to forego a settled, well paying job abroad. The course of the next four months will see the release of three expected films, Kamal Haasan’s ‘Unnaipol Oruvan’,  award-winning director Arun Vaidyanathan‘s ‘Achchamundu! Achchamundu!’ and SM Raju’s ‘Varnam’ in Kollywood. The directors of all three films

have been based in the US for a few years now, and have returned to India as aspiring filmmakers, leaving behind plush jobs in the IT field. Expresso takes a closer look at a few such directors who have returned home to realise a dream: on celluloid, in their case. It hasn‘t mattered to these directors that they will have to fund their own film, apart from taking on the responsibilities as a director.Director Jeans, whose ‘Vaelvi’ was not a commercial hit, speaks on how he seeks to improve his marketing strategies for his second film, while director Arun, who has done ‘Achchamundu! Achchamundu!’ speaks about how he seeks to change the stereotypes about NRIs through his film.

Arun Vaidyanathan Being an Oracle programmer was a career Arun Vaidyanathan chose for himself, and he should have had no regrets, had the direction bug not bitten him. Arun then took to a formal course on filmmaking in the New York Film Academy, following which he did short films, many of which were screened at short film festivals.Arun is in Chennai now to test his direction prowess in Chennai waters, with the thriller, ‘Achchamundu! Achchamundu!’, featuring Prasanna and Sneha. “The duo will play Indians settled abroad in my film. My film is also an attempt to disprove the common notions about NRIs and their lifestyle,” says the director, whose film will be a June release.

Full Article

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Congratulations Arun!  Well done and keep up the great work.

May 29th, 2009 by admin

By Peter D. Marshall - I have learned many things during my career in the film industry, but one of the most valuable lessons I have learned was to remain human at all costs. And by this I mean to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

Making a film is a stressful job and you have to remember that there are many careers and a lot of money on the line every time the camera rolls.

When you enter this business, you are stepping into the world of “entertainment.” TV and movies are just one part of this “make-believe” environment - dance, theatre and music are some other examples.

This is a business of artistic expression, massive egos and huge amounts of cash - a recipe for disaster if I ever saw one! It is also a business where you can lose your soul if you’re not careful.

With that in mind, I created this list of “The Ten Commandments of Filmmaking” which is my way of showing you how to work and survive in this business - without getting OR giving ulcers!

C1) It’s only a movie - no one should get hurt.

C2) Ask lots of questions - never assume anything.

C3) There are no rules in filmmaking - only sins!

C4) Listen to the people who know more than you do.

C5) You have to EARN respect - not demand it.

C6)  Don’t abuse your power - use “Power Through” not “Power
Over.”

C7) Don’t be afraid to change your mind.

C8) A healthy Ego is necessary - self importance is
unnecessary.

C9) Have a sense of humour - learn to laugh at yourself.

C10) Take 10 at lunch - and change your socks and shoes.

For a more detailed explanation of these 10 Commandments of Filmmaking
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Peter D. Marshall has worked in the Film and Television Industry for over 35 years. He also publishes the free monthly filmmaking ezine “The Director’s Chair. You can check out his website at: ActionCutPrint.com and his film directing blog at FilmDirectingTips.com

May 29th, 2009 by admin

Wise Kwai’s Thai Film Journal - Thai news reports led me to search for more Thai films at Cannes in the online catalog of the Short Film Corner. I found a couple of them — the animated Victim and a live-action drama called Revenge Tragedies.

The latter is the one that’s been getting all the press in Thailand the past couple of days. It’s a student film by Pornpatchaya Supannarat. Listed on IMDb, Revenge Tragedies is a drama about a young Asian woman (Cindy Chiu) who’s left with hard choices after she’s raped by her boss (Gary Daniels). It was made as a semester project for Pornpatchaya’s studies at the New York Film Academy.

Sensationalized Thai media reports say her film won some sort of award, but I can’t find specific details about what competition it was selected for or where the award was given.

Nonetheless, Revenge Tragedies is real, and it caught the attention of influential producer Prachya Pinkaew, who has put Pornpatchaya, or just Chaya, to work at Baa Ram Ewe production company…

Full article - Wise Kwai’s Thai Film Journal

May 27th, 2009 by admin

Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD - As has been the case with modern presidential libraries, the host organization — whether it be a university, city, county or state has provided the land for the construction of presidential libraries. Most recently, SMU provided land on its campus for the George W. Bush Library in Dallas.

In the case of the Clinton Presidential Center (which included facilities/land for the Clinton School), the city of Little Rock first proposed raising the advertising and promotion tax on hotels and restaurants from 2 cents on the dollar to 3 cents on the dollar to purchase land. That met with widespread opposition from restaurant and hotel owners, and the idea was dropped.

