instructor

teaching assistant

technical assistant

production designer

photographer

New-York-Film-Academy

I worked at NYFA from Fall 2015, to the start of covid in March 2020. As someone who started working there, post college graduation, it’s a great environment to keep your gear skills and knowledge sharp. The equipment used was understandably “used and abused”, with the cage doing their best with repairs. Aside from the teachings, because that’s not what matters about the job, some shifts can be completely thrown to the wind, as far as who to report to. Higher ups don’t take accountability, and just keep pushing off to the next person. So while a TA is waiting to accomplish something, the wait could be a bit, as far as waiting for someone to give an answer. The TAs help set up for student events, help shoot events, help teachers with their classes, setting up and/or working the graduation event, helping work with students on studio lots, helping students with camera exercises outside of the school. Basically the TAs are the brunt of it all. The management for the TAs are incredibly supportive, but the other staff outside of the TAs either don’t see how valuable they are, or try and take advantage of them. Almost as if they are an annoying extension of the school. 

The work itself is easy, you’re usually moving and hauling equipment, and setting up different events. Or you’re supervising students while using equipment, to make sure it’s being used properly. 

As far as scheduling, you made your schedule weekly, based on your availability. So in that aspect it’s incredibly flexible. 

The environment of being in the film industry is fun, and helping others learn something you also have passion about, is exciting. Being a TA, you also get to be with the students on the Universal Studio Lot, and the school also has held student screenings on the Warner Bros. Lot. 

There’s always something going on, so there aren’t many shifts where you’ll be doing nothing. For the acting students, you will actually film their projects for them. It’s usually a scene from a sitcom, so nothing complicated. But, from time to time, you’ll be filming a short film for acting students, and that actually requires working with the instructor, as a director, and getting the shots they want. Lighting is also a part of it. Those shifts are 8 hours, with an hour lunch included. So not all shifts are that involved, or that length. With that note, you most likely won’t have two same shifts in a row, unless the school year is starting to ramp up. 

Overall, my experience was fairly good. The major downsides were the lack of management/accountability and lack of benefits, being a part time employee. The pros, if you work hard and have an interest in working further with the school, you can rise up within. But again, the higher up you go, the more complicated it seems. 

A good job overall, especially in the film aspect. 

While my time at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) had its merits, there are several aspects of the institution that warrant thoughtful consideration. One of the commendable aspects of the experience was the students—enthusiastic and eager to learn. However, it's worth noting that some students may not have undergone rigorous selection processes during admissions, posing a challenge for educators who must accommodate a wide range of academic backgrounds.

The management at NYFA left much to be desired. There appeared to be a lack of authenticity and transparency in their approach, often resorting to fear-based tactics for teacher oversight. Moreover, in moments of crisis or urgent situations, the response from the management was noticeably absent. This was further exacerbated by a frequent absence of top-level management personnel from their offices, creating an atmosphere of detachment and disengagement.

One concerning practice I observed was the high turnover of teaching staff. NYFA seemed to employ a revolving door approach to hiring, which can be disheartening for educators who invest their best efforts in the development of their students. The absence of tenure opportunities adds to the job instability, making it challenging for dedicated teachers seeking long-term career prospects.

In conclusion, my overall experience at NYFA was regrettably negative. While I had the privilege of working alongside exceptional colleagues who shared a genuine concern for the students' welfare, the management's elusive presence and lack of job security remain prominent issues. For those prioritizing job stability and a higher quality of life as educators, I would advise careful consideration before committing to a position at NYFA

It's with a heavy heart that I departed from such a distinctive workplace environment that cultivated creativity and ongoing learning. Beginning my journey as a receptionist and gradually ascending to the role of Housing Director during my time there was a testament to the opportunities for growth within the company. I had the privilege of connecting with incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds and collaborating with immensely talented colleagues.

One of the standout aspects of the company was its commitment to honoring individual needs and preferences, catering to a variety of reasons and demands with utmost respect. I cherished the company's dedication to staying at the forefront of developments in the film industry, consistently offering opportunities for professional development to its employees.

The camaraderie and energy of the workplace are sorely missed, and I find myself uncertain if I'll ever encounter another environment quite like it.

