Program Overview

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Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Filmmaking

The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) is a two-year, six-semester program that provides students with a comprehensive education in filmmaking. The program is designed to help students develop their voice as storytellers and shape their future in film, television, and entertainment.

Program Overview

The AFA in Filmmaking program at NYFA is an excellent fit for individuals who want to pursue their interests in film, entertainment, and media. The program includes intensive technical and creative coursework, experienced faculty and staff who actively work in the film industry, and the ability to borrow professional-grade video, sound, and light equipment.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the AFA in Filmmaking at NYFA includes:

• Intensive technical and creative coursework in classes such as Director's Craft, Screenwriting, Sound Design, Visual Effects, Camera and Lighting, Production Design, and New Media
• Experienced faculty and staff who actively work in the film industry
• Ability to borrow professional-grade video, sound, and light equipment
• Regular guest lectures from film industry leaders such as Directors, Producers, Actors, Cinematographers, and more

Degree Details

The AFA program takes place over the course of two years and six semesters. Students write, shoot, direct, and edit eleven of their own films, and hold various creative and technical positions on more than 40 of their classmates' films.

Projects

Over the course of the AFA program, students complete a variety of projects, including:

• Writing, shooting, directing, and editing eleven of their own films
• Holding various creative and technical positions on more than 40 of their classmates' films

Locations

NYFA AFA students study filmmaking at NYFA Los Angeles, the West Coast's hub for media, entertainment, television, and film. The campus is located in Burbank, next to Universal and Warner Brother studios.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the AFA in Filmmaking program at NYFA are as follows:

• Tuition: $16,804 per semester (Summer 2026) or $19,500 per semester (Fall 2026)
• Departmental Program Fee: $1,876 per semester (Summer 2026) or $2,000 per semester (Fall 2026)
• Additional fees:
  • Technology Fee: $80 per semester
  • Wellness Services & Programming Fee: $145 per semester
  • Activity Fee: $125 per semester
  • Orientation Fee: $150 (domestic students) or $200 (international students)
  • Graduation Fee: $100
  • International Student Fee: $200 (first semester) or $120 (subsequent semesters)

Start Dates

The start dates for the AFA in Filmmaking program at NYFA are:

• May 2026
• August 2026

Faculty Highlights

The faculty at NYFA includes experienced professionals in the film industry, such as:

• Andrea Swift, New York Chair
• Ed Timpe, Los Angeles Chair

Alumni

NYFA has a number of successful alumni, including:

• Bill Hader, Actor, Comedian, and Writer
• Sara Seligman, Filmmaker

International Pathway Program

Non-native English-speaking students who meet all admissions requirements for a NYFA degree program, except for English proficiency, can apply to the International Pathway Program.