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ONE

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STUDENT HANDBOOK
September 2010

NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY

100 East 17th Street Tel: 212-674-4300 Email: film@nyfa.edu
New York, NY 10003 Fax: 212-477-1414 www.nyfa.edu
 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
ACTING FOR FILM
Students learn the basics of film acting: calibrating performances based upon shot size and angle,
hitting marks, emotional and physical continuity, and strength and imagination in acting choices.
Students are assigned scenes from produced screenplays, which are then shot with a crew and
edited together. In addition, students learn to perform a number of film crew positions, to broaden
their knowledge of the duties of everyone on a professional film set.

SCENE STUDY
Working on scenes from published plays and screenplays is allows actors to learn all of the basic
concepts of approaching a scene: defining objectives, breaking the scene down into beats,
understanding the arc, pursuing your objective, playing actions, and working to overcome
obstacles. This class provides the most basic technique for understanding acting, therefore it
starts at a most basic level, usually with silent scenes or short dialogue scenes. Once the
foundation is in place, longer dramatic or comedic scenes are explored.

VOICE/MOVEMENT
An actor’s body is his or her only instrument, therefore it must be tuned to perform expertly
whenever and however needed. Movement classes, in addition to expanding body flexibility and
developing the actor’s ability to relax and tense when needed, will also focus on breaking down
inhibitions, building ensemble spirit, and providing the necessary tools to bring physical dimension
to all of their roles.

Additionally, a primary tool for the actor is the expressive and free voice. Therefore, voices must be
trained to be heard (through volume adjustments), understood (through articulation) and also felt
(through expression). Students gain insight into the power of how to nurture and control their voices by
exercising various resonators and muscles, enabling them to release emotional impulses. In addition to
breath work, classes focus on singing, relaxation, phrasing, and posture as a way of nurturing the actor’s
instrument. Using text, students learn to identify key words and learn how to link intention with the voice
and speak clearly and powerfully through the end of a line.

IMPROVISATION
The ability to improvise can never be underestimated when it comes to acting, especially on
camera where there is usually very little rehearsal. Whether in comedy or drama, actors improvise
well when they are fully engaged, listening to their partners, and releasing their inhibitions about
failing. Through games and exercises, students learn how to let their imaginations run wild, how
to play well with others, and how to live “in the moment”—free from anticipating or planning what
to do next.

PAGE 2 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

ACTING TECHNIQUE
Acting teachers throughout the ages have developed many different techniques for teaching the
craft to aspiring actors. Since actors oftentimes are required to draw from their many facets of
their training to meet the demands of a role or a director, this acting class teaches a range of
techniques so that actors can be best prepared for any role they are given to play.

FILM CRAFT
Acting students rarely have the opportunity to immerse themselves in other aspects of
filmmaking. However, we feel it is crucial that an actor develops strong collaborative skills by
gaining a working knowledge of the film medium and how each member of a film crew contributes
to making an actor’s performance shine. Therefore we provide all of our students with master
classes taught by the NYFA Filmmaking faculty who give a broad outline of the mechanics,
language, and production of film.

AUDITION TECHNIQUE
Acting is as much of a business as it is a craft. In addition to training, successful actors must
develop strong marketing skills in order to build a career. These classes focus on such topics as
feeling comfortable at cold readings, preparing a resume, choosing a headshot photographer, and
developing a career strategy. Additionally, actors will have the opportunity to get live auditioning
experience both in class and during an open casting call with directors from the NYFA Filmmaking
program.

