NYFA Australia's online workshops are designed to teach the fundamentals of film related disciplines, offering aspiring students the opportunity to gain expertise in their chosen field from anywhere in the world.
The workshops are active creative learning experiences where students will participate in every class, interact with teachers and classmates, and create original work. As with our on-campus programs, classes are kept small to allow for optimal teacher-student interaction, critique, and discussion of creative work.
Each workshop includes live interactive instruction and group meetings. For each one hour of interactive in-class instruction, you will engage in one hour of work outside of class to complete projects and exercises.
4-Week Online Workshops are currently being offered for these dates:
TBC
All programs are four weeks long and meet 3 nights a week, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
30 hours total, 1 x 2.5 hour class per evening.
1 class per day. All times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST):
5:30pm - 8:00 pm
Please note that the Online Workshop classes are not recorded and students are expected to attend the live classes as per the above schedule.
Tuition: AUD $1,500 per course
Program Requirements
Personal computer or laptop
Zoom software (free)
Screenwriting software (free or Professional) - For Screenwriting and Directing
Microsoft Office (Word and Excel for Producers)
Access to internet
You may require specific software for the workshop. See workshop descriptions for details
4-Week Online Digital Editing with DaVinci Resolve
This Online Digital Editing workshop is designed to serve the needs of students from a wide array of professional, personal, and educational backgrounds.
Students will edit various projects over the course, including a montage, a documentary sequence, and a narrative project.
Over the course of the program, students will learn critical skills such as: starting a project, editing tools, post-production workflow,
sound design, media management, basic effects, and an introduction to other advanced concepts such as colour grading.
Editors hold one of the most critical roles in the filmmaking industry. Filmmakers rely on an editor’s storytelling and digital editing
skills to shape the narrative of their story in post production and to polish their films. Editors are not solely limited to the film industry;
they work in many areas of media, including news, documentaries, television, and web series.
Students learn not only the practical skills and tools necessary for an editor, they also gain an insight into the art of storytelling.
Digital Editing With DaVinci Resolve Class Descriptions
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is used for editing videos, commercials and other film, television, and online video. It is a comprehensive video
editing software application. Students will become comfortable or fluent in the software, learn Shortcuts, Audio Mixing, Color Correction,
Graphics and Effects, and Export Settings for various platforms.
Creative storytelling
The key to any great piece of content is a story. Storytelling in your video will help you to engage your audience and achieve the results
you want. Stories allow us to empathize with characters or even imagine ourselves in their place.
Screening and Critique
Students screen their work for instructor and classmate feedback upon completion of each film assignment. Constructive feedback
is based on the student’s application of technical and aesthetic principles learned during workshop/lecture hours, and on how well
those techniques were used to achieve the student’s goals. All instructors are film, TV and other media professionals and are active
in their fields.
Program Requirements:
Hard drive. Recommended specs are as follows:
7,200 rpm. This is how fast your drive spins, rpm stands for rotations per minute
1TB of space
Recommended brands: Lacie or G-Drive
Another option: SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable external Solid-State Drive (SSD). SSD storage is much faster than its HDD equivalent
DaVinci Resolve Lite
Students will be required to download the lite version of DaVinci Resolve from the official DaVinci site
Laptop or Desktop Computer - recommended spec requirements are as follows:
Windows - System Requirements
Minimum specifications
Recommended specifications
Processor
Intel® 6thGen or newer CPU – or AMD equivalent
Intel® 7thGen or newer CPU – or AMD equivalent
Operating system
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1803 or later
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later
RAM
16 GB of RAM
16 GB of RAM for HD media
32 GB for 4K media or higher
GPU
2 GB of GPU VRAM
4 GB of GPU VRAM
Hard disk space
50 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (will not install on a volume that uses a case sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices).
Additional high-speed drive for media
Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache
Additional high-speed drive(s) for media
Monitor resolution
1280 x 800
1920 x 1080 or greater
Internet
Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.
macOS - System Requirements
Minimum specifications
Recommended specifications
Processor
Intel® 6thGen or newer CPU
Intel® 6thGen or newer CPU
Operating system
macOS v10.13 or later
macOS v10.13 or later
macOS v10.13 or later RAM
16 GB of RAM
16 GB of RAM for HD media
32 GB for 4K media or higher
GPU
2 GB of GPU VRAM
4 GB of GPU VRAM
Hard disk space
8 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation
(will not install on a volume that uses a case sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices).
