The Television and Film Career Academy (TvF) is a specialized high school in Queens, offering vocational and technical training for students in grades 9 through 12. The program combines traditional academic preparation for college with hands-on experience, equipping students with essential skills for careers in the television and film industries. Read more at queens1.one.
From Concept to Reality
In 2007, the New York Production Alliance approached New Visions for Public Schools with a vision to establish a high school that would merge standard education with practical training for careers in television and film production. The founders—Mark Dunetz, Edgar Rodriguez, and Alan Metzger—collaborated with industry professionals to define a structure that would unite education and real-world production experience.
The result was the Television and Film Career Academy, which opened in September 2008. As an affiliate of the New York Production Alliance, the academy offers students valuable hands-on experience, working alongside industry experts.
Mission and Goals
TvF’s mission is to create a pathway to higher education and careers in media production. Through customized academic programs and individualized instruction, students develop the knowledge and skills needed for college success and professional life. The academy’s practical experience programs foster the technical skills and work ethic necessary for careers in entertainment.
TvF’s educational philosophy blends career-focused training with academic development, creating a strong foundation for future success. The academy consistently excels in student attendance, exam performance, and other key metrics.
The TvF Educational Model
In grades 9 and 10, students complete standard high school courses along with introductory classes in television and film production. This early curriculum provides foundational skills and project-based learning, allowing students to explore their interests in media. Each class lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, meeting 3 to 5 times per week based on credits. Programs are structured to support the individual learning needs of each student.
In grade 11, students select a specialization and pursue advanced courses in one of five fields: directing and producing, electrical work, set construction, camera and sound, production design, or post-production. Here, they deepen their skills through projects and hands-on learning in collaborative groups of 25. Projects become progressively complex as students advance toward graduation.
TvF ensures that students are career-ready by providing direct work opportunities with industry professionals. The academy arranges internships at leading film and media companies, such as WNET, Panavision, KAS Stage Lighting, Gotham Sound, Silvercup Studios, and Timberlake Studios. TvF students and alumni benefit from close guidance by faculty and industry partners as they enter the workforce.
Regular masterclasses led by experienced industry professionals also form a crucial part of the curriculum, giving students the chance to network with potential future employers.
Beyond the Classroom
TvF students often remain on campus after classes, engaging in tutoring sessions and a variety of extracurricular activities. The academy offers sports like volleyball, basketball, softball, cross-country, and flag football for girls, and soccer, basketball, baseball, and cross-country for boys.
A range of extracurricular clubs allows students to pursue interests in cosplay, creative writing, fitness, and more.
A State-of-the-Art Campus
The TvF campus, located in Long Island City along the waterfront, provides stunning views of Manhattan, offering an inspiring backdrop for student films.
Facilities include a gym, a fitness room with cardio and weightlifting equipment, a library with an integrated computer lab, two cafeterias with access to a large terrace overlooking the East River and Manhattan, and a high-tech auditorium. Classrooms are equipped with modern furniture, Wi-Fi, and interactive whiteboards. Students receive specialized training in dedicated facilities, such as sound stages, a woodshop, editing suites, prop rooms, a costume department, a sound mixing and design studio, and a production office.
TvF invests extensively in technology and professional equipment. Students have access to computers and laptops equipped with industry-standard software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Final Cut Pro, AVID, and Pro Tools. The academy provides access to professional production equipment valued at over $1 million, and students can borrow select items to work on projects outside the campus.