Two-Year Conservatory students learn the fundamentals of visual and dramatic storytelling through the production of a series of short films in year one, as outlined in the One-Year Filmmaking Program. They then build on this foundation in the second year as they focus on feature filmmaking as well as music video and commercial production. Conservatory students receive over 2,000 hours of hands-on instruction and actual production experience. Students will complete the Two-Year Program having made short films, music videos, commercials, and documentaries. Additionally, students choosing to do so can direct a feature film in a paid fifth semester.

To create this curriculum, we have distilled the key ingredients of the most respected graduate and undergraduate film schools from around the world to provide two intensive years of learning and production. The Two-Year Conservatory Program requires students to commit themselves to a focused and demanding curriculum.

Conservatory students work with 16mm and 35mm film as well as 24P and HD Digital Video in both year one and year two. They will work with an array of production equipment including tungsten & HMI lights, boom & wireless microphones, and various dollies & camera accessories. They have the option of shooting their final projects for the first year, as well as their second year thesis films, on the format of their choice.

The New York Film Academy encourages individuals to take creative risks and find their own voices as visual artists. Conservatory students receive a certificate upon successful completion as well as a full arsenal of filmmaking skills, an enormous amount of production experience, a body of their own work, and a feature film project. The network of working relationships they develop with their classmates will help carry them forward as they pursue their own careers in filmmaking.

Two-Year Conservatory Filmmaking students are invited to visit one of our campuses before the course begins.