ADDITIONAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Aric Avelino - Director American Gun James Avery - Actor Barry Avrich - Director The Last Mogul Mark Bamford - Director Cape of Good Hope Debbie Brown - Actress Cape of Good Hope Philippe Caland - Director Mark Christopher - Director of Pizza Steven De Sousa - Writer Tom Dicillo - Writer/Director Mark and Jay Duplass - The Puffy Chair Steve Faber - Writer Wedding Crashers Bill Fraker - Cinematographer Russell Gerwitz - Screenwriter of Inside Man Phil Hay - Writer Aeon Flux Anne Chaisson - Producer Roger Dodger Heidi Reinberg - Producer Shelter Dogs Tom Quinn - Distributor Jesus Camp Chris Landon - Screenwriter, Disturbia Stephane Sednaoui - Photographer and Music Video director

Karyn Kusama - Director Aeon Flux Clark Johnson - Director Kenneth Lonergan - Director / Screenwriter Karen Lutz - Writer She's the Man Luis Mandoki - Director Matt Manfredi - Writer Aeon Flux Bobby Moresco - Co-Writer Crash Craig McKay - Editor Anastas N. Michos - Director of Photography Charles Murray - Screenwriter Peter Sollet - Director Brendan Sexton - Actor Kirsten Smith - Writer She's the Man Oscar Torres - Writer Jeremy Kipp Walker - Producer Half-Nelson Rene Bastian - Producer Transamerica Hardy Justice - Producer About a Boy Wendy Sax - Producer Songcatcher Ellen Sandler - Producer Everybody Loves Raymond

Wendy Sax - Producer
Songcatcher
Producer Wendy Sax visited the New York Film Academy for a discussion with students about her award-winning feature film Songcatcher. Released in 2000, the film starred Aidan Quinn, and featured Emmy Rossum in her feature film debut.

Susannah Ludwig - Director/Producer
Boomtown, Independent Lens
Documentary producer Susannah Ludwig visited students at the New York City campus in March 2011 for a Q&A about the documentary filmmaking process and her experience in the industry.

Rene Bastian - Producer
Transamerica, L.I.E.
Rene Bastian, founder of Belladonna Productions, worked on numerous commercials and music videos before partnering producer Linda Moran with Sue, L.I.E., and the Oscar-nominated Transamerica. He spoke to New York Film Academy students about the sale of Transamerica to Harvey Weinstein.

Jeremy Kipp Walker - Producer
Half Nelson
Producer Jeremy Kipp Walker is a partner at independent film production company Journeyman Pictures. He has worked with the likes of Paul Giamatti, Emily Watson, Woody Allen, Ryan Gosling, and Rachel Griffiths. He is also the award-winning director of the short film Goodnight Bill.

Heidi Reinberg - Producer
Shelter Dogs
Documentary producer Heidi Renberg made a visit to New York Film Academy for a screening of her award-winning film Shelter Dogs, a film that spends a year in the lives of shelter workers. She also discussed her other provocative documentary work and the difficulties of producing for documentaries.

Hardy Justice - Producer
About A Boy, Stage Beauty
Producer Hardy Justice, best known for his films Stage Beauty and About a Boy, visited students at New York Film Academy and answered questions about his experience in the entertainment industry. He recently completed Bernie with Matthew McConaughey, Jack Black, and Shirley MacLaine.

Ellen Sandler - Producer
Writer and producer Ellen Sandler started her long list of writing credits on Taxi, but is best known for her writing and producing credits on The Mommies, Coach, and the award-winning series Everybody Loves Raymond.

Arthur Cohn - Producer
One Day in September, The Yellow Handkerchief, Central Station, Behind the Sun November 2010 - Universal Studios Producer Arthur Cohn spoke to students in November 2010 at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, following the screening of his Academy Awardwinning documentary One Day in September.

Anne Chaisson - Producer
Anne Chaisson joined New York Film Academy students to discuss her film Roger Dodger. Featuring Jesse Eisenberg in his first feature film, the movie also included Campbell Scott, Isabella Rossellini, and Elizabeth Berkeley.

Chris Smith - Director
Award-winning director Chris Smith visited the New York City campus in March 2011 for a screening of his latest film, Black Death. The British horror film is set in England during the first bubonic plague outbreak, in a small village where plague victims are reportedly coming back from the dead.



Steven Spielberg - Director
Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, Munich, Indiana Jones, Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal, Minority Report

Legendary film director Steven Spielberg is no stranger to Universal Studios, having worked there for over 40 years. He spoke with excited students at the New York Film Academy’s Universal Studios campus (just a short walk from his Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks offices on the backlot) in June 2011.

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Kevin Spacey - Actor
American Beauty, L.A. Confidential, The Usual Suspects, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Superman Returns, K-PAX, Ordinary Decent Criminal, 21, Recount, Se7en

Q&A with Kevin Spacey, Academy Award Winning Actor at New York City Campus.

Kevin started as an actor in 1986 with his first role as a subway thief in Heartburn. He has since starred in over 75 films, including some of his most memorable moments in the films Glengary Glen Ross, Swimming with Sharks, Se7en, The Negotiator, Hurlyburly, and American Beauty. Kevin visited the NYFA in January of 2011 as a request from the student body. He visited the New York campus and spoke for over an hour to the students. Kevin on winning the Oscar for American Beauty: "This has definitely been the highlight of my day." He was also rejected for The Gong Show in 1978. His mother was his date for the Oscars the night he won. On American Beauty: "I read the screenplay and nearly fell out of bed. I thought I better meet him quick before someone else read it." Spacey played Theodore 'Hickey' Hickman in The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill and was nominated for the Best Actor Tony Award.

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Holly Hunter - Actress
Broadcast News, The Piano, The Firm, Thirteen

Q&A with Holly Hunter, Academy Award Winning Actress at New York City Campus.

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Philip Seymour Hoffman - Actor
Capote, Doubt, Charlie Wilson's War, Along Came Polly, Red Dragon, The Talented Mr. Ripley,
Magnolia, Boogie Nights, The Savages, Punch Drunk Love, Almost Famous

Discussion and Q&A with Actor and Director, Philip Seymour Hoffman at New York Film Academy.

Hoffman’s breakthrough role was in 1997’s Boogie Nights. He quickly became an icon of indie cinema, establishing a reputation as one of the screen's finest actors, in a variety of supporting and second leads in indie and major features, including Todd Solondz's Happiness, Flawless, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia, Almost Famous and State and Main. Hoffman won the Best Actor Oscar for his stunning portrayal of Truman Capote in 2005’s Capote.

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Sir Ben Kingsley - Actor
Schindler's List, Shutter Island, Gandhi, Bugsy, Sexy Beast, Lucky Number Slevin

Sir Ben Kingsley visited the NYFA at Universal Studios in February 2011 after screening Sexy Beast. Sir Ben won the Academy Award for his performance in Gandhi in 1982. Since winning the Oscar, he has appeared in over 60 films with other memorable roles in Sneakers, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Bugsy, Suspect Zero, Lucky Number Slevin, and Shutter Island, just to name a few.

He was awarded Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2002 Queen's New Year's Honours List for his services to drama.

Sir Ben Kingsley on Steven Spielberg: "In an ideal way, in an ideal world, myself and the director are one. And as you rightly say, in an ideal world, you can't see the horizon between sky and sea. I felt that the times with Spielberg on Schindler's List, we were moving as one creature."

On acting: "As an actor there's no autonomy, unless you're prepared to risk the possibility of starving."

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Doug Liman - Director/Producer

Doug Liman met with students at our New York campus to discuss his body of work in directing and producing. Starting on indie features Go and Swingers, Liman quickly moved on to mainstream hits like The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and The O.C.

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Glenn Close - Actress
Reversal of Fortune, Dangerous Liaisons, Fatal Attraction, Jagged Edge, Damages, The Stepford Wives, The West Wing, 101 Dalmatians, Air Force One, Mary Reilly, Hook, Hamlet, The Natural

Glenn Close was already well-known for her Tony Award-winning Broadway roles when she was cast opposite Robin Williams in The World According to Garp. This began a string of Academy Award-nominated performances, including The Big Chill, The Natural, Fatal Attraction, and Dangerous Liaisons. Her career has continued in a variety of acclaimed comedic and dramatic roles, and she is currently starring in the hit FX series Damages.

