NYFA I New York Film Academy

JV

Joel V.P. Local Guide

28 Jul 2026

DO NOT EVER JOIN THE SCHOOL. YOU WILL BE BROKE FOREVER. NO ONE HIRES ACTORS FROM HERE. ALL THE PROFESSOR ARE BROKE ACTORS. IT IS BETTER TO NETWORK ON YOUR OWN AND ATTEND SMALL STUDIOS THAT WILL ACTUALLY TRAIN YOU BETTER. THIS IS THE WORSE “school” EVER. BELIEVE ME. DO NOT REGISTER HERE. DO NOT ATTEND HERE.

RW

Robert Widdowson Local Guide

14 Jul 2026

Buyer Beware -- the low review is due to personnel, not the curriculum. The course is excellent; the instructor was an unmitigated disaster.

I took the 1-year online screenwriting course. In theory it sounded perfect for me, since I wasn't in a position to go to school full-time. I had high hopes.

On the positive side, I did learn the basic principles of screenwriting. Also, I finished a first draft of a film script, which was pretty cool. The discipline of meeting weekly to report on my progress helped me achieve my goal. I wish my review could end there, on a positive note.

But on the negative side, I found the instructor extremely rude to anyone who didn't agree with their opinions 100%. The person often ridiculed students and dismissed their contributions. The surly attitude shut down conversation more than once. I have a Masters degree, and have been a student in several schools as an adult - and I have encountered only a few instructors as abrasive as this person. (That's saying a lot, considering how arrogant many professors are!)

Also, the instructor was late to class more than once. To be fair, the person did make it up, by extending the classroom time. Still, when you've arranged for child-care, it's a drag to sit and wait in front of your computer, while your instructor fumbles around, making half-baked excuses why they were late. I have kids at home who play the same tricks in an attempt to evade their responsibilities, I don't need my screenwriting instructor doing the same!

Worse yet, the instructor once shared personal information about their family of origin that was unnecessary to the classroom context. (We paid a hefty tuition fee to learn screenwriting skills, not to hear sad facts about this person's childhood. Hey, we all have a few sad memories about childhood! Get over it! An online classroom is not the place for a paid instructor to share personal memories). I would have been more sympathetic to their plight if they had been a nice human being from the beginning. They weren't nice, so I'm not sympathetic.

Finally, the instructor went back on a promise they had made to me during a classroom session. Another student hadn't come to the online class, and we were scheduled to read their script. So I volunteered to submit my rough draft - with the understanding that I could re-submit my script once it was finished, for another classroom review. The instructor agreed to those terms - but went back on their agreement a few weeks later.

When I questioned the instructor about it, my concern was dismissed. So, I copied the transcribed conversation in which the instructor made the promise. They replied that they were way too busy to give each student individual attention! (Then why make the promise in the first place?).

My poor rating is entirely based on the habitually unprofessional conduct of the instructor. The actual course content was good. Had someone else - with a good work ethic, a sense of punctuality, and a commitment to personal and professional integrity - taught the course, then I would have given NYFA a perfect score.

So, although I'm indebted to NYFA for helping me acquire basic screenwriting skills, and giving me the opportunity to complete a rough draft, I found the personal conduct of the instructor a serious obstacle to the learning experience.

My suggestion to anyone who wants to enroll in an online screenwriting course: Make sure the educational institution has a professional code of conduct which instructors must follow.

If you can't afford the cost of tuition:
- Buy a good book on screenwriting. It will give you the same info about skills that this course provided, at a fraction of the cost
- Enroll in a writing class at your local community center.

Update: It's 2023; July 2024; March 2025; November 2025; March 2026; June 2026; July 2026

NC

Nevaeh Cannon

18 May 2026

An employee of yours by the name of Jared Doucet mad a nasty racist remark. Saying “I guess they ran out of chicken” when referring to a group of black individuals. I find this disgusting and very inappropriate to be posted on social media.

TC

Theresa Clifford

22 Mar 2026

Danielle Wolff made me a great screenwriter. She is a perfect teacher. New York Film Academy was so much fun! Everything takes time. Screenwriting is a fun job.

KB

K B

20 Nov 2025

NYFA Paris 2025 Teen Summer Program
I was initially very apprehensive about sending my reserved, somewhat shy teen daughter alone to another country for a summer program. I worried about safety, supervision, and whether it would really be worth the cost. After her time at the NYFA Teen Summer Program in Paris, I can say with confidence that it was an amazing, life changing experience and far exceeded my expectations. I am writing this because when I was researching the program, I couldn’t find many detailed, recent reviews that answered the kinds of questions I had as a parent.

The teachers were working film professionals who shared real world insight, gave detailed feedback, and encouraged every student. In the one week program, students each created a complete short film from concept to final film. Teens who stayed for the 3 week program produced that first film, then spent the next two weeks completing a second, more advanced project. The quality of the films was very impressive given the short time frame.

Students learned every aspect of filmmaking - directing, cinematography, editing, acting, sound, and production. They worked with professional equipment and used the facilities at La Femis, which is one of the most prestigious FIlm schools in Europe. It was highly collaborative, everyone participated in each other’s projects, helping on set and contributing in different roles. When it was their turn to shoot their own film, their classmates supported them in the same way. Because of this, it’s hard to imagine any student just sitting around or being left out -something I saw mentioned in older reviews but did not reflect my daughter’s experience. The program taught them not just technical skills but also how to be resourceful, find shooting locations, and work as a creative team.

