FAQ

Who attends IFI programs?

We have a wide range of students from all over the world.  From pre-college students looking to prepare a portfolio for college applications to Doctors looking to explore other talents. Once we get a class together we structure the groups accordingly to make sure everyone works together.

Do I need film experience to take a course at the IFI?

No prior filmmaking experience necessary to take any of our classes.  All we ask is that you come prepared to completely immerse yourself in the program from start to finish.  There is a lot of work that goes into making a project.  Attention to detail is critical to getting your idea on the screen. Come on time to classes, do your homework, and help each other get it done.

What is the Filmmakers Week schedule like?

The Filmmakers Week is designed as an introduction to the main areas of film production. Sessions include Screenwriting, directing, producing, editing, and tech workshops. Each discipline is a standalone for the week. Some sections will require homework and presentations by the end of the program. The goal of the week is to provide a better understanding of the demands of each craft and, hopefully, provide some insight into areas of interests for each participant. Be prepared to be in class every day with assignments to be completed out of the classroom.

What is the Filmmakers Collective schedule like?

The five week program is intensive. The first couple of weeks focus on classroom instruction, followed by pre-production, production, and editing.  Days begin at 10AM and, on average, end by 5PM.  There is also the occasional evening seminar that ends at 9:00 PM.  Once you roll into production you will be on call for the entire week to produce your own film and your fellow crew member projects. It is absolutely critical that everyone is available to support each other throughout this portion of the class. We also have evening and week long and weekend projects in the works. All with their own specific schedules.

What is the ConnectLA schedule like?

The ConnectLA schedule is a whirlwind of site visits, Q&As and hands-on sessions designed to provide the participant with an overview of the filmmaking community in Los Angeles. From visiting production houses to Studio tours, by the end of the week students gain a better understanding of the industry network and gain confidence in planning a possible relocation. The goal of the week is to provide a guided experience to a group of like minded individuals exploring opportunities, post graduation, from colleges and universities programs. And, of course, also to anyone interested to see how the industry works from within.

How many students are in a session?

This varies, but we do limit the size of classes to ensure everyone has a great experience. For our longer programs we aim for no more than 16 students per section.  We keep the workshops small so we can provide the individualized attention necessary to ensure you get the support you need to get your final film completed on time.   

What makes the IFI different?

We believe our curriculum and the amount of individualized attention built into the course separate the IFI from other similar programs. Our focus on the individual helps in avoiding many of the pitfalls more established programs have to deal with.  Our only red tape is making sure we complete our films on time. This, along with great staff and faculty, make us stand out amongst the film schools offering short-term programs.

Who teaches at the IFI?

We have experienced professionals from the film business and academic institutions.

What kind of film can I make in the Filmmakers Collective?

You can make any kind of movie. Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, etc.  The only thing we ask is that you keep it doable.  On average films produced within the course are between 5-8 minutes in length.  Anything longer is just impossible to make within the time frame allotted in the program.  This is very important.  We want to make sure every student gets through the process successfully.  For this reason our instructors will work with you to make sure all the elements you need are available. Star Wars, The Matrix, and Harry Potter are a bit out of the scope of what we can do in a five week program. That said, be creative and tell a good short story.  Use the time with us to learn the basics of putting images together.  In time, with more experience and financial resources, you too will have the potential for bigger films. .

Will I make my own film in the Collective?

The five week is designed and scheduled to allow each student to make their own short film.  On the very rare occasion students can work together on one film. But, we encourage students to produce their own films.

Will I be working with other students?

It is absolutely critical that all students work together throughout the film program. From story development through editing, feedback is key to your growth as an artist.

Can I use the film I make in the Collective to apply to film school?

Absolutely.  One of our program goals is to provide guidance for individuals looking to apply to undergraduate and graduate film programs.  Some of the instructors in our program are probably teaching at one of the schools you are looking to apply to.

Is housing available for IFI programs?

Housing is available for certain programs. If housing is a concern, please contact us before registering for a program so we can inform you of options.

Do you offer financial aid?

At this time we do not offer financial aid.

Do you offer College Credit?

Yes. Participants have the option of taking the Filmmakers Collective program for 3 or 5 College Credits from Sarah Lawrence College. And 1 Credit for the Filmmakers Week Program. Additional credit fee will be required.

Is there a deadline for registration?

We do rolling admissions. We want to make sure we have minimal enrollment in order to run our classes.  If we do not have the students the session will be cancelled and 100% of tuition and fees paid will be refunded. In order to provide adequate time to allow students to prepare for the class we have a deadline of 1 month before the start of class.

What is the relationship between the IFI, Sarah Lawrence College and Iona University?

The International Film Institute of New York and Sarah Lawrence College are partner institutions that have offered the Summer Filmmakers Collective.. Next year, 2024, due to housing and meal plans not available at the Sarah Lawrence campus, we will be operating the program at the Iona University’s campus where students will have access to housing and meal plan options. If students decide to receive college credit it will be made available by Sarah Lawrence College.

What if I have more questions?

Send us an e.mail:  programs@nyfilmschool.com or you can call us directly at 718-796-4104.