Additional high-speed drive for media
Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache
Additional high-speed drive(s) for media
Monitor resolution
1280 x 800
1920 x 1080 or greater
Internet
Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services.
This workshop focuses on how a filmmaker writes, preps for and directs a short film while focusing on the fact that good storytelling is never about the technology but rather the story and the acting.
Through a series of online lectures and guided exercises this workshop will cover the tools available to help implement the Director’s vision in the unique narrative structure of the short film they write. Examined in depth this course covers including but is not limited to the necessary elements that make a good scene/story, how a director breaks down the written word into visual shots and creates point of view, getting good performances from the actors and designing a visual strategy for their story.
Students participate in a series of lectures, discussions, and in-class screenings to further hone their understanding of the art and craft of directing. This class has a special focus on pre-production and the elements of visual storytelling.
Film Directing Class Descriptions
Director’s Craft
The core of the Four-Week Program, Director’s Craft introduces students to the fundamentals of directing a film. As directors, students will focus on the essentials of visual storytelling. They will learn concepts to help achieve maximum psychological impact by studying the director’s decisions in camera placement, blocking, staging, and visual image design.
Director’s Craft is broken down into 5 Subclasses: Introduction to Visual Grammar, Mise en scene, Narrative Stills review, Coverage and Blocking, the Markup script, Storyboards and Shot lists, Working with Actors, Director and the crew, and Final Review and Critique of Short Narrative Film.
Screenwriting
The screenwriting portion of the course adheres to the philosophy that good directing cannot occur without a well-written script. These classes are designed to introduce students to the basic principles of screenwriting, including brainstorming, dramatic structure, character arc and conflict.
This class is designed to help students develop concepts and then ultimately scripts for their final project. Concepts such as brainstorming, dramatic structure, character arc and conflict are explored. It focuses on the fundamentals of visual storytelling and provides students with constructive analysis and support as they take a story from initial idea and step outline to a shooting script.
Camera and Lighting
This course introduces the students to the principles of photography as applied to the moving image. The fundamental elements of cinematography can be applied to any camera. Those fundamentals include; exposure, lenses, focus, and movement.
In addition to covering cameras, students in this course will also learn fundamental lighting techniques. They learn how to support the mood of the story with lighting choices and they experiment with expressive lighting styles. This includes using nontraditional/professional lighting equipment, learning how to what is available in a safe and creative manner.
Camera is broken down into the following subclasses: Composition, Guerilla Lighting, Exterior Shooting, Lighting exercise review and critique, Lenses and movement.
Editing
This Area of Study will discuss the psychological and emotional effects of editing on the overall story. Additionally, students will learn to operate editing software that they will use to edit their own exercises, as well as implementing basic sound design.
Editing broken down into 4 subclasses: Software introduction, Theory of Editing, Editing the Short Narrative, Sound Editing.
Program Requirements:
A camera (cell phone camera will suffice)
Da Vinci Resolve (Free Version)
Laptop with minimum specs for editing (see table below)
Minimum specifications
Recommended specifications
Processor
Intel Core i7 or newer CPU
Intel Core i9
Operating system
macOS v10.14.6 or later / Windows 10
macOS v10.14.6 or later / Windows 10
macOS v10.14.6 or later RAM
16 GB of RAM
16 GB of RAM for HD media
32 GB for 4K media or higher
GPU
4 GB of GPU VRAM
8 GB of GPU VRAM
Hard disk space
50 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (will not install on a volume that uses a case sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices).
This online intensive Acting program will help develop the skills you need to compete in the business of acting. Students will learn how to choose and workshop monologues, explore how to produce their own original material, discover how to break down and prepare a script, watch and discuss great performances from some of the best talent in the industry, and prepare for the business by learning how to self-tape and submit for auditions. This unique experience is a wonderful way to study at New York Film Academy Australia with people from all over the world, with the convenience of an online platform.
Classes: Text in Action, Monologues, Voice and Speech, Audition Technique
Acting Class Descriptions
Text in Action
In this class, students will learn the core skills necessary for maintaining the integrity of a performance. Text in Action focuses on the analysis and mapping skills required while shooting out of sequence. Students examine contemporary playwrights and screenwriters, examining plot structure and extracting given circumstances, and learn to utilize these fundamental tools for rehearsal and performance.
Voice and Speech
In this class, students will begin to hone a vocal technique that is open, free, flexible, lively, and possessing an extensive and colorful range.
Monologue
In this class, you will learn how to choose a monologue that showcases your individual type, playing to your unique strengths as an actor. You will learn how to shape and craft your monologue by choosing specific objectives, actions, and personalized points of view, to ultimately create a monologue that can be used for auditions and showcases alike.