Classes ran from 9-5 every weekday with a long lunch break. Students had breakfast at the hotel each morning, which was included, and then walked together as a group to the school. They stayed in a hotel in Montmartre, an authentic Paris neighborhood, not just a tourist area. Each student had one roommate, and the rooms were surprisingly spacious for Paris, with a small kitchenette which was a nice bonus for snacks or quick meals. It was close to many cafes, boulangeries and shops. Counselors provided airport pickup, nightly check-ins, and safety oversight, while still giving teens the independence to explore and grow. It felt like a mini college experience with a safety net exactly what my teen daughter needed. They could leave during the day but only with a buddy or group, never alone. As a parent I decided that level of independence fit my teen’s maturity-she was a rising 11th grader, and it felt appropriate.

review continued in part 2

RA

Rashid Local Guide

28 Oct 2025

I really liked the people, the place, the atmosphere. I would really like to study there.
Instagram: rashidgallery ✨

KB

KB2

6 Oct 2025

Part 2 continued review of NYFA Paris Teen Summer Camp 2025

Students were responsible for lunch and dinner, but food in Paris is surprisingly affordable if you go local. My daughter and her friends usually grabbed baguette sandwiches at nearby boulangeries for about $6 for lunch and spent about $15 on average for dinners at cafes or casual restaurants. Of course, they could have spent much more if they wanted, but most students were level headed and stuck to simple, budget friendly options. They learned to handle paying their own bills, splitting checks, and budgeting which was a good, real world experience and thriving on their own. My daughter really had to get out of her comfort zone and away from my somewhat helicopter parenting.

My daughter said there was no bullying, meanness, or cliques, which could easily happen in a teen program and is always a parent’s fear. Maybe this group was unusual, but she felt it was welcoming and inclusive. Since almost no one knew each other beforehand, it felt like a fresh start for everyone and a very positive environment. Teens came from all over the world, and most arrived not knowing anyone, including my daughter. She quickly made friends and left with lifelong connections.

The staff surprised the group with a Seine river cruise and even a day at Disneyland Paris. It wasn't mentioned when we enrolled and they may change from year to year, but it was a generous touch that made the trip unforgettable. Students attended class in the same building as La Femis, one of the most prestigious film schools in Europe, and were able to use its facilities and professional grade equipment. It was a great opportunity that makes the program feel truly world class.

I had read older reviews about unreturned calls or emails, but my experience was the opposite. John and Evan always answered or returned calls and emails promptly, and even the Paris based contacts and counselors were reachable and responsive during airport pickup and throughout the stay. One night a few students returned a few minutes past curfew, and it was handled very seriously and addressed with all students. It was clear sign that rules and safety are not taken lightly. This program is absolutely legitimate, well organized, and supportive and I was not asked or paid to write this review.

I was in Paris at the end of the program and attended the final screening and celebration for students and families. I met the teachers, counselors, and other parents in person. Everyone was warm, professional, and clearly invested in the students success and safety. Seeing the final films and the community the teens built was inspiring. The level of films was very ambitious and impressive, especially given the short amount of time from start to finish.

This review reflects my daughter’s experience. The program is intense and demanding. It’s for motivated teens who want to learn and work hard. If a student just wants to hang out or be lazy, this isn’t a casual summer camp. I was suprised to hear in past reveiews of laziness and some kids wanting to just hang out but it seems impossible in that situation unless a teen really just didn't want to be there.

I can’t speak for NYFA’s programs in other cities, but the Paris summer 2025 experience was exceptional. Yes, tuition is a significant, but it was worth it for us. The program confirmed my daughter’s passion for film, gave her independence, and built confidence in a way no local camp could. It’s a great option or alternative if you can’t plan or apply early enough for the more selective NYU or UCLA summer programs. This offers a uniquely immersive Paris life experience.

If you’re a parent hesitant to send a teen abroad, I understand the concern. But based on my daughter's experience, this program was safe, professional, inspiring, and transformative. My shy daughter came home confident, motivated, and certain about pursuing film.

LB

Leechelle Butts Local Guide

29 Jul 2025

I’m extremely relieved my daughter decided not to attend this school. We were deceived from beginning to end. When we called them on each lie we were told “the person no longer works here.” We were later told she would get a full $500 refund if she decided not to attend for any reason. When it was time to collect her refund she had to call several times. I called and left a voicemail with no return call. My daughter called every day and being that they have caller id they ignored every call. I finally called from my google phone number and they answered on the first ring. The next day she received a portion of the refund. Then five days later they sent my daughter an email asking “how can they help her they have already sent her refund.” As if they were not dodging her calls for weeks. They refused to call her back and then sends an email after the fact. Very unprofessional, shady and deceptive. I am beyond frustrated with them and would not recommend anyone to attend this school. Not now. Not ever. George the director was the best thing they had going on now he’s gone. The new people have horrible customer skills.

IA

Istiyak Ahmed

20 Jun 2025

Inshallah, next year I will go to New York Film Academy and so excited for 2026 and I am amazing kid ever and always have to be grateful.

IC

Ivan Cherepov Local Guide

21 Feb 2024

My daughter Kate was in the summer camp at New York Film Academy Paris. It was expensive but I was most devastated by the final performance. All the students were using absolutely inappropriate language, cursing, and profanities. I am not sure if only the teachers at the Paris location teach this but I can assure you this is not the model in the U.S. and NYC. In America, it is absolutely irresponsible to teach profanities to young students. The boarding in Paris location is absolutely ridiculous. No supervision and students are smoking and even taking drugs. For my deepest regret, this was the place where my daughter was introduced to drugs and this is my biggest regret to send her to NYFA Paris summer camp.