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.
Online workshops being offered include:
4-Week Online Workshops are currently being offered for these dates:
All programs are four weeks long and meet 3 nights a week, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
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.
Weekly Breakdown/Focus
- Weeks 1 and 2:
- DaVinci Resolve Lite /Getting to know the software
- Intro to Graphics and other tools
- Creating a Montage (Theory)
- How to efficiently log footage, Open a project, Basic Editing
- Project 1: Montage
- Screening and Critique, Project 1
- Syncing Audio/Implement audio and perform audio mixing
- How to correctly export your project with the appropriate settings
- Intermediate Sound/Advanced audio mixing techniques
- Creative Storytelling/Be a better storyteller
- Project 2: Documentary Editing
- Weeks 3 and 4:
- Screening and Critique Project 2
- Color Grading and Correction
- Project 3: Basic Narrative Editing
- Project improvements for an advanced, polished look
- Sound editing techniques
- Screening and Critique, Project 3
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. |
|
4-WEEK ONLINE FILM DIRECTING
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.
Weekly Breakdown/Focus
- Week 1: Introduction to Visual Grammar, Mis en scene / Screenwriting - Formatting a screenplay and Generating ideas / Editing - Software Introduction, Narrative Editing
- Practicum: Narrative Stills Sequence Exercise
- Week 2: Director’s Craft Exercise Review, Coverage & Blocking / Screenwriting - writing the short narrative, the outline / Camera - Composition and Lighting
- Practicum: Practicum: Composition and Lighting Exercise
- Week 3: Camera - Composition and Lighting Exercise Review / Camera - Lenses / Working with Actors / Working with Crew / Script Markup / Storyboards
- Practicum: Short Narrative Film Exercise
- Week 4: Editing the short narrative / Sound Design / Final Screening and Critique
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).
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 |
Network storage connection |
1 Gigabit Ethernet (HD only) |
|
4-WEEK ONLINE ACTING
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.
4-Week Online Acting Intermediate*
*Prerequisite: Previous NYFA Acting program or IMDB / Industry Acting Credits.
This Online Acting Intermediate program is designed to refine and strengthen the technique of actors with previous training or experience with theatrical or on-camera performance. With a strong emphasis on script analysis, vocal training, and acting fundamentals, students will evolve their own self-awareness as actors, take a deeper dive into the craft, and learn different methods for tackling a role. The online learning platform allows a unique experience to study with people from all over the world, while still creating a collaborative environment for critique and discussion.
Classes: Script Analysis, Voice and Dialects, Acting Fundamentals
Acting Class Descriptions
Script Analysis
Breaking down theatre, television and film scripts to understand character, story and genre tropes. Students will examine the psychology behind characterisation and how genre can affect the actor’s approach to performance.
Voice and Dialects
Understanding vocal technique as applied to accents and dialects. Students will examine the technical aspects of various accents, including standard American and RP.
Acting Fundamentals
In these classes, students will work on performing a series of monologues and texts, with a view to identifying strengths and weaknesses based on lecturer and peer feedback. Students will learn the need for self-awareness as an actor, and understand that acting is a journey of evolving and improving your craft.
4-WEEK ONLINE SCREENWRITING - STORY & STRUCTURE
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.
Weekly Breakdown
- Week One
- Class 1: Writer’s Toolkit - Intro, Loglines, Synopsis
- Class 2: Screenplay Formatting & Software
- Class 3: Intro to Three Act Structure + themes
- Week Two
- Class 4: Logline and Synopsis Review
- Class 5: Character
- Class 6: Writing Scenes
- Week Three
- Class 7: Sample Scene + Character Breakdown Review / Intro to Dialogue
- Class 8: Dialogue and Subtext
- Class 9: Turning Points / Intro to Beat Sheets
- Week Four
- Class 10: Dialogue and Subtext exercise review
- Class 11: Beat Sheet Exercise
- Class 12: Beat Sheet Review and refinement
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.
4-WEEK ONLINE FILM & TV PRODUCING
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.