New York Film Critics Series Partners with Film Institute

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Mon, 10/10/2016 - 11:21 -- Nick Dager

The New York Film Critics Series has partnered with the Film Institute at Montclair State University. The initial program will enable advanced film students at Montclair State University to work in a professional environment and learn how to produce short form content featuring NYFCS directors, writers, producers and actors. Students will create their own production company and perform as producers, directors and crew to create stylish documentary segments featuring stories about the best in the independent movie business today. The participants will gain hands on experience in research, interviewing, writing and editing the original programming.

The New York Film Critics Series is a premiere screening company that partners with the nation's leading independent cinemas to present live, in-theater events. The evenings are moderated by Peter Travers, film critic for Rolling Stone Magazine and ABC's Popcorn, along with additional coverage by Alison Bailes of BBC.com and WOR Radio. NYFCS offers screenings of movies before their theatrical release and presents interactive, big-screen HD simulcast of films with the stars and filmmakers (www.nyfilmcriticsseries.com). For over 20 years, the company also has been producing a local New York City area series, which takes place across the river in New Jersey for 16 weeks each year.

"Most of today's film programs have industry pros come to the classroom to speak to students. This program allows young filmmakers to gain practical experience by being placed into the field to meet and work directly with today's directors, writers, producers and actors", says NYFCS producer Mark Ehrenkranz.

The new program was created by Susan Skoog, the director of programming for the Film Institute at Montclair State and the lead faculty instructor for the course. "This exciting partnership affords our advanced filmmaking students the opportunity to create film-based content which will utilize the storytelling and production skills they have developed while at Montclair State,” said Skoog. "The partnership with NYFCS also provides a unique chance for our students to learn about theatrical distribution along with an opportunity to meet and interact one-on-one with leading independent filmmakers."

Amelia Spitler, a student enrolled in Professor Skoog's course, said, "I'm looking forward to working with NYFCS because the partnership will be my first opportunity to work with experienced people outside of Montclair State in a professional setting."

"What excites me most about the Montclair State's new partnership with NYFCS is being able to gain real life work experience while working with a professional production crew,” said another student, Stephanie Garcia. "The icing on the cake is being able to watch films before anyone else."

NYFCS takes place exclusively in theaters and is never available on TV or the Internet. The events, including interviews and interactive audience involvement, are HD Simulcast to 55 select major markets so that people throughout the country can enjoy up close and personal moments featuring major movie stars, producers, writers and directors in the comfort of their own neighborhood theater. On a monthly basis, audiences experience all of the excitement of live Q&A sessions hosted by Peter Travers. Each screening brings the energy and VIP nature of prestigious, NYC screenings to nationwide audiences. This is a comprehensive, industry-wide, turn-key marketing tool complete with robust media and in-theater assets to 400+ screens.

NYFCS is dedicated to producing inspiring events in a collaborative environment and to nurturing the long-term success of movies. Featuring an energetic, creative, and experienced team, the NYFCS exhibits socially and culturally relevant films with live, world-class talent in the best independent theaters throughout the U.S. NYFCS will entertain, educate, surprise and invigorate film-loving audiences across the nation.

New York Film Critics Series http://nyfilmcriticsseries.com/Locations.html