PAGE 3 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
 Acting program guidelines
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
The consumption of alcohol and/or drugs before
or during any classes, rehearsals, shoots, or live
performances is strictly prohibited and grounds for
disciplinary action, possible leading to expulsion.
ATTENDANCE POLICY Schedule changes will be noted on the schedule
When you are late to or absent from a class, you
cause serious disruption to your instructor’s
lesson as well as your classmates’ progress.
NYFA has a strict Attendance Policy, which is
distributed to you during your Orientation Session.
Please note that you are required to read and to
sign a disclosure form stating that you fully
understand and will comply with the NYFA
Attendance Policy. If you did not receive a copy of
this policy, please ask for one. during your Orientation Session. Please note that
CASTING/CONSULTATION BOARD
The casting board is for casting notices, general
announcements, notifications of performances
or screenings, and Production Workshop
Casting announcements. It can also be used
to post information for fellow students or
instructors. It is your responsibility to check the
casting board regularly for any new information.
We have a 2 casting boards that will display
these casting notices (one near the elevators
and the other outside of room #210 in SoHo).
The consultation board will list all consultations
scheduled for that day and the corresponding
room assignments.
CELL PHONES DOWNLOADING ACTING FOOTAGE
All cell phones must be turned off before entering
a class, screening or live performance. You are
prohibited from sending or retrieving calls, voice
mail, or text messages while a class, screening or
live performance is in progress. Use of portable
music devices and notebook computers are also
prohibited at these times.
CLASSROOM CONDITION
Classrooms must be left in as good or better condition
than they were found. Chairs and tables must be
returned to their original location and all garbage
must be picked up and thrown away.
PAGE 4 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
CHANGES OF SCHEDULE AND/OR
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENT
Due to our rigorous class schedule, the number
of students enrolled, and the professional working
nature of our instructors, it is often necessary to
change class schedules or room assignments.
monitors and every effort will be made to inform
the class in person well in advance. It is your
responsibility to check the monitors before every
class to locate the correct class time and room
assignment.
CODE OF CONDUCT
It is imperative that you adhere to the Student
Code of Conduct, which is distributed to you
you are required to read and to sign a disclosure
form stating that you fully understand and will
comply with the Student Code of Conduct.
CONSULTATIONS
All Acting for Film students are given several
“consultation cards”. You may use these to obtain
a private one-hour consultation with any of your
instructors. It is your responsibility to make an
appointment with the instructor and then at the
consultation itself, you must give the instructor a
consultation card. If you do not show up for a
scheduled appointment, you will automatically
lose that hour of consultation. If additional
consultation cards are requested this can be
arranged by asking the front desk.
FROM SERVER
All NYFA acting students will have access to their
edited film projects on the NYFA server which can
be reached at the following URL address:
http://student.nyfa.com. You will need to have
your section ID and password on hand to access
the footage. From here you can download your
work and save it to your computer, a secondary hard
drive or memory stick and burn it to a DVD. Please
refer to the accompanying “A Guide to Downloading
Acting Footage from the NYFA Server and Burning
a DVD.” Please note that all other “raw” footage of
class work will be available for you upon request
from the SoHo Equipment Room.
 Acting program guidelines
FOOD AND DRINK
Aside from bottled water, there is no food or drink
allowed in any classroom.
FURNITURE 100 East 17th St
There is a limited supply of rehearsal furniture
and props that can be checked out before class
from the Equipment Room in SoHo. We ask that
the furniture remain in the classroom in which
it is originally found. If you need to move the
furniture to another room, please be sure to return
it when you are finished.
We also have several black “furniture” boxes for
your use during live performances in the Union
Square Screening Room.
Please take very good care of the furniture and
props. The loss and/or destruction of props and
furniture impact all of the other classes.
GRADING
You will receive a copy of the NYFA Grading Rubric
with your Orientation materials. The individual
Grading Procedure of each instructor will be
handed to you at the start of his/her first class.
LATENESS
Since discipline is one of the most important parts
of being a professional actor, we enforce a strict
lateness (“tardiness”) policy that involves locking
the door 8 minutes after a class has begun. A late
student must then wait until the instructor gives
the class a break before he/she will be admitted
into the class.
LOCATIONS
All classes held in the Acting for Film Program
will be primarily held at the Soho location, 568
Broadway. Depending upon space requirements,
classes may be held at an alternate location from
where you usually study with advance notice.
FACILITIES
The Acting for Film Program may have classes in
any of the NYFA facilities:
PAGE 5 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
SoHo (Acting Dept HQ)
568 Broadway (Prince St. and Broadway), 2nd Fl
Union Square (NYFA HQ)
Cooper Union
51 Astor Place (8th St., East of Lafayette)
“MAKE UP” CLASSES
In the event that a class is cancelled, every
attempt will be made to schedule a “make up”
class with the instructor. Due to time constraints
in the acting schedules, “make up” classes may
have to be scheduled on a day of the week on
which you normally wouldn’t have classes. Every
effort will be made to inform you of a “make up”
class as soon as it is scheduled.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
If you have any pre-existing medical or physical
conditions that may affect your work in class or may
cause you to miss a class entirely, please inform
both the NYFA Acting Program Administration
and your instructor(s) as soon as possible.
NYFA FILMMAKERS
We encourage all of the Acting students to
participate in films being made by students in the
NYFA Filmmaking Programs, however you are not
allowed to miss, be late, or leave early from a class
to do so.
OUTSIDE PROJECTS
If an instructor or staff member recommends you for
a project outside of the NYFA curriculum, you must
inform the NYFA Acting Administration before
beginning work on the project.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Do not leave any of your personal belongings
unattended at any time. NYFA is not responsible
for the loss or theft of your personal belongings.
Please note the Soho building is accessible to the
public and therefore your belongings are at risk if left
unattended even in the classrooms.
 Acting program guidelines

