So does anyone know where New York Film Academy ranks against schools like USC, NYU, etc? I would love to study at their London school.

NYFA is a trade school, whereas USC and NYU are universities. They're apples and oranges so it's hard to compare them, but you would get a more extensive education at a university and employers will usually hire a university graduate over a trade school graduate. I went to NYFA in high school and am currently enrolled at a university. The only program that NYFA runs that's anywhere near comparable to an undergrad or grad program would be their 1 year course, but it's still not quite on the same level.

Hi,
In response to your query.
I have been given to understand that NYFA works well for graduate students. So get some degree before joining it. As Josh has stated, it is not a good idea to treat it like your undergraduate degree; it is not.

NYFA, although not a university, is renowned for its facilities. A professor told me that you are given the camera on the first day of joining the institute. This means that they don't segregate theory and practicals.
This is what I remember of NYFA. I have a question. Is NYFA commercial? Does an individual who likes "art" cinema picture himself within NYFA?

I was at the NYFA two-month filmmaking course, and I thought it was great. The equipment and facilities are very good (but be sure to check that all the equipment works when you rent it out), the teachers were for the most part exceptional, and you really do learn a lot. I think that the biggest practical difference (that isn't the price) between a university and the NYFA is the fact that a university has a selection process. At the NYFA, if you can pay you can play, which means that not everyone there is necessarily motivated or talented.

I know this is kind of off topic but has anyone here attended NYFA's high school summer workshops? I'm hoping to attend one this summer but it looks like I'm only going to be able to attend a three week workshop...Does anyone know how the 3 week compares to the 4 or 6 week ones? Any other comments about the workshops?

"Gaff tape is like the force: it has a dark side, a light side, and it holds the universe together"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: techie1902,

I realize this post was started almost a year ago, but I felt those reading this should be aware that NYFA also offers a 2 year MFA program that is comparable with USC, NYU, etc and offers the same degree they offer.

The difference with NYFA is that this is 2 years instead of 3-4+ years and it is a much more independent minded school, meaning you really get out what you put in. There are some things that need fixing, and the resources aren't the same as USC or NYU, but the teacher's are more involved and dedicated and the school has a good reputation within the industry.

WARNING Avoid nyfa at all cost, unless you can't get into those ultra selective film school because of poor high school grades. NYFA has an open admission. they have good equipments, but facilities are just total crap. the heater fails in winter, and aircon break down in summer. they do not have sound stages or any high end editing systems. they have a very small recording room which they put inside a toilet (I'm serious). for the fee you pay, it's not worth it. AND the school DO NOT HAVE a good reputation within the industry. in fact it's a joke....

-From a former nyfa student who transferred out to more well known film school

has anyone who's gone to NYFA had success getting a job after completion. I think the golden question with this school isn't the facilities or the teachers, but does it actually help you get a job when you're done?

I was toying with an idea to enroll in NYFA for about a year, and one thing that stopped me was consistently contradicting reviews through all this time. Some are very good, some are convincingly bad. Let's say, I have not yet came across one single review or a job success story that came from a verifiable source.

One thing you need to know if you have not yet obtained an undergrad degree is that NYFA is not a certified university. The credits from NYFA will not be accepted by accredited universities. Whether they tell you you're getting MFA or whatever else, it is not official. It is a non-credit continuous education in the letter of the law.

I believe in NYU.