Welcome!
Welcome to the New York Film Academy Miami camps. Students in this program will be coming from around the world ready to commit themselves to an intensive and exciting process of making films or learning to act for film in an extraordinary environment.
We look forward to seeing you in Miami!
NYFA at a Glance
MISSION STATEMENT
Through its educational programs, the New York Film Academy (“NYFA”) propagates visual literacy and visual storytelling through hands-on intensive learning. It seeks to make visual storytelling education accessible to the most diverse, international, and broadest possible spectrum of campers, and to hone the skills of future professionals so that they may one day serve the visual storytelling arts as industry leaders.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
NYFA Teen 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 Teen Programs supervises all Teen Program staff, which includes counselors, instructors and technical assistants. Questions regarding Camper Services should be directed to the Director of Teen Programs.
Registration
All NYFA camps have open enrollment, though NYFA prerequisites may apply. No previous experience is required. The application for the 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 medical conditions or allergies, etc.
Summer Camp Forms In Applicant Portal
Parents and students will need to sign all required Summer Forms in the Application Portal.
In addition to signing all required forms, you will need to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination if any, Health Examination Form, front and back copy of medical insurance card detailing health information (for student), and a CURRENT photo (of student) in the Applicant Portal.
If you have any questions, contact us at (305) 534-6009 or email [email protected]
Before You Arrive
Filmmaking
Filmmaking students should prepare by writing any story ideas, character notes, or other thoughts to bring with them to camp. These ideas will inevitably develop once the program begins, but it will be a great help to have some concepts prior to starting the program. Remember to think visually!
Filmmaking students should begin thinking of music they might want to use and bring music files with them to the camp.
While there is no required reading, we have found the following books to be excellent resources: “Film Directing: Shot by Shot” by Stephen Katz, “The Art of Dramatic Writing” by Lajos Egri, “The Filmmakers Handbook” by Edward Pincus and Steven Asher, “Making Movies” by Sidney Lumet and for screenwriting, Lew Hunter’s “Screenwriting 434.”
Acting for Film
Acting for FIlm Students can prepare by watching your favorite actors and notice what it is about them that you admire and makes them good.
Take note of specific scenes and performances that move you. Read a variety of plays and film scripts and if there is a particular one you’d like to perform, bring it with you. Your instructors may be able to integrate it into your class.
For books on acting and technique, check out: “Respect for Acting” or “A Challenge for the Actor” both by Uta Hagen, “On Acting” by Sanford Meisner, or A “Dream of Passion” by Lee Strasberg.
Registration & Orientation
Please make plans to arrive in South Beach in order to attend the registration and orientation on the Monday start date of your program. The first class will immediately follow registration and orientation.
School Address:
New York Film Academy Miami
420 Lincoln Rd,
Suite 300
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
3-WEEK & 1-WEEK PROGRAMS
First day of classes: June 10 or July 08, 2024
You must register at these times.
Registration at 9 am
Monday, June 10, 2024
Monday, July 08, 2024
(depending on your workshop)
ORIENTATION
After registration, New York Film Academy staff and all students in the teen program will have an orientation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DINING
New York Film Academy South Beach is located at the end of Lincoln Road Mall. Lincoln Road Mall offers unique shopping, sidewalk cafes, galleries, and fine dining. Although the New York Film Academy does not provide lunch or snacks, students can walk outside and have lunch at the many cafes and restaurants located in the area.
For a list of restaurants in the area please go to: lincolnroadmall.com/store-directory/. Students are also welcome to bring their own lunch and eat in our student lounge.
CLOTHING
Students should be prepared for high temperatures in Miami. Shorts and t-shirts are recommended, but please pack a hat, umbrella, and long sleeves to protect fair skin against the sun’s rays. There are often short storms, and students should pack a poncho. Please also pack waterproof sunblock, sneakers, and a sweater or sweatshirt for air conditioned rooms.
Rules & Regulations
The program rules have never prevented anyone from having an incredible experience. The rules exist to make sure that everyone is safe and things run smoothly. NYFA reserves the right to present additional rules and regulations at registration.
These rules will be reviewed at orientation on your first night of the program. For a complete list of all rules, please refer to the Parent/Camper Handbook in the online forms. Here are some highlights.
WHILE FILMING
Students must wear NYFA t-shirts when filming.
RIDING IN CARS
Students may not ride in any other student’s vehicle, ever!
GOING OFF-CAMPUS
A parent or guardian must provide a written letter of permission for a student to leave campus to see a friend or family member (who is over 18 years of age). Verbal permission is not sufficient. Students may not leave on their own.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL-ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited. Students found with drugs or alcohol in their possession will be immediately expelled from the program at their and/or their parents’ expense. This includes procuring drugs or alcohol for someone else, even if you personally did not partake in their consumption.
There will be no exceptions.
Expelled students will not receive a refund of any kind.
Final Screenings
3-week students will have a final screening or performance on the last Friday of their program and will include the awarding of certificates. Screening times are generally in the afternoon, but final times will be determined closer to the event due to program size, length of film or projects, etc. Please contact [email protected] the week of the screening to confirm the time and location. Please be sure students and families are communicating about the schedule. Students will receive a copy of their work.
1-week students will receive their certificates during their last class on Friday and will be given a copy of their work to show friends and family at home. There is no final screening with 1-week students.
ALL PROGRAMS:
All filmmaking students will receive a copy of their work. Acting for Film students will receive a copy of selected films and coursework they acted in.