PHONE NUMBERS
The phone number for the NYFA Soho location is
212-966-3488. The phone number for the NYFA
Union Square location is 212-674-4300.
PROGRESS REPORTS
All acting students will receive a progress report at
the midterm and end of each semester.
REHEARSALS
Understanding the importance of rehearsal and
preparation is one of the first steps to becoming a
professional actor. If you repeatedly fail to meet
for scheduled rehearsals with instructors and/or
partners, disciplinary action may result.
SCHEDULE MONITORS
There are schedule monitors in SoHo and Union
Square. On these monitors you will find your daily
class schedule with specific room assignments.
It is your responsibility to check the schedule
monitor (and a good idea to check it repeatedly
during the day as room assignments are subject
to change) and to note any changes.
SCHEDULES
Any changes to your schedule will be noted on the
schedule board and, whenever possible,
announced to your class in person by a member
of the NYFA Acting Administration.

REHEARSAL ROOMS SMOKING

Rehearsal rooms are available at both of the
NYFA locations, Soho and Union Square. If you
would like to schedule a room for a rehearsal,
please call the Soho location at 212-966-3488 or
the Union Square location at 212-674-4300.
It is against the law to smoke inside a building in
New York City, and it is punishable by a $5,000
fine. You are also prohibited to light cigarettes as
part of your scene work.

REMOVAL FROM FILM SHOOTS AND/OR

LIVE PERFORMANCES
Since we aim to provide you with as professional
an experience as possible, in return we expect
you to act as professional actors. If, in your
classes, rehearsals, or shoots, you exhibit a
discipline problem, a lack of respect for your
instructors, fellow actors, student filmmakers, or
the work being done, or if you are continuously
unprepared to work, and/or violate the Student
Code of Conduct in any way, it is your instructors’
prerogative to immediately remove you from said
class, rehearsal, or shoot.