Audition Technique
This class focuses on the fundamentals of crafting material for on-camera TV and Film auditions, so that you can create unique, compelling auditions that showcase your strengths as an actor. You will also learn what to expect in a professional audition setting, and how to successfully master self tape auditions.
This Online Screenwriting Workshop will provide students with hands-on experience on what it means to be a screenwriter in the film industry. Students will learn the basic building blocks of story - structure, character, dialog, and industry-standard formatting. They will use these tools to develop an original idea for a feature film into a detailed Beat Sheet. The program focuses primarily on the basic tools all writers need to develop their stories. It provides a fundamental knowhow relevant to anyone who wants to write cinematically for the screen.
Students will complete the program with written practice scenes and a detailed Beat Sheet for a feature film.
Screenwriting - Story & Structure Class Descriptions
Writer’s Toolkit
This class provides the basics on generating ideas, creating loglines, synopsis and other story development tools for feature films.
Screenplay Formatting and Software
This class will introduce students to industry standard formatting for a feature film screenplay, including correctly formatted scene headings, action and description, character and dialogue.
Structure
Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of narrative structure, screenplay, and plotting. It also teaches specific skills like elements of a scene, turning points, identifying theme and completing a beat sheet for a feature film screenplay.
Character
Students will learn the fundamental skills of building dynamic, engaging and multi-dimensional characters for cinematic stories. The focus will be on identifying what qualities define powerful characters and how they engage with each other and the elements of the story.
Writing Scenes
Through practical in-class exercises, students will learn how to craft and rewrite a scene, refining dialogue, character, and scene description to generate a compelling and engaging experience that can be translated to the screen.
Dialogue and Subtext
Through practical in-class exercises and examples, students will learn how to craft authentic and engaging dialogue exchanges between characters. Areas of focus include character motivation and goals, conflict and subtext.
This Online Producing workshop gives students an introductory overview of the entire producing process. Courses include: Producer's Craft (students learn the elements of production management, including identifying and developing material for the screen, financing, budgeting and scheduling), Pitching (an essential producing skill), Film Festival Strategies, as well as an introduction to the various crafts of filmmaking including: Screenwriting, Directing and other key creative roles. Graduates of the program will gain practical and pragmatic skills, tools, and knowledge, enabling them to develop and hone necessary skills for a career in the film and television industry.
Classes: Producer’s Craft, Pitching, Story and Screenwriting, Scheduling and Budgeting, Production Management, Working with the Director, Film Craft - Production, Film Craft - Post Production, Film Festival Strategies, Final Review.
Film & TV Producing Class Descriptions
Producer's Craft
This class provides a broad overview of the Producing process: from identifying ideas through the development of scripts to financing and production management. Through lecture, discussion of industry developments, handouts and individual research assignments, Producer’s Craft lays the groundwork for a profession as a Creative Producer.
Story and Screenwriting
Producers play a key role in the development of scripts. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of basic, fundamental screenwriting elements such as: structure, conflict and character. They will gain insight into working with writers, story analysis, and overall management of the development process.
The Art of Pitching
An essential producing skill, students learn the appropriate pitching techniques for a variety of meetings and settings. Each student will practice and gain critical and fundamental pitching skills, including writing effective loglines, identifying the audience, and perfecting the pitch.
Scheduling and Budgeting
Students learn about the physical aspects of production: scheduling and budgeting, crew descriptions, paperwork and reporting mechanisms (permits, call sheets, production reports), pay rates, working with unions, insurance guidelines, and more.
Film Craft
Producers must have a fundamental understanding of the various crafts involved in the filmmaking process. This class will provide students with a brief overview of the key creative roles involved in production and post-production, including Cinematographer, Production Designer, Composer, Sound Recordist, Editor and Sound Designer.
Working with the Director
The Producer/Director relationship is crucial to the success of any project. This overview will introduce the student to the language of directing and the basic elements of the director’s craft including: working with actors, composition and blocking, shots and shot lists, continuity, text vs. subtext, crew positions, and the budgetary restraints of the creative process.
Film Festival Strategies
With the proliferation of film festivals around the world, this course will offer an opportunity at a “low cost” option for the submission of their films and a means to develop a film community of their own. Film Festivals are expanding as the technology explodes in the digital universe. Topics include festival selection, social media campaigns, case study of a specific film to examine the process of working the festival circuit, and achieving potential distribution deals.