The New York Film Academy has attracted numerous industry elites for lectures and guest speaker events over the years including Steven Spielberg, Al Pacino, Ron Howard and more. Our students have found tremendous value in these events, as not only are they insightful, but they provide an intangible sense of motivation that derives from these figures’ personal stories and advice on becoming successful in the industry.
Last week, the Academy had a similar experience that was even more hands-on for our military veteran students. Acclaimed actor, Joe Mantegna, worked intimately with New York Film Academy military veteran students as a part of a PSA production with The Soldiers Project, a non-profit organization that offers counseling to service members, veterans and their families. NYFA has been a long time collaborator with The Soldiers Project, offering counseling and support to veterans making the transition from military service to pursuing their dreams in the creative arts industries.
Mr. Mantegna has had a long and illustrious career in the entertainment business, having roles in such productions as The Godfather III, The Simpsons, Criminal Minds and more. It goes without saying that the opportunity to work with such a talented actor, as a student, is invaluable.
“This was a tremendous experience for me as a filmmaker,” said director and Army veteran Eric Milzaski. “We, as veteran students here, appreciate the opportunity that the NYFA Veterans Office was able to provide us with.”
The students’ effort, professionalism and dedication to the project was not overlooked. See what Mr. Mantegna had to say about the production and his experience working with our students in the video below.