On the recommendation of City Director Henry Hodges, Little Rock came back with a plan to issue revenue bonds to purchase the land.  After the city board unanimously passed it, a citizens group led by activist Nora Harris began a petition drive that, if successful, would have resulted in a special election on the issuance of the bonds. Those circulating petitions had 30 days to reach a certain number of valid signatures to have the issue placed on the ballot.

During this 30-day period and believing that Mrs. Harris might successfully obtain the number of required signatures, a group of private citizens funded a survey to determine what would happen were there to be an election. This poll, which was conducted April 15-16 1998, has never been released.

Here’s the key question from the  April 1998 poll:

“The city board recently proposed a sixteen and a half million dollar revenue bond issue that will support three projects. Most of the money would be used to purchase land for the Clinton Presidential Library which will then be built with private funds. About a fifth of the money would fund improvements at the Little Rock Zoo and the city public golf courses. If an election were held today, would you vote for or against this bond issue?”

Definitely for —26%
Probably for–18%
Probably against–21%
Definitely against 30%
Don’t know/undecided 4%

Mrs. Harris was unsuccessful in obtaining the required signatures. No election was held. The bonds were issued and the $165 million Clinton Presidential Center, which includes the Clinton Library, Clinton School and Clinton Park, was built.

May 23rd, 2009 by admin

If you are considering attending college, you should always ask former students of their experience at the school. I took the liberty of compiling a few of our recent letters from New York Film Academy. Listed below are a few recent New York Film Academy reviews from former students.

“After graduating the 1-Year Producing Program in 2008 I started interning at a well known production company in New York. The hands-on-experience that I got at NYFA gave me a head start. I did my duties as the intern for 6 months and soon after I became the production coordinator. I now coordinate music videos and commercials on a full time basis and I continually seem to be able to take advantage of the foundation NYFA supplied me with.” - Stine Chrone Moisen

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“I came to New York City because I wanted to take digital film making classes. I have searched all the programs in New York area, and there were so many of them. And, I compared different programs and classes, soon I found NYFA was my best choice. I had some background in editing and fine arts and I took many classes from different institutions, however, those classes at NYFA were far more practical, in depth with plenty of hands-on opportunity that no other institution provided before.

First course that I took at NYFA was ‘Digital Editing’, which was intense and compact, but I had a lot of fun. I went crazy with film clips that were provided with each project, and every time, I had totally different stories with very different visual effects.

But my favorite course was the 6-week holiday program in Filmmaking. If you’re not sure about a specific major, this is the best class for you. It covers acting, directing, camera operating, lights, editing and screenwriting with your own projects produced in 6 week.

Another course that I never thought about to take but I loved the most, was Acting course. During the screenwriting program, I learned that acting is the base of all filmmaking process. So I decided to take the course after the screenwriting program. It was a great influence and experience for the writing because I was able to think about the actor’s side of being in the filmmaking.

If someone asks me what is my best class at NYFA, then my answer would be, John Loughlin’s cinematography class. From the day one, each group of four people was introduced to16mm camera, from the afternoon class, we were out in Union Square starting to shoot the footage with real film and full equipment. It was thrilling moment and the next class we were able to watch our footage and compare the different camera setting and exposure. It was the best hands on class I ever took.

I love the NYFA program because it offers every class about filmmaking and I was able to choose and tailor to my own background and financial situation.Everyday, I’m so excited to learn and create my filmmaking world in New York!” - Yookyung Hong (from Seoul, Korea)

May 23rd, 2009 by admin

Hello. As an New York Film Academy (NYFA) admissions counselor I speak to people from allover the world, who want to learn about film-making, acting, broadcast journalism, 3D animation and other programs we offer here at NYFA.  NYFA is a very unique school and we are especially dedicated to helping our students in ways that many other schools do not.  I typically suggest prospective students take three simple steps when enrolling in our school.

1) Choose A Program

The first step to take is to peruse the website and decide which program you are most interested in taking.  Students often have a desire to learn about many different areas, but usually one interest wins out.  For example, if I am talking to a student who wants to be an actor and a filmmaker, they will usually be able to pick one over the other if I ask them directly “which do you really like more: acting or filmmaking?” Ask yourself this question if you are having trouble deciding, and the answer should become clear.

It is important to read through the program description carefully online.  New York Film Academy has very thorough summaries of our programs on our website, and most of the necessary information can be found here.  The more you know, the better equipped you will be to ask questions from our staff members.