>> VIEW SLIDE SHOW

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Paul Schrader - Director/Writer
Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ, American Gigolo
Legendary director and writer Paul Schrader visited the the New York Film Academy at Abu Dhabi, and held us spell-bound with his master classes in Screenwriting and New Media. He also screened his films Mishima and his new film, Adam Resurrected, to our students followed by extensive Q&A sessions.

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KEVIN KLINE - ACTOR
The Ice Storm, A Fish Called Wanda, Wild, Wild West, Dave, The Conspirator, The Tale of Despereaux, Definitely Maybe, As You Like It, The Pink Panther, A Prairie Home Companion, De-Lovely, French Kiss, Chaplin, The Big Chill

Kevin Kline with Director Jerry Sherlock and Provost Michael Young

Kevin Kline with Provost Michael Young and Senior Director David Klein



Academy Award-winning actor, Kevin Kline spoke with New York Film Academy students in New York City in December 2006 about the extraordinary collaboration that can occur between actors and directors. Kline described the thrill of working in his first film role in Sophie's Choice, where director Alan Pakula allowed him and co-star Meryl Streep to fully explore the characters and the drama of each scene without being constrained by preconceived lighting, or shot design.

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Ron Howard - Director
Cocoon, Parenthood, Far and Away, Apollo 13, Ransom, A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code,
Angels and Demons

Ron Howard came to the NYFA Universal Studios campus to speak with the students about the entertainment industry, as well as working as a director. His visit in early 2011 was a huge success for the students. Ron started his career as an actor in The Twilight Zone television series in 1959, followed by the role of Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show. He starred as Richie Cunningham from 1974 to1984 on Happy Days. Howard mad e his directorial debut directing Night Shift with Henry Winkler in 1982. He is now considered to be one of the top film directors around today. He has 19 studio films scheduled to shoot over the next 3 years.

Asked about the transition from child star to adolescent actor, Ron said, “You're 14 or 15, and they can hire an 18-year-old and not have the child-labor law restrictions, and so they do. Just at the point when you're feeling confused and vulnerable, you're being rejected. It was always my dream to be a director. A lot of it had to do with controlling my own destiny, because as a young actor you feel at everyone's disposal. But I wanted to become a leader in the business.”

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John Carpenter - Director
Halloween, Escape from L.A., Escape from New York, They Live

John started as a writer/director in 1962. His work includes such memorable films as Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween 1&2, The Fog, Escape from New York, Escape from LA, The Thing, Christine, Starman, and They Live, just to name a few. He is also known as the "Master of Horror" and the "Prince of Darkness." John came for a visit to the NYFA Universal Studios campus in January 2011 to share his experience working in the business. Many of Carpenter's films include what he calls a "cheap scare," where something comes into view very fast and leaves just as quickly, intensified by musical cues. Carpenter makes open compositions that allow the villain/monster (or sometimes just an object) to pop into frame from the background, the immediate foreground or from either side of the frame. It has since become a horror cliché after using "cheap scares" so effectively in Halloween. He is known for using minimalist cinematography and lighting. He shoots all of his movies in Panavision (2.35:1 ratio with anamorphic lenses).

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Andy Garcia - Actor

Q&A with Award Winning Actor, Andy Garcia at Universal Studios Campus.

The Lost City, The Godfather: Part III, The Untouchables, Ocean's Twelve, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead

Andy Garcia came to visit the students at New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus in June 2011. We screened The Lost City, which Garcia directed and produced. Andy spoke a bit about the process an actor must go through when directing themselves in film. He also spoke about his other work, as well as his motivation to work as an actor after fleeing Cuba at a very young age. Andy was very receptive to the students' questions and was very honest on how difficult the business can be without the proper training. He also spoke a bit about working with Francis Ford Coppola on The Godfather. Andy also took some of his time to take some great photos with the students. Andy has expressed interest in visiting the campus again in the future, so keep your eyes peeled for his next appearance!

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Adrienne Barbeau - Actress

Screen and television actress Adrienne Barbeau joined students at New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus in September 2011 for a screening of Escape From New York. She showed up early to watch the film with students, as she hadn't seen it since its original release! During the interview, Barbeau talked at length about her background in theatre, beginning with Grease and Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway. She also spoke in detail about working with her then-husband, director John Carpenter, on Escape From New York, and shared many secrets from the set. Students were surprised to learn that Charles Bronson and Tommy Lee Jones were considered for Kurt Russell's role of Snake, and that the last shot of Barbeau in the film was shot in their garage. She also told stories about making their own props and wardrobe for the film, including cooking a turkey so she could use the breastbone as a clip in her hair. Adrienne answered questions from students about her previous television work, the differences between acting for film and television, and the pressures to stay fit and youthful in Hollywood.

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Alec Sokolow - Screenwriter

Screenwriter Alec Sokolow met with students at New York Film Academy’s Universal City campus in September 2011. Known for his writing credits on Evan Almighty, Daddy Day Camp, and Garfield, Sokolow held a Q&A, following a screening of his Oscar-nominated film Toy Story.

He began with the story of his first trip to Los Angeles when Tova Laiter, the interviewer for the evening (and a family friend), picked him up from the airport. Sokolow also gave insight into his working relationship with his writing partner, Joel Cohen, saying that it is difficult to share the writing experience at first. "There’s the same ego and silent fights that you would have in a marriage. The key is that screenplays are collaborative, and you lose control as soon as you turn it in. We know that if we can’t convince each other of something, we won’t be able to convince others."

When asked about the process of working on Toy Story, Sokolow told students that the original version was meant to be much more adult. It included Woody’s character breaking the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience. It also included lots of cursing, more drama, and a suicide attempt by Buzz. In the end, he said he was happy with how the film turned out. "It’s really satisfying to know that we did something that affected the culture. It’s not about the money because it gave me a career."

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Brenda Vaccaro - Actress

Academy Award-nominated actress and New York Film Academy acting instructor Brenda Vaccaro joined students at the Universal Studios campus in August 2011 for a screening of the Oscar-winning film, Midnight Cowboy. The acclaimed actress is also well-known for her numerous theatre, television, and film roles, including her recent appearance in You Don't Know Jack with Al Pacino.

She shared her experiences working on Midnight Cowboy, and said, "We all got this sense that this was a different kind of film than anything we had ever seen." She also answered questions from students in the audience, including how she prepares for roles, her history working the theatre, and her thoughts on nudity in film. She also took the opportunity to turn the tables, asking questions back to the audience about what it was like to be starting in the industry. Brenda added, "The minute you take the word 'rejection' seriously, you're out of the industry."

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Jan de Bont - Cinematographer

Renowned director and cinematographer Jan de Bont visited students at New York Film Academy’s Universal Studios campus in September 2011 for a screening of Twister, followed by a Q&A. He shared secrets from the set, including the ground-breaking special effects that were designed especially for the movie.

Following the moderated discussion, de Bont graciously spoke with students, and answered questions about working with actors, his background working on Dutch films, the difficulty of working in the studio system, getting started in the film industry, and future projects.

De Bont shared anecdotes about his long career in film, including the story of getting mauled by a tiger on the set of his first American project, Roar. He also discussed many of his previous projects, including Basic Instinct, Speed, Black Rain, Turkish Delight, and The Haunting. The famed director and DP answered numerous questions from students and even posed for pictures after the event.

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Mark Romanek - Director

In September 2011, director Mark Romanek joined students for a Q&A at New York Film Academy’s Universal Studios campus, following a screening of Never Let Me Go. Mark spoke about his diverse background, including his award-winning work in music videos, commercials, and feature length films.

Mark talked at length about the process of working on Never Let Me Go: working with child actors, directing the leads, and his experience filming in England.

When asked about his current work, Mark shared news that he was in discussions with Disney to direct a live-action version of Cinderella. Mark said he was looking forward to exploring the possibilities of the project, and was thinking of a dark look similar to Jean Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast.

Excited students asked him about what it is like transitioning from the drama Never Let Me Go, to working on a Kia commercial with killer robots and dancing hamsters. He responded, "Umm… I’ve had a weird path."

