Welcome!
Welcome to the New York Film Academy’s summer programs for kids in Los Angeles! Whether they’ll be learning the craft of filmmaking or acting for the camera, students should come ready to commit themselves to an intensive, fun, and rewarding experience.
We ask that parents read through this packet carefully. It provides information that will prove invaluable in orienting yourselves to our program.
We look forward to an exciting summer in Los Angeles!
NYFA at a Glance
MISSION STATEMENT
NYFA Kids Programs are based on the philosophy of “learn by doing.” Every curriculum stems from that belief. NYFA believes that the most effective way for our campers to master their chosen craft is to immediately start creating their own work in a hands-on intensive working environment.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
NYFA Kids Programs are based on the philosophy of “learn by doing.” Every curriculum stems from that belief. NYFA believes that the most effective way for our campers to master their chosen craft is to immediately start creating their own work in a hands-on intensive working environment.
NYFA VALUES
Leadership – To be a successful artist in these collaborative fields, leadership qualities are important. Through the work and development of the projects that campers make or perform in, they can enhance their ability to engage others to work together and create impactful art.
Creativity – We encourage campers to think outside the box. The challenges inherent in these crafts force campers to develop creative solutions to achieve desired results.
Collaboration – Quality leadership and collaboration go hand in hand. To achieve educational and creative goals, campers must work together and often depend on their classmates’ assistance to execute their projects. Collaboration fosters the ability to conduct oneself with professionalism and respect to others and their creativity.
Discipline – The discipline required to create quality work is extraordinary. A camper will need to practice the art of discipline, and try their hand at a craft that requires full dedication to succeed.
Expression and Individuality – Through visual and performing arts, our campers have an extraordinary opportunity to express their point of view and discuss their thoughts, ideas and concerns. We encourage campers to use their own experiences to inform their work, which often results in truthful and moving storytelling.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
NYFA’s faculty members are active performing and visual arts professionals. They all have a passion for the arts including storytelling and teaching and are consistently given the highest praise from our campers.
STAFFING
The Director of Youth Programs supervises all Kids Program staff, which includes instructors, technical and teaching assistants. Questions regarding Camper Services should be directed to the Director of Youth Programs.
Registration
All NYFA camps have open enrollment, though NYFA prerequisites may apply for certain programs. No previous experience is required for Level I programs. The application for camps may be filled out online. A deposit ($500) is required to secure the camper’s spot in the program of their choice. Once the application and the deposit have been made, the camper will receive an online packet containing forms that must be filled out by the camper and their parents/ guardians. Such forms include rules and regulations, medical forms and pick up release forms.
Summer Camp Forms
Parents and students will need to fill out and sign all required forms ONLINE. You will receive an email with the subject line “NYFA Summer Camp Action Required” with a personalized link. Please follow the steps to complete the forms.
In addition to signing all required forms, you will need to submit a Health Examination Form, front and back copy of medical insurance card detailing health information (for student), and a CURRENT photo (of student). Click here to download the Health Examination Form.
If you have any questions, contact us at 818-333-3558 ext. 1085 or email [email protected]
Orientation and Final Screening
Due to space restrictions we will not be permitting parents to attend Monday Orientations. Due to this we ask that you please read the Welcome Letter Email from the Director of Programs in its entirety, which will arrive before your program starts.
Each program will also include a final screening at the end of the program. This is an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their work from instructors in a supportive environment, therefore it is limited to students and their teachers. However, the students will receive copies of their work sent to their NYFA email addresses, and we encourage students to share this footage with their friends and family following the conclusion of the program.
Orientation Dates
(depending on your start date):
Monday, July 6th- 9am
Monday, July 20- 9am
Monday, August 03- 9am
Supervision
Students in the kids program will be supervised at all times – in class, while filming in the school, at lunch, and up until the time they are picked up at the end of the day.
The pick up process will include signing your student out with a teaching assistant at the end of each day at 4PM. Please refer to your welcome letter for more information.
Lunch
Students have one hour to eat lunch. All students must bring a packed lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or microwaved each day. There will be no ability to order or purchase lunch elsewhere.