2) Choose Length of Program & Program Location

Once you know the program you are interested in, it is important to consider the program length and school location that will work best for you.  You will receive an excellent education in any of our programs; but the longer the course, the more you will learn.  New York Film Academy offers the same high-quality education and in-depth curriculum at all our campuses, so you can choose the geographical location that attracts you the most - New York City, Los Angeles or Abu Dhabi!  Some students crave the hustle-and-bustle of New York City; some students want the sun-and-surf of California; and some students want an opportunity to go abroad to study in United Arab Emirates.

3) Apply

When you know which program you want to take, and where you want to take it, I encourage you to apply to the school and begin to make your plans to start off on your path toward your career in the arts.  Luckily, New York Film Academy has a very devoted staff, who are happy to help!  I suggest that after you have considered what path you want to take, you give us a call to discuss your plans with one of our Admissions Counselors.  We are always happy to answer questions and give guidance to our prospective students.

You can apply online or download and mail in application.

I think the most important step of all, however, is to come visit our school to speak with our staff in person and develop a rapport with our faculty.  We have a very approachable atmosphere, and really are happy to meet with interested future filmmakers and actors.  We will be happy to take you for a tour and have you meet with our housing, financial aid, or international representatives.  Give me a call at (212) 674-4300  x136 and I will be glad to welcome you to New York Film Academy!

Your friendly admissions superstar!

Brian Koplow

May 23rd, 2009 by admin

One of the most frequently asked questions here at the New York Film Academy is “do I need acting school?”. For those that have little to no experience but want to become a professional actor and some day make it in the “big movies”, this is a great question. Especially, when film school will be costing you a lot of money and time.

For those that have no acting experience, you need to ask yourself some very important questions before you enroll in film school.

Firstly, how can you be sure that it is something you want to do with your life if you have no experience doing it? Ask yourself “why do I want do this with my life?”.  In this ridiculously difficult and competitive business, having the “feeling” you are destined to be a great actor or wanting to see your name in bright lights is not good enough. The fact is, there is a .0001% chance you will be a movie star. Having a love of the craft is critical and knowing that getting into a movie or on TV most likely will never happen will prepare you mentally for a long and hard road. Being realistic is key!

Secondly, you need to realize that that no school is going to make you a Hollywood actor. Generally, directors and agents do not care whether you went to school for acting or not. There are millions of people trying to get into the movies and you need to be bring something different and better for that role then they are.  What separates you from the rest will be your 1) experience, 2) talent, 3) look, 4) the right agent and 4) be super lucky to stand out in a sea of experienced and beautiful people.

The great thing about the New York Film Academy is that students graduate with 1) on set, hands-on experience working in real films, 2) the best acting techniques to improve your craft and talent and 3) a large network amongst filmmakers. Your look and luck is left up to you.

So, to answer your question directly the answer is NO. You do not “need” acting school to become an actor. However, attending a good acting school that gives you the experience, technique and network needed can jumpstart your career in the motion picture industry.

Check out our video for acting school.

May 23rd, 2009 by admin

This is a picture of my basil plant. What?! You can’t tell? Well, it had a little sprout a week ago, but it has since died. And so ends the sad tale of my third failed attempt at growing herbs. Now I’m off to the garden store for another packet of seeds and hopefully some knowledgeable instruction on how to coax my little plants to a more fruitful life. The third time proved not to be the charm, but perhaps success is just another attempt away.

How striking the parallel between my herb-growing misadventures and life. Sometimes it seems like the only thing I’m successful at is failing. I fail to communicate clearly the message that was in my heart to share; I fail to retain the interest of a particular student; I fail to correctly discern God’s will in a given matter; I fail to get a new business off the ground after months of planning and preparing; I fail to pray enough, memorize enough, show love enough, or share the Gospel enough. And on the list goes. Truly, my life is wrought with failure. And yet, in the midst of it I am compelled to cling to the promise of success.

The promise of success rests not in achieving the end for which I aim, but in the eternal constancy of the laws of God. Weariness gives way to another season of planting because He promises that “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”¹ The temptation to stop serving is replaced with another day of diligent labor because He promises that “your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”² The pull to veer onto the easier path of the ungodly is kept in check by the promise that delighting and meditating in the law of the Lord ends with “whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”³

Thus, myriad failures are overcome because the faithfulness of God is great, and His mercies are “new every morning.”⁴ I am convinced that failure is a very necessary part of our continued growth and dependence upon the Lord. The more I cling to His promises of success, the more I find my understanding of true success redefined. Indeed, perhaps it is in repeated failure that we can claim our greatest success.

