Hey everyone,
I was thinking of signing up for the NYFA 4-week filmmaking program this summer. I'm 15 and I was wondering if people think I should do it, or if they're are better options(preferably in Europe).
Any opinions?

I did the 6-week filmmaking workshop a year ago. They should really re-title it cinematography workshop.

They'll teach you how to use filmmaking equipment, which is about 10-20% of what a real filmmaker needs to know. They have very little emphasis on proper storytelling, which is what a true filmmaker needs to master. I can't really blame them because they try to cram you with so much information in such a short amount of time. I did learn a lot though, I just would of felt more sasitfied if they emphasized visual storytelling more.

It's a cute way to discover if you'll enjoy filmmaking, but don't call yourself one after you are done with the workshop, because you are not. I had a lot of fun because for 6 weeks straight I was doing what I would learn to be my passion of life, even if it was extremely basic and improper. It encourage me to go on afterwards and pursue learning more on my own and better prepare me for graduate film school; many film schools allow you to skip a lot of basic courses if you can prove to them you know it all already.

Also be aware, if you have a check book they'll let anyone take the course, which attracts a lot of dead beats and low lives which can drag down the class and create headaches.

Just remember, this place is bottom of the barrel and only wants your money. They figure if they put a camera in your hands the first day and have you do simple focus and exposure tests, you'll be happy.

A much cheaper and equally good alternative? Read film and screenwriting books and rent equipment. Seriously.

I went to NYFA and had a fairly good experience. I was dissapointed though in the lack of real life experience and knowledge I got. My parents are both pretty big figures in the industry and were shocked at how little they teach in film schools on what is actually applicable to making a real film. Shortly after I graduated we heard of a school called LA Feature Film Academy. There, you have the opportunity to direct a feature length film, with a entire professional crew behind you for about the same price as a year at NYFA, while getting the professional training and credit as a director on a film that will get distribution. I know, amazing! You also have the ability to go through their general filmmaking workshop for about a tenth the price of NYFA where you get hands on experience in every crew position on the film, while getting a credit on a feature film that anyone interested in your work can go rent at blockbuster. It sounded way too good to be true, but I went there and it really is the real deal. I was skeptical too because very few people I asked had heard about it, but turns out thats because they're highly exclusive. LA Feature Film Academy did amazing things for my career and I just want to pass on this well kept secret. If your interested look it up on the web...lafeaturefilmacademy.com