It was a good company to work for, working with students and teachers. I met tons of important people who would speak to students in lectures, where I would work with them directly. The workplace environment was very open, where you could communicate with all departments just by knocking on their door. I made it important to introduce myself and speak with all team members, especially teachers. The hardest part of the job was moving up in the company. I was hired as a technical assistant, basically assisting students on projects and teachers in class. But within a year, I was promoted to Theater Manager, however not full time hours were apart of it. Then I was promoted to Admissions department for 3 months with special projects, collecting tuition from students. After Admissions, I was then promoted to the Registar's office. Where I would meet with every student on a daily basis, organizing their parking passes, graduation information, and housing.

I regret to inform you that my experience working at this job has been less than satisfactory. The management has displayed a lack of support and transparency, often making false promises failing to appreciate loyalty and hard work. The inconsistency in scheduling has created an unstable work environment, where employees are left uncertain about their job security from one week to the next.

I believe that a successful work environment thrives on clear communication, support from management, and a sense of stability for its employees. Unfortunately, these essential elements have been lacking in my time here, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction

Sometimes you won’t even get your breaks, lunch or a bathroom break all day. This place is horrible 



I have produced and script supervised 6 student films. As a producer  I am in charge of budget and everything financial including practical. Being a produce is stressful, because regardless of how much you plan there is never a guarantee how the shoot, circumstances and final product will turn out. These experiences have helped me so much to understand the entire process. The hardest part of the job is trying to make everything run as smoothly and efficient as possible without any delays or accidents. The most enjoyable part is to work as a team towards the same goal and continue learning during the whole process! My co-workers were the ones that have gotten me from project to project through their recommendations.The better job I do the more people approach me and want to work with me! 

The New York Film academy unfortunately was just a temporary position needed to help market to other private schools across the world. I actually went to this school and studied screenwriting. A typical day would require me to just punch in and copy and paste various addresses into an excel program. I was given a task and given a timeline to complete it. I was free to take a break when ever I'd like and even make my own hours to accumulate my needs. My favorite task was sending emails to actors who were auditioning for a movie by Matthew Modine. The only thing that was hard about the job was knowing that I wouldn't be doing it for long. I enjoyed my co-workers who usually kept to themselves and learned that the simplest jobs can be the most intriguing for me.

Management have zero interest in their employees. This company is a for profit school and cares nothing about teaching standards or respecting their staff. There is no opportunity for advancement. They flog their full time employees and are dismissive of their part-time staff. Students and faculty members are generally a good natured bunch. But no standard is required to attend the school so quality is often low. Staff members are good natured but management are cynical, money-grabbing and exploitative. The institution encourages mediocrity. If you have the skills and experience to work here I suggest you work somewhere else.

Working as a TA is great for someone who is currently studying film or is attending college. The schedule is flexible, and the pay is minimum wage. The management team is great, very nice and friendly. As a TA, you help the students during film or acting classes, assist teachers, sometimes you need to shoot the projects for the students depending on the class or assistant with equipment check out. I woudnt recommend this job to a film proffesional because the pay is low and if you are used to doing a lot on set, here you will do simple setting up work. In my opinion the  pay  should have been higher because doing camera work is a skill , and having all the background knowledge is a skill as well. It’s a great summer gig if you decide not to work on set tho.

New York Film Academy (NYFA) - 03/2010 – 09/2010 (Fall Classes)
• Admissions Recruiter/Career Counselor
-Converted information request from website/recruiting events into enrollment applications, by following up and pitching select programs to prospective student(s).
-Interviewed applicants, reviewed essays, creative portfolios, transcripts, and letters of recommendations to determine entry into the academy.
-Traveled to Talent Conventions, Schools, & College Fairs to speak with potential applicants about NYFA.
-Contacted industry experts such as Directors, Producers, and Actors about speaking at NYFA.
- Met with department chairs to setup industry events for Directing, Acting, Writing, Cinematography, and Producing students.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Instructor 4 salaries reported	$45.50 per hour
Teaching assistant 1 salary reported	$18.00 per hour
Technical assistant 1 salary reported	$18.00 per hour
Production designer 1 salary reported	$150 per day
Photographer 1 salary reported	$200 per day

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