1. Galatians 6:9
2. I Corinthians 15:58
3. Psalm 1:3
4. Lamentations 3:22-23

May 17th, 2009 by admin

If you’ll be in NYC on Tuesday May 26th, please join us at the local premiere of Debra Chasnoff’s new film, Straightlaced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up. Debra is the Executive Director of GroundSpark, a nonprofit organization that creates meaningful, thought-provoking films about a variety of social justice issues; you may also recognize her name from her articles recently published in The Huffington Post.
With the recent crop of disturbing mean girl YT bullying and bully suicides, this film couldn’t come at a better time. About Straightlaced, the website reads, “The pressure to conform to conventional expectations about gender is strongly tied to anti-gay attitudes—the girls who won’t play sports because they don’t want to be called “lezzies”; the boys who make crude comments about girls’ bodies just to prove to their peers that they aren’t gay; the students who won’t raise their hands in class because it’s gay to be smart.“ The film explores gender stereotypes and anti-gay attitudes, and features the real-life perspectives of teens self-identifying across all points of the gender spectrum, and it’s going to be moving and insightful.
REGISTER HEREIf you’ll be in NYC on Tuesday May 26th, please join us at the local premiere of Debra Chasnoff’s new film, Straightlaced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up. Debra is the Executive Director of GroundSpark, a nonprofit organization that creates meaningful, thought-provoking films about a variety of social justice issues; you may also recognize her name from her excellent articles recently published in The Huffington Post.
With the recent crop of disturbing mean girl YT bullying and bully suicides, Straightlaced couldn’t come at a better time. About the film, the website reads, “The pressure to conform to conventional expectations about gender is strongly tied to anti-gay attitudes—the girls who won’t play sports because they don’t want to be called “lezzies”; the boys who make crude comments about girls’ bodies just to prove to their peers that they aren’t gay; the students who won’t raise their hands in class because it’s gay to be smart.“ The film explores gender stereotypes and anti-gay attitudes, and features the real-life perspectives of teens self-identifying across all points of the gender spectrum, and it’s going to be moving and insightful.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR READ MORE
Event info:Tuesday, May 26, 2009Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College695 Park Avenue, New York
Doors open at 6:45pm; Screening begins at 7:00pm; Party immediately after$25/special rate available for educators and students.
Groundspark also has a limited number of free tickets for high schoolers to attend the screening, so sign up for some via their raffle here. But when you buy your ticket to the benefit, you’ll also be supporting an initiative that will make a big impact in schools: Chasnoff and GroundSpark are raising funds to distribute the film and produce ancillary materials, including a curriculum guide, a professional development program for school staff, and a discussion kit for parents.
To download the invitation and pass it along, click here.

May 17th, 2009 by admin

Posted by student ASHLEY DAVIS - During the past few weeks my classmates have finished classes for the semester, moved out of their houses and apartments and got last minute shots and visas. Meanwhile, I have just finished my fourth week working with the Tällberg Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. It has been an odd experience to watch the end of the semester from afar as my classmates are anticipating their projects and the possibilities that lie ahead, and I am completely engrossed in the middle of my project in Stockholm, Sweden.

I am helping plan the Tällberg Forum, an annual gathering of 450 leaders from around the world from both the public and private sectors. Leaders from NGOs to government officials to social entrepreneurs will gather in the beautiful village of Tällberg, Sweden at the end of June for four days of reflection, conversation and workshops centered on the theme, “How on earth can we live together?”

We are directly in the middle of the planning process for the forum and just returned from spending two days in Tällberg focused completely on setting timelines and tasks for the weeks ahead. There is a lot to do, but the Tällberg Foundation staff is an extremely dedicated team, and I have been constantly inspired by their dedication to the forum and to finding ways to address the converging crises that we, as humankind, are facing in the economic, social and environmental arenas.

As for my personal responsibilities, I am working with two foundation staff members to plan and execute the series of workshops that take place during the forum. We are planning more than 50 workshops to take place during the Saturday and Sunday of the programme and about 10 seminars to set the stage for the converging crises on Friday.

Members of the Tällberg network will be bringing their projects, their current thinking and their questions to put on the table and, most importantly, to talk about from a systems perspective. These conversations spark creativity, partnerships, innovative ideas and often even more questions to take home after the forum. Currently, we have many exciting topics being covered, including discussions on forestry, petro-politics and the road to Copenhagen, just to name a few.

It feels like I have been here much longer than four weeks! I have settled in to my routine and can see the outcome of my work and my colleagues’ work, the Tällberg Forum, quickly approaching. It has been a wonderful experience so far, and I can’t wait to see it all come together at the end of June.

Ashley Davis in the village of Tällberg, Sweden, 3.5 hours north of Stockholm.