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Juliette Lewis - Actress
Natural Born Killers, Cape Fear, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, From Dusk Till Dawn, Conviction, Due Date

Juliette started her career as a child actor and made a wonderful transition to a career as an adult actor. This is one of the most difficult transitions an actor can make. She spoke about it in great detail when she came to visit NYFA at Universal Studios in January 2011. Her first film was My Stepmother is an Alien, followed by National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. She is best known for her roles in Natural Born Killers, Kalifornia, and Cape Fear. Juliette loves speaking with acting and filmmaking students, and the students at NYFA are no exception. She "tweeted" news about the event just before her arrival, and spoke about how amazing the questions were and how the students really keep her on her toes. Way to go NYFA students! She is excited to visit the campus again when she wraps her next film, so keep your eyes peeled!

Juliette on fame: "Fame can be just so annoying because people are so critical of you. You can't just say, 'Hi.' You say ‘Hi' and people whisper, 'Man, did you see the way she said Hi? What an attitude!" She is the exact opposite -- so down to earth and so real; she treated the students as if she had know them all for 20 years!

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Robert Towne - Screenwriter
Mission: Impossible, Mission: Impossible II, Chinatown

Robert Towne is considered to be one of the top writers in Hollywood. Some of his amazing work includes Bonnie and Clyde, The Zodiac Killer, Chinatown, Shampoo, Heaven Can Wait, Tequila Sunrise, Days of Thunder, The Firm, and Suspect Zero. These films are considered to be some of the best screenplays ever written. Towne works as a writer, director, producer, and actor. Born in Los Angeles and raised in the seaport town of San Pedro, he got his start acting and writing for legendary exploitation director/producer Roger Corman and came into his own during the 1970;s when he was regarded as one of the finest screenwriters in Hollywood. Towne was gracious enough to spend some time with the students here at NYFA at Universal Studios. He won the Academy Award for his work on Chinatown in 1974.

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Fred Roos - Producer

Fred started his career as a casting director in 1960 . He cast such films as Five Easy Pieces, The Godfather, and American Graffiti, and also worked in television casting on The Andy Griffith Show. He has also worked as a producer on films such as Godfather 2 & 3, Apocalypse Now, The Outsiders, Barfly, Lost in Translation. He has the lifetime achievement award from the Casting Society of America. Fred spent some time with filmmaking students at the Universal Studios campus in 2010. He was so straightforward in his approach to the business, the students asked him to come back! Fred's eye for talent, combined with his passion and drive, have not gone unnoticed by the industry; in 1975, Fred's work as a producer on The Godfather Part II earned him the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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Henry Winkler - Director

Q&A with Director, Henry Winkler at Universal Studios Campus.

Most of you will know Henry as "The FONZ" from "Happy Days" and is also know as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood, Henry spoke to the students here at NYFA in 2010, receiving a wonderful standing ovation for his advice and kind words to the students. We screened "Memories of me" with Billy Crystal and Alan King in which Henry directed. Henry booker the role of The FONZ in 1974 - 1984. One of the most memorable characters in television history. He was also the Executive Producer on "MacGyver" from 1985 - 1992. His role as Barry Zuckerkork in "Arrested Development" also won him critical acclaim. Henry has also had a very prolific career as a director as well and considers directing one of him love's. Henry can be seen on "Royal Pains" on the Lifetime network. Henry is also dyslexic which was quite a hurdle to overcome in the Biz. While making a documentary about dyslexia, Winkler himself found, at age 31, that he is dyslexic, he spoke about this in great detail to the students.

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Sean Young - Actress
Blade Runner, No Way Out, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Sean began her career as an actress in 1980 in her first feature film Stripes, where she played the girlfriend of Harold Ramis. One of her most well-known roles was in the film Blade Runner with Harrison Ford. She then went on to star in No Way Out with Kevin Costner, The Boost with James Woods, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective with Jim Carre. A trained dancer, Sean Young studied at the School of American Ballet in New York, and recently made her professional stage debut in the Los Angeles production of Stardust. She was cast as Vicky Vale in Tim Burton's 1989 version of Batman, but was replaced with Kim Basinger after an injury sustained riding a horse. On the Universal Studios campus, Sean spoke in great detail about her career and mistakes that she made, really making the students understand the way the business works and what is required. She spoke very frankly about her ups and downs, and how to avoid pitfalls as an actor.

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Joe Mantegna - Actor
The Godfather Part III, The Rat Pack, House of Games, Criminal Minds

Joe Mantegna got started as an actor with his award-winning performance in the 1968 Broadway show Hair. He had a two-year run of this play, then started working in front of the camera in his first memorable role in The Money Pit with Tom Hanks. He followed up with a role in The Three Amigos with Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short. He then starred in Suspect with Cher. His most memorable role was that of Joey Zasa from The Godfather: Part III. Joe spoke quite a bit on staying relevant and current to keep your career moving forward. For the last 4 years, Joe has been one of the stars of Criminal Minds, the number one scripted drama on television today. Joe has been in over 90 films, a series regular on 4 different television shows, as well as appearing in over 40 television series. His career has truly blossomed over his 40-year stint in the business, and he gave some great advice to the students about character work, on and off camera. Thanks for spending some of your time with us, Joe!

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Barbara De Fina - Producer
Q&A with NYFA students

Barbara De Fina, world renowned producer and Martin Scorsese's long time producer/collaborator, had a Q & A with New York Film Academy Students after the screening of film clips.

Barbara De Fina, world-renowned producer and Martin Scorsese's long time producer/collaborator, had a Q&A with New York Film Academy students in September 2008 after the screening of film clips from her celebrated career.

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Billy Dee Williams - Actor

Q&A with Award-Winning Actor, Billy Dee Williams (moderated by Oscar-Winning Actor Louis Gossett Jr.) at Universal Studios Campus.

May 18, 2011 - Universal Studios
Two veteran actors, Billy Dee Williams and Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr., came to visit New York Film Academy at Universal Studios in May 2011. They received a standing ovation after screening The Empire Strikes Back. Billy Dee Williams was interviewed by Louis Gossett, Jr. about his life and career. Billy started as an actor in 1959 with his first cinematic role as Josh Quincy in The Last Angry Man. He found fame in his role as Louis McKay in Lady Sings the Blues in 1972 with Diana Ross. He starred again with Diana in the critically acclaimed Mahogany. In 1980 he landed the role of Lando Calrissian in the epic The Empire Strikes Back, and then reprised his role in The Return of the Jedi. He has been in over 40 films and 70 television shows throughout his career.

The chemistry between these two actors was palpable onstage, considering they have known each other for years. They talked about race, money, characters they have played, and shared insight into the casting process. Billy and Louis were gracious enough to stop and take photos with students and sign some autographs. Thanks Billy and Lou for your time and thoughtful insight you provided to the students at NYFA!

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James Gray - Director
Two Lovers, We Own the Night, The Yards, Little Odessa

Writer/director James Gray made his first film Little Odessa at the age of twentyfive. The film, which starred Tim Roth, Edward Furlong, Vanessa Redgrave and Maximilian Schell, received critical acclaim and was the winner of the Venice Film Festival's prestigious Silver Lion Award in 1994. Miramax Films released James Gray's second feature, The Yards, starring Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Faye Dunaway, Ellen Burstyn, Charlize Theron and James Caan in the fall of 2000. The film was selected for official competition at the 2000 Cannes International Film Festival. Prior to The Yards and Little Odessa, Gray attended film school at the University of Southern California. It was there that his student film Cowboys and Angels was first seen by producer Paul Webster, who encouraged Gray to write his first feature script. As a child growing up in Queens, New York, Gray aspired to be a painter. However, when introduced in his early teenage years to the works of various filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola, Gray's interests expanded to the art of filmmaking. The Yards returned Gray to Queens, where the story takes place. Currently, Gray is writing a film for Warner Bros., which he will direct. James came to visit NYFA at Universal Studios in 2010, to a theatre filled with students. He held a screening of We Own The Night with Joaquin Phoenix.

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John Landis - Director
Animal House, Coming to America, An American Werewolf in London, The Blues Brothers, Three Amigos!

John Landis began his career in the mail room of 20th Century Fox. A high school dropout, 18-year-old Landis made his way to Yugoslavia to work as a production assistant on Kelly's Heroes. Remaining in Europe, Landis found work as an actor, extra, and stuntman in many of the Spanish/Italian Spaghetti westerns, and got his start in the business in 1966 as a stuntman in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with Clint Eastwood. John started working as a director in 1973 and had the smash hit Animal House in 1978, then had a slew of hits through the 80's, including The Blues Brothers, An American Werewolf in London, Trading Places, The Twilight Zone, Spies Like Us, Clue, Three Amigos!, and Coming to America, just to name a few of his major hits. John visited the Universal Studios campus in February of 2011 and spoke to directing students in great detail about the differences between studio and independent productions. He has worked on over 75 films and over 80 television shows. He is considered a legend in the business and expressed his thoughts and feeling on the changes he has seen in the business over the last 40 years. This type of inside information is invaluable for the students here at NYFA. Thanks again, John, for all of your kind words about NYFA, and for sharing a bit of your time with our students.