Transportation
Please make all transportation arrangements before the program begins. It is important that all students arrive on time for classes to begin at 9 am every day (as set by the schedule you’ll receive at orientation).
Students must be picked up at 4:00 PM.
Medical Care
If students are in need of any medical attention, they should immediately advise their instructor or teaching assistant. Staff will contact parents and take the student directly to the nearest medical facility if needed.
As necessary, please make sure your child is supplied with any prescription medication they will need for the duration of your program. (Please note: we cannot be responsible for dispensing medication – this is the responsibility of the student). If the student has a recurring medical condition we should be made aware of, please send us his or her medical history, as well as any information or records that may assist doctors in treatment.
Please inform us of any allergies the student may have on the Medical Release form.
We suggest you contact your insurance provider if you are unsure whether your policy covers your child in Los Angeles, CA.
Remember to fill out the medical information form in the Applicant Portal and upload the front and back of your insurance card.
Important Contact Info
NYFA Address:
3300 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
NYFA Main Office Number: (818) 333-3558
NYFA Website: nyfa.edu/summer-camps
General Questions:
Email: [email protected]
Camp Director Bio
Christopher Pettoni is a writer, filmmaker and educator based in Los Angeles who has been a member of the NYFA community since 2016. He received a BFA in Film and Television Production from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, as well as an MFA in Screenwriting from California State University Northridge.
Checklist
Tuition is due 30 days before the start of your program. Please pay via this link below:
ATTN: Kids Program
*You will need your student’s ID number which is located in the top corner of the invoice that was sent to you via email.
- Inform NYFA of any changes to your address, email or phone.
- Complete your Summer Forms in the Applicant Portal (including the medical release and self release form.).
- Please contact us with any questions.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU THIS SUMMER!
Preparation
We look forward to seeing the amazing work you will produce during camp. In the following pages we have outlined some useful information for Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Game Design and 3D Animation students. Please read through the section designated for your program.
FILMMAKING STUDENTS
While their ideas will evolve throughout the program, filmmaking students may give themselves a head start by engaging in some light preparation prior to starting the workshop. Students should prepare by writing down any story ideas, character notes or other thoughts related to possible film projects. In Level I film programs, students make films that feature visual action, music and sound FX, but no recorded dialogue. So, remember to think visually! Students can begin to sketch stories out in storyboard form, similar to a comic book. Students should bring this material with them to class. Film students should also consider music they will use in their films. Also, the book “Filmmaking for Teens” by Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols is a fun, concise guide for introducing younger students to film.
A sample Filmmaking schedule is included on the following page.
ACTING FOR FILM STUDENTS
Acting for Film students can prepare by watching their favorite actors in movies and on television! But afterwards they should put their thinking hats on and ask themselves, what is it about the performance that makes the actor so captivating? Students should note specific scenes that move them and attempt to be able to explain why.
In preparation for the workshop, we encourage acting for film students to take a shot at reading plays and scripts involving young people. They can find these either online, or in printed compilations found in the library or bookstore. (One example: “Awesome Plays for Teens & Tweens” by Christina Hamlett).
A sample Acting for Film schedule is included on the following page.
3D ANIMATION
This NYFA kids Animation program is geared towards animating characters and environments. Students will work in industry standard software from day one to create short dimensional scenes.
Animators are filmmakers, so any reading on film can help students prepare for the visual requirements of directing. “Filmmaking for Teens” by Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols is a fun, concise guide for introducing younger students to film.
Students may enjoy watching Chuck Jones’ Bugs Bunny shorts, to understand humor and pose-to-pose animation. We also recommend that students watch anything from Pixar! There are some wonderful animated shorts on TV (Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network) that students can check out.
A sample 3D Animation schedule is included on the following page.
GAME DESIGN
The New York Film Academy Kids Game Design camp is designed to provide kids with a method for building digital games and to teach them the language of playable systems. Campers may want to spend some time playing a variety of games, as well as thinking about ways to change their rules, goals, materials, and space. Any experience playing and making games, making up stories and characters, coding, and creating visual art is an asset, but not required.
Campers will learn to brainstorm, prototype, and build games using the playcentric method of design, making prototypes, and crafting digital games using industry standard software and their inventive imaginations!
A sample Game Design schedule is included on the following page.