PAGE 6 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
 Acting program guidelines
PERFORMING ARTS LIBRARY/
BOOKSTORES
The New York Public Library for the
Performing Arts
40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Tel: 212-870-1630
1st Floor: Videos, DVDs, Accent Tapes
2nd Floor: Reference Desk, Books, Periodicals,
Play Index, Clippings
The drama collection encompasses all aspects
of the performing arts that are not strictly music
or dance. In drama we carry available published
plays and screenplays in English. We also have
an extensive collection of film and dramatic
criticism and history. The collection includes
much material on film and theater production.
Every aspect of acting, directing, playwriting,
screenwriting, set design, costume, makeup, etc.
is covered. Other subjects represented include
television and radio broadcasting, magic,
puppetry and the circus.
The vertical files contain clippings about persons
in theater and film, reviews of plays and films, and
general subjects in the same areas as our book
collection. Important periodicals in our fields, plus
trade papers such as Variety and Backstage are
carried.
The Play Index, housed in a freestanding catalog
in the Drama section, directs users to plays that
have been published in collections, anthologies or
periodicals which are held in the Steinberg Room.
To find plays published individually in book form
throughout the branch system, users should
consult LEO.
Drama Book Shop
250 West 40th St. (bet. 7th & 8th Avenues)
Tel: 212-944-0595
Your instructors will be requiring and suggesting
books for you to read to supplement your NYFA
class work. The best bookstore in New York City
for plays, scripts, screenplays and books about
acting and film is the Drama Book Shop, located
at 250 West 40th Street, between 7th and 8th
Avenues. The phone number is 212-944-0595
and the website is www.dramabookshop.com
PAGE 7 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
Shakespeare & Co. Booksellers
716 Broadway @ Washington Place
Tel: 212-529-1330
This is another excellent bookshop that is located
very close to both NYFA campuses – just blocks
north of the SOHO location and blocks south of
the Union Square location along Broadway close
to 8th Street. Walk downstairs one level for a
large selection of plays and related books.
BUYING DISCOUNTED TICKETS
NYC is one of the theatrical centers of the world
and there are ways to find tickets at affordable
prices. Playbill.com and Theatremania.com are
two online sites that offer discounted Broadway
and Off Broadway tickets with a required free
membership. For both sites, you can choose to
sign up for email newsletters that often include
new codes and special offers.
You can also visit www.broadwaybox.com for
listings of discount codes distributed by the show
producers. Tip: When using coupon codes, the
best bargain is always at the theatre’s box office.
When purchasing tickets either online or over
the phone, service charges usually apply.
Broadway rush tickets are sometimes available
at the theatre box office an hour or two before
the production starts. Rush tickets are available
when the producers decide to offer them. It’s
often not advertised so you may not know until
you check at the box office on the day of the
performance. Rush tickets are normally about
$20-25 each. A student ID will be required to
purchase tickets (often one student ID will permit
the purchase of two tickets). Many times the
box offices will only accept cash as payment for
rush and standing room only tickets so arrive at
the box office prepared.
 Resources for the new York actor
TKTS™ Ticket Booths - Like student rush and
standing room only policies, the TKTS™ ticket
booths are a resource you can use to purchase
discount tickets on the day of the performance
you want to see. (There are some exceptions for
weekend matinees.)
Established in 1973 for the betterment of theatres
and theatregoers alike, TKTS sells unsold tickets
on the day of performance for many Broadway
shows for 25-50% off the box office price plus a
$3.00 service charge per ticket.
For example, if the price of a ticket for an orchestra
seat to Beauty and the Beast is normally $95.00,
the price at the ticket booth might be 50% off - or
$47.50 - plus a $3 service charge.
The newly renovated TKTS booth is located in
Duffy Square, the center island of 47th Street
between Broadway and 7th Avenue for TKTS.
The electronic signs in front display what shows
are available for that day.
The hours for the Times Square TKTS booth are
as follows:
Monday to Saturday for evening tickets -
3:00pm to 8:00pm
Wednesday & Saturday for matinee tickets -
10:00am to 2:00pm
Sunday for matinee and evening tickets - 11:00am
to 7:30pm
There is a lesser-known TKTS location in the
