New York Film Academy

Landing in 1992, the New York Film Academy wasn’t just another film school. It was a rebellion. A film producer, Jerry Sherlock, envisioned a place where learning wasn’t confined to dusty textbooks. He dreamed of a hands-on, immersive experience. The New York Film Academy was born in the heart of New York City, at the Tribeca Film Center. Sherlock, along with Michael Young, wanted to flip the script on traditional film education. They assembled a team of industry veterans. People who lived and breathed film, not just lectured about it. Their goal was simple: equip students with the tools to tell their own stories. The New York Film Academy’s first class was a melting pot of 50 students. They hailed from all corners of the globe, united by a shared passion. In 1994, the New York Film Academy relocated to a space steeped in history: the former Tammany Hall building in Union Square. Imagine learning the art of filmmaking within the walls that once housed political giants. The New York Film Academy continued to evolve, expanding its reach. It offered programs at prestigious universities, including Princeton, Yale, Harvard, and even across the pond at Cambridge University. The academy’s hands-on approach extended beyond the classroom. They partnered with institutions like the Brooklyn Museum, the Whitney Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This offered students a unique opportunity to blend their filmmaking skills with the world of art and culture. The New York Film Academy even ventured into space, collaborating with NASA on a project for the James Webb Space Telescope. From the silver screen to the vast expanse of the cosmos, the New York Film Academy pushes boundaries. It nurtures creativity and innovation. Today, the New York Film Academy stands tall at 17 Battery Place, overlooking the iconic Statue of Liberty. It’s a testament to its founder’s vision. A place where dreams are ignited, stories are crafted, and the future of film is shaped.