On August 26, 2020, NYFA had the honor of welcoming award-winning directors Nicole Kassell (Watchmen, Westworld, The Leftovers, The Killing, The Americans, The Following) and Sarah Pirozek (Flora, Free Tibet, #LIKE) as part of The 20/20 Series, created by NYFA’s Creative Director of Filmmaking and Cinematography, Liz Hinlein. Both directors shared how important the research process is for not only their actors to understand, but for directors to grasp the characters as well, not just tweak actors’ performances.

As an example, Kassell explained that, for “Watchmen,” she worked closely with Regina Hall in discussing her character’s history to elevate both the director and actor’s understanding of the character. Read more about the event here.

“The 20/20 Series” is a pop-up event, presented by New York Film Academy and created by Liz Hinlein, that takes us into the homes, hubs, and workspaces of an array of dynamic creative visionaries to allow for relaxed, engaging conversations on craft, creation, and artistic vision.