Lower Manhattan Theatre Centre at the South
Street Seaport (the corner of Front and John
Streets, the rear of the Resnick/Prudential
Building at 199 Water Street).
PAGE 8 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
The hours for the South Street Seaport booth
are as follows:
Monday to Saturday for matinee and evening
tickets - 11:00am to 6:00pm*
*You must buy matinee tickets the day before at
the Seaport branch. For example, Wednesday
matinees are sold Tuesday (only at this location).
Tip: As both TKTS booths draw from the same
pool of tickets, consider using the downtown loca-
tion that usually draws less if a crowd.
For more information on TKTS including a list of
recently offered shows and answers to some fre-
quently asked questions, visit the TDF website at
www.tdf.org.
PLEASE NOTE: TKTS only accepts cash or
travelers checks!
OTHER NEW YORK PERFORMANCE 
VENUES
New York is the home to the world’s most famous,
progressive, and cutting edge theatres in the
country. There is nothing better to do while studying
the craft of acting than to watch professionals do
it live before your eyes in many different types
and styles of productions. Going to the theatre
will open your mind to the vast possibilities available
to you as a performer and, ultimately, make you
a better stage and film actor. Below is a list of
places to begin this journey. Most of these
theatres will offer discounted “student rush” tickets,
so show up early as ask at the box office.
Roundabout Theatre Company is perhaps
America’s leading not-for-profit theatre company
that operates three beautiful theatres, two of them
on-Broadway (American Airlines Theatre and the
revamped Studio 54) and one Off-Broadway
(Laura Pels theatre).
www.roundabouttheatre.org
 Resources for the new York actor
Manhattan Theatre Club is one of the country’s
most acclaimed theatre organizations committed
to bringing theatre to the widest possible audience
producing work Off-Broadway and on Broadway.
www.mtc-nyc.org
Lincoln Center Theatre has been named “the
pre-eminent theater in the country” (New York
Times). Indeed, through tours, telecasts, films,
publications, recordings and this website, the or-
ganization reaches audiences across the nation
and around the world. $20 student seats are
available for some shows in advance.
http://www.lct.org/studentix/
Atlantic Theatre Company is an Off-Broadway
theater that produces great plays simply and
truthfully utilizing an artistic ensemble. Founded
in 1985 by David Mamet and William H. Macy,
Atlantic believes that the story of a play and the
intent of its playwright are at the core of the
creative process.
www.atlantictheater.org
Playwrights Horizons is a writer’s theater
dedicated to the support and development of
contemporary American playwrights, composers
and lyricists, and to the production of their new
work. It is a leading Off-Broadway company.
www.playwrightshorizons.org
2econd Stage Theatre is a leading not-for-profit
Off-Broadway theatre company that produces
a diverse range of premieres and new
i n t e r p r e t a tions of America’s best contemporary
theatre.
www.2st.com
PAGE 9 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
St Ann’s Warehouse is one of New York City’s
most compelling live performance destinations.
Through its signature multi-artist concerts and
ground-breaking music and theater collaborations,
St. Ann’s continues to celebrate the panoramic
traditions of American and world cultures, with
forays into contemporary forms including new
commissions and multi-disciplinary theatrical
presentations.
www.stannswarehouse.org
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is the
world’s leading performing arts center comprised
of 12 resident organizations including the Film
Society of Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center Theatre,
The Philharmonic, New York City Opera, the
Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet.
www.lincolncenter.org
The Brooklyn Academy of Music
BAM has a “Student Rush” policy: present a valid
student ID and proof of age (25 and under) day
of show for up to two tickets to movies or
performances. Subject to availability.
www.BAM.org
Film Forum
The Film Forum presents two distinct,
complementary film programs – NYC theatrical
premieres of American independents and foreign
art films.
www.filmforum.org
NY City Opera
City Opera’s Half Price Ticket Program offers any
available seats to students at half price one week
prior to the performance. Student Rush offers a
limited number of $16 tickets based on availability.
www.nycopera.org
NY Philharmonic
Students can purchase $12 rush tickets for se-
lect concerts up to 10 days before the concert at
nyphil.org/studentrush.
www.nyphil.org
 Resources for the new York actor

