Ever dreamt of directing music videos for MTV and VH1?

At New York Film Academy’s One-Week Music Video Camp students have the opportunity to direct, produce, film and edit a stylistic music video in one week using live artists.

In Summer 2010, students collaborated with New York City artists including pop breakout Official Hank. Official Hank had recently partnered with New York-based multi-platinum songwriter/arranger/producer Heather Holley, who is best known for launching Christina Aguilera’s career. Official Hanks credits included opening for music star Amber, performing on the Hammerstein Ballroom Stage with fashion guru Richie Rich, and providing runway music two years in row for New York Cities Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. He is also a regular talent at Bistro Chat Noir, New York’s Speakeasy on 66^th Street. Weeks before Official Hank met with students, his music was selected for a Microsoft Launch flash mob commercial filmed at New York City’s Lincoln Center and Seattle Westlake Park.  On working with NYFA students, Official Hank commented:

“The students at NYFA brought concepts, energy, and brilliant ideas to my music video set. I’m thankful for such a positive professional experience. From staff to students, I was treated like a star!”

Band Coordinator Mandy Menaker adds “We are excited that up and coming artists including Official Hank donate their time each summer to collaborate with students at New York Film Academy’s Music Video Summer Camp. Our diverse student body helps the artist gain international exposure, while our students benefit from working with dynamic and talented musical artists and make actual contacts in the entertainment industry.”

The pace of the music video course is feverish and exhilarating. Here is a week in the life of NYFA one-week music video students from summer 2010:

Day 1: Monday

9:00 am                                Orientation

9:30 am – 12:00pm             Hands on Camera #1

12:00pm – 12:45pm           Lunch

12:45pm – 3:30pm             Intro to Music Video

3:30pm – 5:30pm               Meet Artists

By the end of day one, students operated a camera, viewed examples of past student work, and meet the artist Official Hank to brainstorm ideas for the shoot.

Day 2: Tuesday

9:30 am – 12:00pm             Hands on Camera #2

12:00pm – 12:45pm           Lunch

12:45pm – 2:45pm             Lighting for Digital Video

3:00pm – 4:30pm               Pitch Ideas for Music Video

4:30pm – 5:30pm               Pre-production: Plan the Shoot

Day 3: Wednesday

9:30 am – 11:00 am             Pre-Production for Shoot

11:00 am – 12:00pm           Playback Instruction for Shoot

12:00pm – 5:30pm             SHOOT MUSIC VIDEO (A Roll)

Day 3: Thursday

9:30 am – 2:00pm               SHOOT MUSIC VIDEO (B Roll)

2:30pm – 5:30pm               Edit Music Video

Day 4: Friday

9:30 am – 5:30pm               Edit Music Video

5:30pm                               Screening of Music Video Projects on Big Screen

On the final day of classes, each student screens their own cut of the music video. In addition to parents and faculty who are welcome to attend the screening, artists will often join the event, bringing along collaborators from the entertainment industry.

The music video course is just one of several programs that students can select at the New York Film Academy Hands-On Summer Camps for Teens. For more choices, check out the website and contact an Admissions Rep today at 212-674-4300. Apply online!