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Vittorio Storaro - Cinematographer
Apocalypse Now, Last Emperor, The Conformist, Last Tango in Paris

Vittorio Storaro, the award -winning cinematographer who won Oscars for Apocalypse Now, Reds, and The Last Emperor, was born on June 24, 1940 in Rome, where his father was a projectionist at the Lux Film Studio. At the age of 11, he began studying photography at a technical school. He had a series of custom color gels produced by Rosco International, which he formulated to comply with his theories about emotional response to color. Rosco markets these gels as "The Storaro Selection." He created the Univisium system – a 3-perforation 35mm format with an aspect ratio of 2:1 – with the intention of this becoming a universal aspect ratio for both film and TV. He has insisted on cropping all of his movies to the 2:1 aspect ratio in order for his films to comply with the Univision system. Vittorio visited the New York Film Academy in December 2010 for a screening of Apocalypse Now. His work as a D.P. is considered some of the best footage ever seen. His unique style is visionary and the students’ questions really kept him on his toes.

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Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff - Oscar-Winning Special Effects Masters

Q&A with Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Oscar-Winning Special Effects Masters at
Universal Studios Campus.

During their visit to the Universal Studios campus in May 2011, Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff spent valuable time with students during their Q&A, sharing their experiences as neighborhood adolescent filmmakers to film school students, to Roger Corman's employees, to the real world of filmmaking in Hollywood. One of the most important lessons they spoke about was the generation gap between practical special effects artists and CGI/digital effects artists. In their eyes it's truly a change in the evolution of filmmaking since studios and special effects supervisors are usually quick to "make things easier" or "cheaper" by going all-digital with effects, whereas Woodruff and Gillis feel practical effects create a real sense for the audience to truly believe what's happening in the story. However, they both spoke about doing what's right for the story.

Tom and Alec spoke very highly about their desire to work closely with the director when creating the vision for the film, as opposed to a producer or studio executive who doesn't know the specific details the director is looking for. The students thoroughly enjoyed their wisdom and thought-provoking conversation from these Academy Award-winning creature creators.

Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff have recently done work for the new X-Men: First Class, and the upcoming prequel to The Thing, and have worked on some of the largest studio productions in history: The Terminator, Aliens, Star Trek III, Death Becomes Her, Jumanji, The X Files, Cast Away, and Superman Returns.

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Ernie Hudson - Actor

Ernie Hudson has a long and varied history in film and television, including a guest role on Fantasy Island. He is best-known for his role as Winston in Ghost Busters, as well as for his recurring roles on Oz, Law & Order, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Hudson visited students at New York Film Academy at Universal Studios in June 2011, and shared stories about his success and the lessons he has learned in the business.

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Devon Bostick - Actor

At just 19, Devon Bostick has an impressive history of film and television credits. He visited the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios in April 2011. Students participated in a Q&A with Bostick, star of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He also has numerous television credits, including a recurring role on the CBC show Being Erica, and parts in Saw VI and Adoration.

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Jane Jenkins - Casting Director
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Transformers, Jurassic Park, A Beautiful Mind, The Princess Bride

Students loved the special screening of The Princess Bride with casting director Jane Jenkins. Held in March 2011 for New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus, Jenkins answered questions from the students about the casting process, and her experience in the film industry.

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Chuck Russell - Director

Q&A with Director, Chuck Russell at New York Film Academy.

Chuck Russell held a Q&A session in March 2011 at the Universal Studios campus, following a screening of his 1994 comedy, The Mask. Russell is also known for his directing on Eraser and The Scorpion King.

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Michael Phillips - Producer
The Sting, Taxi Driver, Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Legendary film producer Michael Phillips visited students at New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus in November 2010. He recounted stories from his long career, including his work on Taxi Driver and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

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Vilmos Zsigmond - Cinematographer
Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Deer Hunter, Maverick, Deliverance, The Witches of Eastwick

Legendary cinematographer visited students at New York Film Academy’s Universal Studios campus in February 2011. His work has brought him acclaim, including Academy Award nominations for The Deer Hunter, The River, and The Black Dahlia, as well as an Oscar win for Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which he worked on with fellow NYFA guest speakers Steven Spielberg and Michael Phillips.

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Tobin Bell - Actor
The Saw Series, 24, Mississippi Burning

With countless supporting roles in television and feature films, Tobin Bell is most known for his role as John “Jigsaw” Kramer, the villain in the Saw horror films, and is the only actor to appear in all seven films. He spoke with students at the New York Film Academy’s Universal Studios campus in December 2010.

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Brett Ratner - Director/Producer

Q&A With Director/Producer Brett Ratner at New York Film Academy. He is best known for his films such as the Rush Hour series, and X-Men: The Last Stand, The Family Man, Red Dragon.

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Louis Gossett Jr. - Actor
An Officer and a Gentleman, Roots, Why Did I Get Married Too?, The Perfect Game, ER

Q & A with Academy Award Winning Actor, Louis Gossett Jr. at New York Film Academy.

For students who weren't lucky enough to be a part of Louis Gossett, Jr.'s master classes in acting, New York Film Academy students were treated to a screening of An Officer and a Gentleman, the film that scored Gossett his Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

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Michael Raymond James - Actor, Donal Logue - Actor
Michael Raymond James: Terriers, True Blood, ER, CSI, Life, The Fix
Donal Logue: Terriers, ER, Grounded for Life, Blade, Charlie St. Cloud

Actors Michael Raymond James and Donal Logue held a Q&A and screening of their FX original program, Terriers. Held at the New York City campus in October 2010, the actors also discussed their lengthy film resumes.

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Hank Azaria - Actor
The Birdcage, Made About You, Huff, Tuesdays with Morrie, Grosse Point Blank, The Simpsons

Though Hank Azaria began his career as a stand-up comedian, he quickly moved into a successful career in television. He has had recurring roles on Herman's Head, Friends, and Mad About You, but may be best known for his voice-over work as multiple characters on The Simpsons, including Moe, Chief Wiggum, Apu, and many more. He has had memorable roles in feature films as well, including The Birdcage, Godzilla, and Great Expectations. Azaria spoke with students at New York Film Academy at Universal Studios on October 22, 2010.

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Buck Henry - Screenwriter

Q&A with Screenwriter Buck Henry at New York Film Academy in Los Angeles.

With credits including screenwriter for The Graduate and What's Up, Doc?, director of Heaven Can Wait, and creator of Get Smart, Buck Henry has had a long career in the entertainment industry. More recently, Buck has made guest appearances on Will & Grace and 30 Rock. He visited students at the Universal Studios campus in December 2010, and shared stories from his legendary career.

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Elliott Gould - Actor

Actor Elliot Gould spoke with students during a Q&A at New York Film Academy at Universal Studios in October 2010, following the screening of his film M*A*S*H.

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Anupam Kher - Actor

Q&A with India Actor, Anupam Kher at New York Film Academy. He is an acclaimed Padma Shri Award winning Indian actor who has appeared in nearly 400 films, and 100 plays.

Anupam Kher is an acclaimed Padma Shri Award-winning Indian actor who has appeared in nearly 400 films, and 100 plays. He spoke with acting students at the New York City campus in September 2010.

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Scott Franklin - Producer
Black Swan, The Wrestler, Requiem for a Dream, Hounddog

Scott Franklin visited our New York campus in October 2009 to discuss his project, Black Swan. Franklin has had great success, pairing with director Darren Aronofsky on the critically-acclaimed Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Wrestler. He also produced 2007’s Hounddog with Dakota Fanning and Jill Scott.

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Anthony Bregman - Producer

Q & A with Anthony Bregman, Producer of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Synecdoche, New York at New York Film Academy.

Anthony Bregman spent 10 years as head of production at Good Machine, where he supervised the production and post-production of over thirty feature films. He has since gone on to produce memorable and awarding-winning films, starring the likes of Frances McDormand, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Aniston.

