We’re thrilled to share that the groundbreaking music video “Country Song II” by The Thing, created in collaboration with Sony and Cooke Optics, has been selected for the Sidewalk Film Festival!
This project, featuring Brooklyn’s own music artists Jack Bradley, Michael Carter, Lucas Ebeling, and Zane Acord, was brought to life by a dedicated team of NYFA students, alums, and faculty. Using cutting-edge Sony cameras and Cooke Optics gear, we captured stunning visuals that truly showcased The Thing’s incredible talent.
NYFA & Sony Music Video Collaboration Is The Official Selection at Sidewalk Film Festival
Back in October 2023, NYFA students, alumni, and faculty joined forces to create a professional music video. Now, the Brooklyn-based music group is headed to the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama. Selected as part of the “Shorts: Music Videos” category, the collaboration piece will screen on August 24, 2024 at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Tickets can be purchased on the Sidewalk Film Festival website.
The band features Jack Bradley and Michael Carter on guitar, Lucas Ebeling on drums, and Zane Acord as the frontman, handling vocals and bass.
“Getting the opportunity to work on this project was such a joy for me,” said Ben Rummans at the time of the collaboration. Rummans, an alum of NYFA’s 1-Year Certificate in Filmmaking program, was the co-director of the music video. “Having the chance to collaborate with titans of the industry like Sony and Cooke was such a great experience, and reuniting with my NYFA friends, mentors, and classmates made the experience that much better,” said Rummans. “I’m especially happy that we got to work with such a talented band, The Thing; uplifting local artists is a goal toward which we should always strive.”
Filmed by Piero Basso, AIC, and Chair of the Cinematography Department at NYFA’s New York City campus, the filming took place at the production space Zero Space Brooklyn. The official selection is just one of many recent film festival achievements in the NYFA community.
Create Your Own Films at NYFA
NYFA students have a lot of opportunities to get involved with fellow peers on creative projects. Our hands-on curriculum is designed for students to create their own short films and performances, enabling them to build practical, real-life creative skills. NYFA also offers resources such as our film festival department and an expansive alumni network.
NYFA’s Film Festival Department
NYFA’s Film Festival Department, run by Crickett Rumley, is an additional pillar of support for students.
The Film Festival Department supports matriculated students and alums of NYFA’s long-term programs. The department helps students:
- Evaluate if a film will be competitive in the film festival world
- Create a submission strategy
- Craft a list of festivals to submit to and attend
- Learn how to save money on entry fees
- Develop festival deliverables (EPKs, trailers, and social media assets)
- Learn how to avoid low-value film festivals, scams, and fake awards
Students and alums who have worked with the Film Festival Department have been selected by the Sundance Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, as well as the American Pavilion at Cannes. Please note that working with the department is offered to students and recent alumni in long-term programs with films made in NYFA courses.
NYFA’s Alumni Network
After graduating from NYFA, students in long-term programs can enroll in our international alumni network, providing access to professionals in the film, television, and entertainment industries. The network helps students connect with other alumni and opportunities, read the latest alumni success stories, and build vital relationships.
Students can also stay up to date with the latest film festival successes from students and alumni. From screening at Cannes to Tribeca, NYFA’s alums continue to wow us with their determination, creativity, and drive.
Getting Started at New York Film Academy
Want to bring your dream of submitting to film festivals to fruition? Learn more about enrolling in a long-term filmmaking program at New York Film Academy today! Prospective students can also submit a request information form to connect with an admissions representative.