PUBLICATIONS AND WEB SITES Actors Access

Time Out New York
The print edition is available at most kiosks
and newsstands. This publication offers great
content on how to live affordably in New York
and contains a comprehensive listing of Off-Off
Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Broadway shows
as well as other entertainment alternatives in the
city.
www.timeout.com/newyork
Back Stage New York
For 45 years this weekly newspaper has been
the actor’s most trusted resource offering
performing arts and casting information. A new
edition is distributed every Thursday.
www.backstage.com
Variety
Recognized and respected through out the
world of show business, Variety is the premier
source of entertainment news. Since 1905, the
most influential leaders in the industry have
turned to Variety for timely, credible and straight
forward news and analysis - information vital to
their professions.
www.variety.com
A subscription-based site run by Breakdown
Services, the industry casting standard, that
allows you to upload and manage photos,
resume, and profile when registering so that
you can submit electronically for projects.
www.actorsaccess.com
American Theatre Wing
Dedicated to celebrating excellence and
supporting education in the theatre, The
American Theatre Wing has been an integral
and influential part of the theatrical community
for the better part of seven decades as the
organization behind the Tony Awards. Adapting
its activities for each successive theatrical
generation, ATW focuses today on programs
and activities which help students, audiences
and members of the theatrical community itself
to learn more about what makes theatre tick
from the people who make it so vital.
www.americantheatrewing.org

The Internet Movie Database

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a HUGE
collection of movie information from who was in
it, to who made it, to trivia about it, to filming
locations, and even where you can find reviews
and fan sites on the web.
www.IMDb.com

PAGE 10 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
 Subway map

PAGE 11 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
 GRADING
Grading of Daily Preparation and Participation at the New York Film Academy

You will be assigned a grade on your preparation for and participation in your NYFA course. As this
is an Acting for Film course, we would like to stress that we grade on the student’s attempt to apply
instruction and the effort they employ, not on performance.

The grading scale is as follows:

Excellent (A to A-)
• Contributes regularly and enthusiastically to every class
• Comes to class with all assigned text work prepared and memorized on time
• Comes to class with all other assignments completed on time
• Always has a copy of the text currently being worked on
• States ideas clearly
• Supports opinions with specific evidence from the text or elsewhere
• Refines own ideas
• Takes the lead in engaging others in discussion
• Moves class discussions forward, while giving others room to speak
• Follows up on others’ ideas
• Rephrases accurately what others say
• Asks genuine questions
• Pays attention all of the time

Good (B+ to B-)

• Contributes to nearly all class discussions without dominating them
• Comes to class with all assigned text work prepared and memorized on time
• Comes to class with all other assignments completed on time
• Always has a copy of the text currently being worked on
• States ideas clearly
• Supports opinions with specific evidence from the text or elsewhere
• Rephrases accurately what others say
• Engages others in dialogue
• Maintains an active presence in the classroom at all times

Average (C+ to C-)

• Listens attentively to others, but only sporadically contributes to class discussions
• Does not always have all lines memorized on time
• Does not always have assignments completed on time
• Does not always support ideas and opinions with evidence from the text
• Has little follow up or refinement of ideas
• Engages others in discussion only to some extent
• Does not always pay full attention in class

PAGE 12 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
 GRADING
Poor (D+ to D-)
• Contributes very little, if at all, to class discussions
• Frequently unprepared
• Exhibits limited control of the material being performed or under discussion
• Is a distraction to the work of the class or the progress of others
• Rarely pays full attention in class
• Speaks only when called

Failing (F)
• Does not contribute to class discussions
• Unprepared for class
• Offers unproductive comments
• Does not exhibit control of the material being performed or under discussion
• Does not ask genuine, subject-related questions
• Speaks completely out of turn

PAGE 13 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
 RECOMMENDED READING LIST

An Actor Prepares... Konstantin Stanislavsky

The Actor’s Workbook… Valorie Hubbard and Lea Tolub Brandenburg
Building a Character... Konstantin Stanislavsky
The Complete Stanislavsky... by Bella Merlin
Sanford Meisner On Acting... Sandford Meisner
Making Movies... Sidney Lumet
Acting in Film... Michael Caine
Freeing the Natural Voice... Kristen Linklater
The Right to Speak... Patsy Rodenburg
Playing Shakespeare... John Barton
Clues to Acting Shakespeare... Wesley Van Tassel
A Practical Handbook for the Actor... Melissa Bruder, etc.
Spoon River Anthology... Edgar Lee Masters
Speak with Distinction... Edith Skinner
Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus… Marina Caldarone and Maggie Lloyd-Williams
Acting Professionally… Robert Cohen
Audition… Michael Shurtleff
On the Technique of Acting… Michael Chekhov
Audition Freedom… VP Boyle
Shakespeare for the 21st Century… David Vando