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Debora Cahn - Producer/Writer

Writer and producer Debora Cahn visited New York Film Academy in March 2011, sharing stories about her work on leading television shows. Her credits include Emmy-nominated Grey's Anatomy, Emmy-nominated The West Wing, and Private Practice.

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John Hamburg - Director/Writer/Producer
Meet the Fockers, Along Came Polly, I Love You Man, and The Fockers

John Hamburg is best known for his comedy work, including writing credits for Meet the Parents, Zoolander, and I Love You, Man. He has directed the hits I Love You, Man, and Along Came Polly. He held a Q&A exclusively for New York Film Academy students, and showed clips from his body of work.

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R.W. Goodwin - Producer/Writer/Director
The X-Files, Alien Trespass, Tru Calling

In October 2010, students at the New York City campus attended a Q&A with R.W. Goodwin, producer/writer/director at New York Film Academy. His numerous feature film credits include The X-Files, Alien, and Trespass.

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Martin Kove - Actor
Karate Kid, Wyatt Earp, Rambo: First Blood Part II

Actor Martin Kove spoke to students of the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios in October 2010 after a screening of Karate Kid. Mr. Kove is best known for his role as John Kreese in Karate Kid, leader of the villainous Cobra Kai. Martin has been in over 160 films and television programs, including Wyatt Earp, Rambo: First Blood Part II, and all three installments of the Karate Kid trilogy.

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David Rapaport - Casting Director

Casting director David Rapaport met with students from New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus and shared stories about his work in the entertainment industry, including work on hit films like 300 and Daddy Day Camp, and television programs 90210 and Gossip Girl.

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Arthur Cohen - Producer

Producer Arthur Cohen speaks to students at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios following the screening of his academy award winning documentary One Day in September.

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Bonnie Bruckheimer - Producer

Bonnie Bruckheimer has worked as a producer for many years, including the hit film Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. She formed All Girl Productions with her partner, Bette Midler, in 1985, and has worked with Midler on projects including Beaches, For the Boys, Hocus Pocus, Big Business, and That Old Feeling. She recently visited students at the New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus, and shared stories about her work in the entertainment industry.

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George McGrath - Writer
Tracey Takes On..., Pee-wee's Playhouse, Big Top Pee-wee

Guest Speaker George McGrath speaks to students at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios. Mr. McGrath is a 4-time Emmy nominee and GLADD awardwinner.

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Amy Smart - Actress, George Gallo - Writer/Director

Actress Amy Smart, and director George Gallo spoke at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios discuss their upcoming project Columbus Circle. The notable cast includes Selma Blair, Jason Lee, Giovanni Ribisi, and Beau Bridges.

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Zachary Mortensen - Founder of Ghost Robot

Students at New York Film Academy met with Zachary Mortensen, founder of Ghost Robot, a New York City commercial and music video house. Ghost Robot has helped produced content for an impressive roster of clients including MTV, Google, and Johnson & Johnson, with music video credits including Kanye West, Bjork, and Common.

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Karyn Kusama - Director

Special Screening of Jennifer's Body at Universal Studios followed by a Q&A with Director Karyn Kusama

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Billy Zane - Actor

Billy Zane, best recognized for his role as Caledon Hockley in the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic, speaks at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, Hollywood. His numerous feature film credits include Dead Calm (1989), Sniper (1993), Tombstone (1993), Only You (1994), Phantom (1996)

Actor Billy Zane is probably best known for his villainous role as Caledon Hockley in the blockbuster film Titanic, though his first feature film was 12 years earlier in Back to the Future. He made his directing debut with 2004's Big Kiss. He has also appeared in international films, as well as in Chicago on Broadway. He was kind enough to spend some time with students at the Universal Studios campus, and shared some of his experiences from his career in the film industry.

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Jason Alexander - Actor, Comedian
Seinfeld, Pretty Woman, Dunston Checks In, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, Shallow Hal

A true Renaissance Man, Jason Alexander Golden Globe-nominated and Tonywinning actor, best known for his role as George Costanza on the long-running hit television show, Seinfeld. He spoke with students at the Universal Studios campus in August 2009 about his career on stage, television, and film.

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Matthew Modine - Actor
Full Metal Jacket, Any Given Sunday, Married to the Mob, Law & Order, Birdy

Matthew Modine received an honorary degree at the Acting for Film MFA graduation in December 2005. The star of stage, film, and television has led multiple master classes in acting at New York Film Academy.

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David Permut - Producer

Special guest speaker David Permit, producer of Youth in Revolt (2009), Charlie Bartlett (2007), Face/Off (1997), Captain Ron (1992), Dragnet (1987) speaks at the Graduation of MFA in Filmmaking. In David Permut's producing career, he has worked with the likes of Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg, Dan Aykroyd, John Travolta, and Nicolas Cage. He was a special guest speaker at the graduation of MFA Filmmaking students at New York Film Academy.

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Kenneth Johnson - Director/Producer/Creator
V, The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Alien Nation, The Six Million Dollar Man

Kenneth Johnson is the visionary behind multiple science fiction and fantasy TV shows, including The Six Million Dollar Man, The Incredible Hulk, Alien Nation, The Bionic Woman, and V. He joined students in November 2009 at the Universal Studios campus for a Q&A session.

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Randal Kleiser - Director
Grease, White Fang, The Blue Lagoon, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, It's My Party, Flight of the Navigator

Director Randal Kleiser visited the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios in March 2011. He held a master class featuring clips from The Nina Foch Course for Filmmakers and Actors, and led students in acting exercises. Kleiser has an impressive list of directing credits, but is best-known for his feature film debut, Grease.

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George Gallo - Writer/Director/Producer
Wiseguys, Midnight Run, Bad Boys, Double Take, Local Color, Middle Men

Leonard Maltin, film critic for Entertainment Tonight since 1982, interviewed writer/director George Gallo and producer Julie Lott Gallo in September 2009, after the screening of their film Local Color. After the interview, New York Film Academy students had a Q&A with them.

MFA Graduation - Producing and Acting for Film Students with our Special Guest Speaker George Gallo

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Ronnie Yeskel - Casting Director
Orphan, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Hope Floats, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Blade: The Series

Award-winning casting director Ronnie Yeskel held a Q&A session with students at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios in August 2009, and discussed his history in the film industry, working as a casting director on some of the most important and influential films of the past few decades.

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Melissa Leo - Actress
The Fighter, Frozen River, Treme, Lullaby, 21 Grams

Melissa Leo got her big break in the film industry (after years of television work) alongside Sean Penn and Naomi Watts in 21 Grams. She followed up with a string of supporting roles in big-budget dramas, and was nominated for her first Oscar for Frozen River. She won her first Oscar in 2011 for her performance in The Fighter. She spoke at the New York Film Academy on her award-winning role in Frozen River.

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Alan Ladd Jr. - Producer

Alan Ladd Jr. visited students at New York Film Academy's Universal Studios location on October 25, 2011, following a screening of "Thelma & Louise."

One of the industry's most respected executives, Ladd was formerly the president of Twentieth Century Fox, overseeing such box office blockbusters as "Star Wars," "Alien," and "Young Frankenstein." After leaving the Fox to form The Ladd Company, he found success with the Oscar winners "The Right Stuff" and "Chariots of Fire." During his later tenure at MGM/UA, he enjoyed hits with "A Fish Called Wanda," "Moonstruck," and "Thelma & Louise." Ladd reformed the Ladd Company with Paramount Pictures in 1993 where he produced the hits "The Brady Bunch Movie" and Best Picture winner, "Braveheart."

The soft-spoken legend, son of actor Alan Ladd Sr., told stories about growing up in a home where Cary Grant and Gary Cooper were regular visitors. He lamented about the current state of the industry, receiving a round of applause from students after he called modern movies "crap." Said Ladd, “The studio system is run by lawyers and accountants. No one makes real movies anymore.”

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Lou Diamond Phillips - Director/Actor
La Bamba, Stand and Deliver, Young Guns, Courage Under Fire

Lou Diamond Phillips treated students at New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus to a pre-screening of Love Takes Wing, followed by a Q&A. Lou is well known for his leading roles in the acclaimed films La Bamba and Stand and Deliver.

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Ron Meyer - COO and President of Universal Studios

Ron Meyer, COO and President of Universal Studios, held a Q&A for students on the Universal lot in August 2011. Meyer shared stories from his youth, from his humble upbringing, dropping out of school at 15, joining the marines at 17, and working as a messenger at a talent agency. He soon began working as an agent at Paul Kohner Agency, followed by five years at the William Morris Agency. In 1975, he and fellow agents launched Creative Artists Agency.