We highly recommend that all students bring a USB flash drive (at least 16 GB) onto which they can upload all of their projects.
However, if students wish to take home their raw footage and the films of their classmates, we highly recommend bringing a portable hard drive.
International Students & Travel/Visas
Campers
should travel on a tourist visa or visa waiver* to attend the summer teens programs. When you enter the U.S., you should state that you are attending “Summer CAMP.” The camps are classified as recreational in nature and not academic so student visas are NOT needed! You should not say you are coming to the U.S. for school! You are coming to CAMP!
Please make sure the camper’s passport is valid for at least six months past the intended departure date. Please note, if you are from a country where tourist visas or a visa waiver are not easily obtainable, then we can provide a letter to the consulate.
* VISA WAIVER
The visa waiver allows entry to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Facts about the Visa Waiver:
You must have a machine readable passport which is valid for at least six months past the intended departure date. The visa waiver CANNOT be extended. It is important not to overstay your visit or else you will not be able to use the visa waiver ever again. If you are planning a stay longer than 90 days then you must apply for a tourist visa.
Medical Care
If students are in need of any medical attention, for any reason, they should advise a counselor who, will take them directly to the nearest hospital or urgent care facility.
Remember to fill out the medical information form in the Applicant Portal and upload the front and back of your insurance card.
Please bring a supply of any prescription medicine you will need for the duration of your program.
Please inform us of any allergies you may have on the medical release form (to be filled out online).
If you have a recurring medical condition we should be made aware of, please bring your medical history as well as any information or records that may assist doctors in treating you during your stay.
Important Contact Info
Miami Office Number: 305-534-6009
General Questions:
Email: [email protected]
NYFA Website: nyfa.edu/summer-camps
Camp Director: Yoselin Solórzano
Dean of NYFA Miami: Maylen Dominguez
NYFA Address:
420 Lincoln Rd, Suite 200
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Dean of NYFA South Beach Bio
Maylen Dominguez started her career as an Agent Trainee at Endeavor Talent Agency, now William Morris Endeavor, in Beverly Hills, California, where she read and covered 20 scripts per week. She worked for Galan Entertainment, which produced content for Latin American television and films, such as The ALMA Awards, Los Beltran, and Padre Alberto. Maylen then joined Minnie Diver (Good Will Hunting, Gross Pointe Blank) and her production company, Two Drivers Production, as Director of Development, where she had the opportunity to develop film projects and well as work on the production sets of Return To Me, Beautiful, and Slow Burn.
Maylen received a scholarship from NBC Universal for a television spec comedy script she wrote as a graduate student at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. She was also able to spend time on the sets of various sitcoms, notably Will and Grace. She received the Zaki Gordon Award for Excellence in screenwriting, and was given the opportunity to interview actors, writers, and directors, which were conducted in front of large studio audiences and filmed in the style of Inside the Actor’s Studio. Maylen holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing for Screen and Television from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Film from Yale University. She is one of the five original founders of the Orlando Film Festival and a member of the Advisory Board of the Florida Film Festival.
Camp Director Bio
Yoselin Solórzano is an Ecuadorian filmmaker based in South Florida. She holds a Master’s Degree in Producing from New York Film Academy. Yoselin has more than 10 years of working in the Ecuadorian television industry where she has functioned as a Content Producer and as First Assistant Director for unscripted and scripted shows. After moving to Miami, she currently teaches several producing courses for the filmmaking department and filmcraft courses for the acting for film department of NYFA Miami.
Checklist
Tuition balance is due 30 days before the start of your program.
- Confirm that your health insurance covers you in Miami, Florida.
- You will need to fill out all forms ONLINE! This includes the medical release, rules and regulations, and other important forms. You will do this by going to the link contained in the email sent to you.
- Please note any allergies / medications on the medical Release form.
- Inform NYFA of any changes to your address, email or phone.
- Be sure to bring this packet with you to camp. You may want to make a copy of this as well for your parents to keep at home for reference.
- Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Direction
From North – (Ft. Lauderdale):
Get on I-95 S.
Continue on I-95 S to Miami Beach.
Continue on W 41st Street. Take Pine Tree Dr. to Washington Avenue.
Continue onto W 41st Street.
Turn right onto Pine Tree Drive.
Continue onto Dade Boulevard.
Turn left onto Washington Avenue. Destination will be on the right.
From South – (Coral Gables):
U.S. 1 N and I-95 N.
Follow U.S. 1 N to I-95 N in Miami.
Continue on I-95 N. Take I-195 E to FL-907 S/Alton Road in Miami Beach.
Take exit 5 from I-195 E.
Continue on FL-907 S/Alton Road.
Turn left onto N Michigan Avenue.
Turn left onto Dade Boulevard.
Turn right onto Washington Avenue. Destination will be on the right.
From West – (Miami International Airport)
Get on FL-112 E in Hialeah from Miad Circle and Exit 2.
Follow FL-112 E and I-195 E to FL-907 S/Alton Road in Miami Beach.
Take exit 5 from I-195 E. Continue on FL-907 S/Alton Road.
Turn left onto N Michigan Avenue.
Turn left onto Dade Boulevard.
Turn right onto Washington Avenue. Destination will be on the right.
Preparation
We look forward to seeing the amazing work you will produce during your camp. Please read through the section designated for your program in the following pages. We have outlined information for you to best prepare for your camp.
FILMMAKING STUDENTS
ACTING FOR FILM STUDENTS