PAGE 14 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
A GUIDE TO DOWNLOADING ACTING FOOTAGE
FROM THE NYFA SERVER AND BURNING A DVD

HOW TO DOWNLOAD SCENES FROM THE WEBSITE

1. Travel over to http://student.nyfa.com

2. When prompted, enter your given user name and password (check your schedule
for your section’s username and password).

3. Begin the download. NOTE: If using NYFA computers, some have disabled
downloading to the desktop and/ or documents folder. If this happens, merely select an
alternate folder to download to.

From here, you’ll need to complete two simple steps:

1. Import your footage into Final Cut Pro to convert it into a Quicktime
Reference file and

2. burn a DVD of your work using either iDVD or DVD Studio Pro.

NOTE: You can drag your footage into iDVD if your footage is under 30 minutes long.
However, it will create a menu which is not very customizable and often annoying. Final
Cut Pro is recommended.

* FOOTAGE WILL REMAIN ON THE SERVER FOR 60 DAYS ONLY.

PAGE 15 NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY | 100 E17TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10003 | WWW.NYFA.EDU
A GUIDE TO DOWNLOADING ACTING FOOTAGE
FROM THE NYFA SERVER AND BURNING A DVD

HOW TO IMPORT INTO FINAL CUT PRO

1. There are several ways to do this. Either drag the icon of the .mov or .mp4 file into
the bin in FCP, or File>Import>Files>Wherever_your_file_is.mov

2. Once your desired file is in the bin, you might want to check the sequence settings
to make sure they are what you want. You can do this by control-clicking (right clicking)
on the sequence and selecting the “Settings” tab. There you should see
.

Make sure that your sequence is as shown.

3. Drag your clip into the timeline. You may need to render (select the clip, command +R).
In fact, most likely you will. Yes. You will.

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NEXT STEP: EXPORT A QUICKTIME REFERENCE FILE

1. Ok, so you know you can use the home and end keys to travel to the beginning and end
of your timeline, right? Make some in and out points (shortcut keys I and O, respectively)
at the beginning and end of your clip.

2. Go to File> export> quicktime movie

On yours, though, it won’t be gray. I promise.

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A GUIDE TO DOWNLOADING ACTING FOOTAGE
FROM THE NYFA SERVER AND BURNING A DVD
3. Look familiar? It should. Well not the file names and stuff. But overall. Anyway, just
make sure you uncheck “make movie self-contained” and keep the setting as “current
settings.”

UNCHECK THIS

4. This might take a while… Once it has finished, you will have a Quicktime Reference
File of your footage, which can be burned to a DVD to play in most DVD players. But to
do this, we have to use a different program. One more, I promise.

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A GUIDE TO DOWNLOADING ACTING FOOTAGE
FROM THE NYFA SERVER AND BURNING A DVD

IN iDVD or DVD STUDIO PRO

1. Ok, so you have a quicktime reference file of what you want to burn on DVD. If you’re
using iDVD it’s real simple, just drag the icon into a menu you create and it’ll put it on there.
Then click burn. If you’re using DVD Studio Pro…and you’re a snob….go to step 2.

2. This is where you should drag your quicktime reference file. Or click that import button
and do it that way. Whatever floats your ice cream. Besides root beer. Anyway, once that’s
done, if you don’t want a menu:

3. The outline tab is where you want

to go next. Here you want to click on
Untitled_disc (or, if you named it
because you’re a snob…[just kidding
I love you]) and go to the window on
the right:

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 A GUIDE TO DOWNLOADING ACTING FOOTAGE
FROM THE NYFA SERVER AND BURNING A DVD

4. See first play?

Click that drag down menu and select
Tracks and Stories > Track 1 > [Track].

5. Burn your DVD! You’ll need a blank DVD-R for this one.

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