Ron was very generous with his time, and answered many questions from students, including changing trends in technology and distribution, the lessons he learned in the military, and how to get started in the industry.

Meyer repeatedly emphasized that the best way to get started as an actor is to work with an agent. He said that, finding "good representation is the best thing you can do, and the hardest job you will ever have." He also admitted that many people wanting to work in the film business will never make it. His advice? Stick around, because eventually your competition will "all die or quit…. Accept as few ‘no’s’ as possible."

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Mira Nair - Director/Producer
Monsoon Wedding, Mississippi Masala

In February 2009, Mira Nair, director of Monsoon Wedding, Mississippi Masala, and Salaam Bombay!, visited New York Film Academy and held master classes with filmmaking students.
VISITS OUR SCHOOL AND HOLDS MASTER CLASSES FOR OUR STUDENTS

>> VIEW SLIDE SHOW

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David Hasselhoff - Actor

David Hasselhoff made his start with 6 seasons on the daytime drama The Young and the Restless. He made the leap into prime time with the action show Knight Rider, which was a big hit worldwide. He is best-known for his starring role as Mitch on the television show Baywatch, though he has also achieved great success as a popular singer internationally. Hasselhoff visited students at New York Film Academy at Abu Dhabi in 2009 for a screening of a student's short film, followed by an Oscar screening party.

>> VIEW SLIDE SHOW

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NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY GOES TO MOSCOW

The New York Film Academy Open House in Moscow with Paul Brown as a special guest, took place at the American Educational Center, also attracted much attention. Besides, 2 master-classes were arranged for private high school students and an Alumni Association of the New York Film Academy Russian Students was opened.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Kay Schaber Wolf - Independent Film Executive

Kay Schaber Wolf, an independent film executive from Writer's Guild America, West, spoke to NYFA 2nd Year & MFA Screenwriters at the WGA headquarters in Hollywood in March 2007. She conducts outreach to emerging writer/filmmakers, encouraging them to use WGA contracts and join in the community of Guild Writers. Working with the Independent Film Writers Steering Committee, she identifies and implements ways to increase independent narrative and documentary screenwriters' status and influence within the film industry.

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Bob Fisher - Screenwriter

Bob Fisher (writer of "Wedding Crashers" and "Married with Children") speaks to 2nd year and MFA Screenwriters at Universal Studios.

Screenwriters Bob Fisher and Steve Faber visited MFA Screenwriting students at the New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus in August 2005, and discussed their outrageous comedy, Wedding Crashers. The film stars Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as divorce mediators and lifelong friends who have never met a wedding they couldn't get themselves into.

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Meg Liberman - Casting Director
From the Earth to the Moon, Band of Brothers, 4400, Life on Mars, Pushing Daisies, King of Queens,
My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Q&A with Meg Liberman, Senior Vice President of Casting for CBS Paramount Network TV.

Meg Liberman is Senior Vice President of Casting for CBS Paramount Network TV, and has been nominated for 10 Emmy Awards, winning for the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon in 1998, and for Band of Brothers in 2002. She was kind enough to appear as a guest speaker for New York Film Academy students, and answered questions about the casting process and the studio system.

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Ted Hope - Producer
Adventureland, 21 Grams, American Splendor, The Savages, The Devil, Daniel Johnston
In October 2009, NYFA students got an overview of how films get made, financed, and distributed from one of the best. As part of the Good Machine production company, and later This is That, Ted Hope has worked over a dozen Academy Awards-nominated films, including 21 Grams, The Ice Storm, American Splendor, and Happiness.

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Al Ruddy - Producer

Q&A with Producer, Al Ruddy at Universal Studios Campus.

Writer/producer Al Ruddy came to NYFA in November 2011 to spend some time with the students and talk about his career. Al has worked in the business since 1955, and has had quite an influence in Hollywood. As a writer, he worked on over 160 episodes of Hogan's Heroes, as well as 180 episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger. At the 45th Academy Awards, Clint Eastwood presented the 1972 Best Picture Oscar to Ruddy, the producer of The Godfather. Thirty-two years later, they would jointly accept the 2004 Best Picture Oscar, along with fellow Million Dollar Baby coproducer, Tom Rosenberg. He currently has 3 optioned properties he is working on.

Al on producing: "Show me a relaxed producer and I'll show you a failure."

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Mike Fenton - Casting Director
Chinatown, Blade Runner, American Graffiti, The Godfather Part II

Acclaimed casting director Mike Fenton discussed the casting process with 2nd Year MFA filmmakers, producers, and actors at New York Film Academy's Universal Studios campus. Fenton is the award-winning casting director of some of Hollywood's biggest hit films, with over 250 credits to his name.

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Q&A With Inernet Sensation Derrick Comedy Members from Mystery Team

Q&A With Inernet Sensation Derrick Comedy Members from Mystery Team(from the left, Erik Davis, Editor-In-Chief of Cinematical.com, and Derrick Comedy members Dominic Dierkes, Meggie McFadden, Dan Eckman - NYFA alumni and Mystery Team Director)

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Jeff Lipsky - Filmmaker/Distributor
Once More with Feeling, Childhood's End

Jeff Lipsky is a renowned filmmaker/distributor and co-founder of October Films, and has been distributor for filmmaking legends: John Cassavetes, Jim Jarmusch, Mike Leigh, Robert Altman, Albert Brooks, Eric Rohmer, Lisa Cholodenko, David Lynch, and Lars Von Trier.

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Lydia Dean Pilcher - Producer
Amelia, The Namesake, Iron Jawed Angels, You Don't Know Jack

Q&A with Producer Lydia Dean Pilcher, produced Amelia, The Darjeeling Limited, The Namesake,
Iron Jawed Angels, You Don't Know Jack

Producer Lydia Dean Pilcher is best known for Cradle Will Rock, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Namesake, Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited, as well as Mississippi Masala and Vanity Fair with fellow NYFA guest speaker, Mira Nair. She visited the New York Film Academy and gave tips and advice to young filmmakers.

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Mark Harris - Producer
Crash, Gods and Monsters

Julie Lott Gallo, producer of "Local Color", interviewed Mark Harris, Producer of "Crash", after a screening of "Crash" for New York Film Academy students.

Julie Lott Gallo, producer of Local Color, interviewed Mark Harris, producer of Crash, after a screening of Crash for New York Film Academy at Universal Studios students in October 2008. Harris is also known for his long list of producing credits for television.

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George Gallo - Writer, Director
Q&A with NYFA students about film, "Local Color"

Leonard Maltin, film critic for Entertainment Tonight since 1982, interviewed Writer, Director George Gallo and Producer Julie Lott Gallo after the screening of their film "Local Color".  After the interview, New York Film Academy students had a Q & A with them.

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Nanette Burstein - Director/Producer
American Teen, Going the Distance
Director Nanette Burstein recently screened the Sundance award-winning documentary American Teen for our students at the New York Film Academy. The film follows the lives of five teenagers - a jock, a popular girl, a heartthrob, an artsy girl, and a geek – in one small town in Indiana through their senior year of high school. We see the insecurities, the cliques, the jealousies, the first loves and heartbreaks, and the struggle to make profound decisions about the future.

It's in part funny, in part sad, and wholly unforgettable. The use of animation within the context of the documentary to exemplify the inner lives of the characters was applauded by all the students. Director Nanette Burstein and producer Jordan Roberts participated in a Q&A with our students after the screening, and the students were very engaged, making for a very interesting discussion.

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H.H. Cooper - Director
Rachel Getting Married, Synecdoche, New York, Music and Lyrics, Dead Presidents
H.H. Cooper stopped by the New York City campus in June 2008 to share his insights about working with filmmakers Jonathan Demme, Robert DeNiro, Charlie Kaufman, Spike Lee, Penny Marshall, and Wong Kar Wai, as well as actors Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon, Hilary Swank. He is currently producing a documentary with Oscar award-winning director Jonathan Demme about Bob Marley. When asked what advice he had for young directors and producers, he said, "Make movies. Just make movies." It was inspiring in its simplicity.

