e.mail us at: programs@nyfilmschool.com
or call : 718-796-4104
Who attends the IFI?
What is the schedule like?
How many students are in a class?
What makes the IFI different?
Who teaches at the IFI?
What kind of film can I make?
Can I see some of the films made at the IFI?
What equipment will I have access to?
Will I make my own film?
Will I be working with other students?
Do I need to buy anything before I take a course at the IFI?
Can I use my film to apply to film school?
Will I be able to get a job after I take this course?
What is the age range of students in the program?
What is the tuition for the courses?
What is included in the tuition?
Is housing available?
Do you offer financial aid?
Do you offer College Credit?
How do I apply?
Is there a deadline for registration?
When is the tuition due to the IFI?
What is the relationship between the IFI and Sarah Lawrence College?
What is the relationship between the IFI and Wasatch Academy?
What is the difference between the intensives and the evening programs?
What if I have more questions?
Do I need film experience to take a course at the IFI?
No prior filmmaking experience in necessary to take any of our classes. All we ask is that you come prepared to completely immerse yourself in the program from start to finish. There is a lot of work that goes into making a project. Attention to detail is critical to getting your idea on the screen. Come on time to classes, do your homework, and help each other get it done.
We have a wide range of students from all over the world. From High school students looking to prepare a portfolio for college applications to Doctors looking to explore their other talents. Once we get a class together we structure the groups accordingly to make sure everyone works together.
The program is intensive. The first couple of weeks focus on classroom instruction, followed by pre-production, production, and editing. Days begin at 10AM and, on average, end by 5PM. This is for the five and sic week programs. There is also the occasional evening seminar. Once you roll into production you will be on call for the entire week to produce your own film and your fellow crew member projects. It is absolutely critical that everyone is available to support each other throughout this portion of the class. For those interested in the evening programs the structure is the same with emphasis placed on Directing and writing.
How many students are in a class?
We have no more than 16 students per Program Session. We keep the workshops small so we can provide the individualized attention necessary to ensure you get the support you need to get your final film completed on time.
We believe the curriculum we developed and the amount of individualized attention built into the course eliminates a lot of the pitfalls more established programs have to deal with. Our only red tape is making sure we complete our films on time. This, along with great staff and faculty, make us stand out amongst the film schools offering short-term programs.
We have experienced professionals from the film business and academic institutions. Check out some of the Faculty who have taught at our program on the Faculty page. That’s just a sampling.
You can make any kind of movie you want to make. Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, etc. The only thing we ask is that you keep it doable. On average films produced within the course are between 5-10 minutes in length. Anything longer is just impossible to make within the time frame allotted in the program. This is very important. We want to make sure every student gets through the process successfully. For this reason our instructors will work with you to make sure all the elements you need are available. Star Wars, The Matrix, and Harry Potter are a bit out of the scope of what we can do in 6, 5, or evening 12 week program. That said, be creative and tell a good short story. Use the time with us to learn the basics of putting images together. In time, with more experience and financial resources, you too will have the potential for bigger films.
Can I see some of the films made at the IFI?
Of Course you can ! We have quite a selection posted on our Vimeo page. Check them out here. Come back after you’re done watching. http://vimeopro.com/nyfilmschool/international-film-institute-of-new-york-1
What equipment will I have access to?
You will have access to High-Definition cameras, lighting, and sound equipment. Please note that we are not a technical school. We focus on the story and the execution of that story onto the screen. We absolutely cover production and will provide all necessary equipment resources to make your film.
Our program is designed and scheduled to allow each student to make their own short film. On the very rare occasion students can work together on one film. But, we encourage students to produce their own films.
Will I be working with other students?
It is absolutely critical that all students work together throughout the film program. From story development through editing, feedback is key to your growth as an artist.
Do I need to buy anything before I take a course at the IFI?
The only item we ask students to purchase is an external storage drive for all of your video files. Once you are in the program the only additional expense you will have, related directly to the course, is the materials you will need to produce your film. Props, wardrobe, feeding your cast and crew, and transportation during your shoot.
Can I use my film to apply to film school?
Absolutely. One of our program goals is to provide guidance for individuals looking to apply to undergraduate and graduate film programs. Some of the instructors in our program are probably teaching at one of the schools you are looking to apply to.
Will I be able to get a job after I take this course?
Any school that guarantees employment after taking a class is not being honest. Our program is a stepping stone on your quest for a job in the film industry. We offer you tools, guidance, and support as you continue to work towards getting that dream job. But, seriously, hard work and determination will keep you going. We provide a taste of what’s to come.
What is the age range of students in the program?
Our students range from 14 – 60. Depending on the location the age range changes. Our Wasatch Academy program is designed for young adults. Our Sarah Lawrence College course caters to both young adults and Adults. Our Evening classes are primarily for full-time working adults.
What is the tuition for the courses?
Tuition varies depending on the program and session. Please check out our Calendar page for the most up to date tuition.
What is included in the tuition?
Instruction, access to facilities and equipment, Final DVD of all projects, and final Screening.
Housing is available at several of our partner locations. For more information about housing and meal plans please check out the details under Calendar.
At this time we do not offer financial aid.
Sarah Lawrence College does offer college credit to qualified applicants. Please note that the credit cost is not included in the base tuition. Check with your school to make sure the credit offered is transferrable.
Easy! Go to our REGISTER page, find the program you would like to enroll in and follow the simple instructions. Or just call us! 718-796-4104 and we will guide you through the process.
Is there a deadline for registration?
We want to make sure we have minimal enrollment in order to run the class. Like all institutions if we do not have the students the session is cancelled. In order to provide adequate time to allow students to prepare for the class we have a deadline of 1 month before the start of class. If, for any reason, the session is cancelled after you have made a deposit or paid the tuition, we will refund 100% of your funds.
When is the tuition due to the IFI?
The tuition for the course is due four weeks before the start of the course. A few exceptions are made when we are at minimum enrollment with seats available past the four week mark. Please note that, as in all programs of this kind, we require minimum enrollment to run the session. If for any reason we do not reach minimum enrollment four weeks prior to the start of the session. Any and all payments made to the IFI will be refunded including Deposit and any additional tuition paid.
The International Film Institute of New York and Sarah Lawrence College are partner institutions working on providing the Summer Filmmaking Intensives.
What is the relationship between the IFI and Wasatch Academy?
The International Film Institute of New York and Wasatch Academy are partner institutions working on providing the Summer Filmmaking Intensives.
What is the difference between the intensives and the evening programs?
The Five and Six Week Intensives are full day 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM programs, Monday to Friday, with additional exercises produced over the weekends. The Evening program is designed for working adults with limited time. The Evening class meets 3 times a week- two times in a classroom setting and the 3rd time one-on-one with instructors. In addition, when it comes time to produce your final projects a Camera person and Assistant Director will be made available to help in the execution of your final film.
What if I have more questions?
That’s what we are here for! Send us an e.mail : programs@nyfilmschool.com or you can contact us directly at 718-796-4104. We want to make sure the program fits what you are looking for.