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Glen Hansard - Actor/Musician
Once

The acclaimed Irish singer/songwriter Glen Hansard had one big dream: to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. But he never imagined he'd be singing at the 2008 Academy Awards. Not only did the Irish film star and musician of the movie Once play Los Angeles' Kodak Theater with co-star Marketa Irglova, they won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Just the day before, the film won the 2008 Independent Spirit Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and has won some 11 festival awards, including the Sundance Film Festival. Once has been touted as the iconic musical for this generation. And the magic that has always been a part of Glen Hansard's fairy-tale life, from his humble beginnings as a street performer to one of Ireland's most beloved musicians, has spilled over to the film. As Glen said in his acceptance speech, "We shot on two Handycams. It took us three weeks to make. We made it for a hundred grand. We never thought we would come into a room like this and be in front of you people...make art." Marketa added, "This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, (Oscar) it's just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible."

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Roger Guenveur Smith – Writer/Actor
Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, School Daze, Get On The Bus

Roger Guenveur Smith visited students at the New York Film Academy in January 2008 for a special Q&A and screening of A Huey P. Newton Story. Smith is best known for his acting roles in American Gangster, Do the Righ Thing, Malcom X, and School Daze.

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Stephane Sednaoui – Photographer/Music Video Director
Music videos for Bjork, Madonna, U2, REM, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Massive Attack

In December 2007, photographer and music video director Stephane Sednaoui spoke with New York Film Academy students about the release of his works on the Director’s Label music video series including Spike Jonze, Jonathan Glazer, and Mark Romanek.

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CHRIS LANDON - SCREENWRITER

Q&A with Chris Landon

Award-winning screenwriter Chris Landon, son of legendary actor Michael Landon, spoke to a packed room of students about his career and accomplishments in July 2007.

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A.C. LYLES - PRODUCER

April 20 th, 2007
Q&A with A.C. Lyles

A.C. Lyles with New York Film Academy Producing instructor Russell Gray. A.C Lyles spent 3 hours at New York Film Academy inspiring students and staff by discussing his life and career in Hollywood.

A.C. Lyles speaks with students outside New York Film Academy after his special lecture on campus.

Once a famous producer of Western movies, A.C. Lyles has worked at Paramount Studios for almost 80 years, has a star on the Hollywood Blvd. Walk of Fame, and has an office building on the Paramount lot named after him. He spoke with students at the New York campus in April 2007

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DIANE NEAL - ACTRESS

Star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and recent graduate of New York Film Academy, Diane Neal visited with students in April 2005 and said, "I expected a lot and the course exceeded my expectations." She has recently made appearances on 30 Rock and NCIS.

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JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT - ACTOR

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, (500) Days of Summer, Stop-Loss, Brick, Mysterious Skin Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt took a couple hours out of his busy schedule in March 2007 to speak with New York Film Academy students. To a packed screening room, Gordon-Levitt covered topics ranging from his independent vs. studio filmmaking, his training as an actor, all the way through to choosing scripts, the realities of making money as an actor, and staying humble. We screened clips from his films, Brick, Mysterious Skin, and the trailer for The Lookout, and screened a clip from his website "Pictures of Assholes" for the first time.

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Steven De Sousa - Screenwriter
48 Hours, Another 48 Hours, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Running Man, Knight Rider, Beverly Hills Cop III, Street Fighter, Die Hard 2

Writer Steven De Sousa has proved himself as a great writer for both action and comedy, with hits like Die Hard, Commando, 48 Hours, and The Flintstones. He visited New York Film Academy in March 2007, sharing stories about his success working on screenplays for blockbuster hits.

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PAUL ZAENTZ - PRODUCER
The English Patient, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Goya's Ghosts, Full Grown Men

Producer Paul Zaentz made a visit to speak with students at the New York Film Academy in March 2007. He made his debut as co-producer on Philip Kaufman’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and followed up with the Oscar-nominated The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley (with fellow NYFA guest speakers Lydia Dean Pilcher and Philip Seymour Hoffman). He dropped by for a screening of Goya’s Ghost, a project directed by Milos Forman, and starring Javier Bardem and Natalie Portman.

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Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs - Actor, Tony Krantz - Producer
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs: Welcome Back, Kotter, Roots
Tony Krantz: 24, Felicity, Mulholland Drive
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and Tony Krantz came to New York Film Academy in March 2007 to discuss their experiences in the business, as well as show an advance screening of their new horror film, Sublime.

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CHARLES MURRAY - SCREENWRITER



Q & A with screenwriter Charles Murray ("Third Watch,"City of Angels") after screening his Fox Searchlab short film, "Rain."

Students enjoyed speaking with Charles Murray, screenwriter on City of Angels, Third Watch, and Criminal Minds. He held a Q&A with students after a screening of his Fox Searchlab short film, Rain. His insights into the state of the industry today really inspired our students!

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JAMES AVERY - ACTOR
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, LA Law, The Closer

Actor James Avery with New York Film Academy acting instructor John Henry Richardson. James Avery spoke to a group of New York Film Academy students about his career and experiences in February 2007. He is a prolific actor, with over 150 acting credits under his belt.

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JOHN SALLEY - FORMER NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER
Producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis and NYFA Los Angeles Director Dan Mackler on-set with basketball star John Salley.
NYFA instructors and alumni crewed a commercial for Fox TV's The Best Damn Sports Show Period.

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BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT - ACTOR/DIRECTOR

Director Bobcat Goldthwait

In Sleeping Dogs Lie, Bobcat Goldthwait has written and directed a story that adeptly explores honesty, family, forgiveness, and courage. By frankly probing our relationships and idealization of the absolute virtues of honesty, Sleeping Dogs Lie is a funny and perceptive dark comedy. Goldthwait, a well-known character actor and comic writer, discussed his directorial debut with New York Film Academy students in October 2006.

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GABRIEL BYRNE - ACTOR
Usual Suspects, End of Days, Enemy of the State, Ghost Ship

Gabriel Byrne with David Klein, Senior Director New York Film Academy

Irish actor Gabriel Byrne began his career acting on the stage in Dublin and London before making the move to the Irish television show The Riordans. He gradually transitioned into featured roles in American films, including Stigmata, Usual Suspects, and End of Days. He currently stars on the HBO drama In Treatment, opposite Dianne Wiest. He spoke to students at the New York campus in September 2006.

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Karen Lutz - Writer, Kirsten Smith - Writer
Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Ella Enchanted


Karen McCullah Lutz co-wrote the hit movies Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon, and 10 Things I Hate About You starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. She currently has movie projects in development at Paramount, Miramax, Columbia, Dreamworks, Universal, New Line and Intermedia.

Kirsten "Kiwi" Smith is best known as the screenwriter of such comedies as Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Ella Enchanted.

Lutz and Smith joined students at New York Film Academy in August 2006 for an advance screening of She's the Man, starring the brilliant young comedienne Amanda Bynes.

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MARK AND JAY DUPLASS - Directors/Writers
The Puffy Chair

July 5th, 2006
Q&A and advanced screening of the movie "The Puffy Chair"

Brothers and filmmaking team Mark and Jay Duplass held a Q&A and advanced screening of The Puffy Chair for New York Film Academy students in July 2006. The film went on to win the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards.

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JON VOIGHT - ACTOR
Ali, Runaway Train, Coming Home, Midnight Cowboy, The Rainmaker


Jon Voight with David Klein, Senior Director New York Film Academy



Jon Voight joined NYFA students in May 2006 for a screening of The Legend of Simon Conjurer. The Academy Award-winning actor is remembered for his role in the 1969 classic Midnight Cowboy, and for his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Luke Martin in Coming Home. In over 40 years in his career, Jon has proven himself as both leading man, and as one of Americas most versatile character actors.

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DYLAN BAKER - ACTOR


Actor Dylan Baker may have begun his career on the Broadway stage, but his roles in television and film have brought him mainstream success. Dylan left a memorable mark with his recurring roles on Law & Order, The West Wing, and Murder One, and garnered critical acclaim in Todd Solondz's feature film Happiness. He is also known for his role as Dr. Curt Conners in Spider-Man 2 and 3. Baker is currently playing the role of corporate spy Jerry Berman in the FX original series Damages, alongside Glenn Close, another NYFA guest speaker! He held a Q&A with students in 2006.

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Russell Gewirtz - Screenwriter
Inside Man

In April 2006, Russell Gewirtz discussed the process of writing and selling his first script, Inside Man, when it was first released in theaters nationwide. Directed by Spike Lee, the thriller stars Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, and Clive Owen.

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MARY KAY PLACE
Lonesome Jim, Grace is Gone, Being John Malkovich, Sweet Home Alabama


March 30 , 2006

In March 2006, New York Film Academy students saw an advanced screening of Lonesome Jim, directed by Steve Buscemi, followed by a Q&A with actress Mary Kay Place. The prolific actress has over 100 acting credits in film and television, including recurring roles on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, My So-Called Life, and Bored to Death. She is currently an actress on the HBO original series, Big Love.

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ARIC AVELINO - DIRECTOR AMERICAN GUN



March 15th, 2006
Q&A with Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden and Director Aric Avelino director of Oscar winner American Gun"

Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden joined director Aric Avelino and New York Film Academy students for a special screening of the film American Gun in 2006. Harden is known for her Oscar-winning role in Pollock, and her Oscarnominated work in Mystic River.

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Karyn Kusama - Director, Phil Hay - Writer, Matt Manfredi - Writer
Aeon Flux

Students at New York Film Academy participated in a Q&A with director Karyn Kusama and writers Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi in December 2006, following a screening of their new film Aeon Flux.

In this futuristic sci-fi thriller set 400 years in the future, Charlize Theron stars as Aeon Flux, the top underground operative at war with the totalitarian regime, governing what appears to be a perfect society.

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Mark Bamford - Director, Debbie Brown - Actress Cape of Good Hope The new South Africa is revealed in Cape of Good Hope, a colorful and vibrant mosaic of love and hope. Students enjoyed an advanced screening, followed by a Q&A with director Mark Bamford (NYFA alumnus), and lead actress Debbie Brown at the New York City campus in November 2005.

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MARK CHRISTOPHER - DIRECTOR
Pizza, 54

NYFA students were treated to an advanced screening of Pizza, and a Q&A with director Mark Christopher in July 2005. Christopher is also known for his writing and directing credits on 54.

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Philippe Caland - Director
Boxing Helena, Hollywood Buddha, Loved, The Myersons
Phillipe Caland visited New York Film Academy in 2005 for an advance screening of Hollywood Buddha, a film he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. He is also known for his producing credits on Boxing Helena, and Loved with William Hurt, which was nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards.

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ANASTAS N. MICHOS - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Anastas N. Michos is a D.P. in high demand, having completed 16 projects in the past decade, including his memorable work on Death to Smoochy, and Man on the Moon. He spoke with students at the New York Film Academy in February 2005.

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James Signorelli - Director/Producer Saturday Night Live, Easy Money Though James Signorelli started his career as director of photography on the classic blaxploitation film Super Fly, he is best known as a director and producer on Saturday Night Live for over 35 years. He spoke with students at New York Film Academy in 2006.

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Matthew Modine w/ filmmaking student Omar Shakir

MATTHEW MODINE - ACTOR December 12th, 2005 Q&A with Actor Matthew Modine Actor - Full Metal Jacket, Any Given Sunday, Married to the Mob, Law & Order, Birdy and many more

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Oscar Torres and Luis Madoiki in New York Film Academy

Luis Mandoki - Director, Oscar Torres - Actor, Screenwriter Luis Mandoki: Innocent Voices, Angel Eyes, When a Man Loves a Woman, Trapped Director Luis Mandoki and writer Oscar Torres launched a grassroots effort to appeal to Academy members to vote for their film Innocent Voices. They spoke with students about their campaign in September 2005.

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JOEL SCHUMACHER - DIRECTOR
Flatliners, Batman Forever, Phone Booth, 8mm, St. Elmo's Fire

Born and raised in working-class New York City, versatile Hollywood director Joel Schumacher is responsible for legendary drama and action blockbusters, including St. Elmo's Fire, Falling Down, Batman Forever, and Veronica Guerin. He joined students for a soecial Q&A and screening of Tigerland in August 2005.

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STEVE FABER - WRITERS OF WEDDING CRASHERS
BOB FISHER - WRITERS OF WEDDINIG CRASHERS

August 8^th, 2005
Q&A with writers Steve Faber and Bob Fisher about the movie "Wedding Crashers "

The outrageous comedy Wedding Crashers stars Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as divorce mediators and lifelong friends who have never met a wedding they couldn't get themselves into.

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BARRY AVRICH - DIRECTOR OF THE LAST MOGUL

June 22^th, 2005
Q&A with Barry Avrich director of "The Last Mongul"

It would be a disservice to call Barry Avrich simply a director. Besides directing and producing many notable feature films and documentaries, Avrich has also authored 3 books and 1 play, is CEO at Echo Advertising Agency, and is well known for his philanthropic work. Avrich visited NYFA students in June 2005 to discuss The Last Mogul, a biography of the powerful Hollywood agent and executive, Lew Wasserman.

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Paul Haggis - Writer/Director, Bobby Moresco - Writer
Crash, Million Dollar Baby

In May 2005, students at the Universal Studios campus were treated to a Q&A with writer/director Paul Haggis and co-writer, Bobby Moresco of the movie Crash. Students enjoyed hearing the story behind the Oscar-winning film.

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PETER HEDGES - Director/Writer Dan in Real Life, Pieces of April, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, About a Boy Screenwriter Peter Hedges found his first success with his novel and adaptation of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. He was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay for About a Boy. He visited the New York Film Academy in January 2005 for a screening and discussion of his directorial debut, Pieces of April.

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CLARK JOHNSON - ACTOR/DIRECTOR Q&A with Actor/Director Clark Johnson Johnson was part of the original cast of the television series Homicide: Life on the Street playing Detective Meldrick Lewis for six years, as well as directing several episodes. He visited the New York Film Academy in January 2005, and spoke to students about directing for television.

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Kenneth Lonergan - Director/Screenwriter You Can Count On Me, Gangs of New York, Analyze This, Analyze That New York Film Academy students were excited to meet Kenneth Lonergan, director of You Can Count On Me, and screenwriter for Gangs of New York. The Oscarnominated screenwriter shared his experiences working in the film industry in October 2004.

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BRENDAN SEXTON III - ACTOR Brendan Sexton began his career in Todd Solondz's cult classic Welcome to the Dollhouse, before a string of indie hits, including Hurricane Streets, Empire Records, and Desert Blue. His fame grew with roles in the Academy Award-winning Boys Don't Cry and the big-budget action film Black Hawk Down. He met with New York Film Academy acting students in September 2004.

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			Laslo Kovaks - Cinematographer, Bill Fraker - Cinematographer, Roy Wagner - Cinematographer Laslo Kovaks: Easy Rider, What's Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Shampoo, My Best Friend's Wedding Bill Fraker: Rosemary's Baby, Bullitt, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Island of Dr. Moreau Roy Wagner: Quantum Leap, Nick of Time, Party of Five, CSI
The New York Film Academy was honored to play host to three legendary cinematographers in June 2004. Laszlo Kovaks, Bill Fraker, and Roy Wagner held a panel discussion for students, in which they discussed their extensive film histories and how the industry and technology have changed throughout their careers. We feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity to host these renowned luminaries.

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JANEANE GAROFALO - ACTRESS The Truth About Cats & Dogs, Reality Bites, Wet Hot American Summer, Clay Pigeons, 200 Cigarettes, The Cable Guy, Dogma, Ratatouille Janeane Garofolo made her start in standup comedy, winning an MTV competition while attending Providence College. Though she gained a following with her standup, her mainstream success began after a chance meeting with Ben Stiller at a deli. The two became quick friends and Janeane was asked to co-star in the Emmy-nominated but short-lived Ben Stiller Show. This led to her Emmy-nominated performances on the Larry Sanders Show, and a brief stint on Saturday Night Live. She made her film debut in 1994's Reality Bites. Garofalo continues to have a successful career in standup, as well as with memorable leading and supporting roles in film. She visited enthusiastic students at the New York Film Academy in 2004.

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CRAIG MCKAY - AWARD WINNING EDITOR In June 2004, Craig McKay, award-winning feature film editor, shared his experiences with NYFA students and instructors. McKay is also a story consultant, director, and executive producer.

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PETER SOLLET - DIRECTOR Raising Victor Vargas, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist Students enjoyed a screening of Raising Victor Vargas, followed by Q&A with the director, Peter Sollett, in December 2003. Peter Sollett’s feature debut is a stunning piece of filmmaking that carefully explores the stumbling blocks of growing up, capturing adolescence at its most tender, funny and genuine. His script was developed through the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, a prestigious program which offers emerging artists the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established screenwriters.