Avery Layton
Brooklyn,New York
Summary
Student filmmaker specializing in writing and directing, my hands-on experience at NYFA has allowed me to develop many different skills. I am the go-to Assistant Director and Producer in my class, as well as being skilled in production design and costume design. This has lea to strong organizational and communication skills. Feminism and representation are at the core of all the films I write and direct and I hope to one day make some actual change with the art that I create.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Short Film Director
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
- Led pre-production efforts, including casting, location scouting, and crew hiring, resulting in well-organized film shoots.
- Wrote and revised multiple original short screenplays that I went on to direct.
- Led actors and crew through intimate and stunt scenes, ensuring everyone's safety and comfort.
- Fostered positive work environments on set by maintaining open communication with cast and crew members, leading to consistently smooth productions.
- Worked closely with editors during post-production to achieve the desired vision for each short film, ultimately creating cohesive final products.
- Received funding from the school for certain projects after pitching ideas to school faculty when competing with my peers.
- Secured funding for short film projects through crowdfunding campaigns.
- Developed unique visual styles for each short film project by collaborating closely with cinematographers and production designers.
- Conducted rehearsals with actors to explore character motivations and refine performances prior to filming.
- Selected music tracks and collaborated with composers to create emotionally resonant scores for each short film project.
Screenwriter
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
- Developed captivating screenplays by incorporating compelling storytelling techniques and strong character arcs.
- Conducted extensive research to ensure accurate representation of historical events and cultural nuances in screenplay content.
- Generated innovative story ideas by exploring diverse genres, themes, and narrative structures.
- Enhanced script quality through multiple revisions, refining dialogue and action sequences for maximum effect.
- Managed tight deadlines while delivering high-quality work while completing all of my other studies.
- Developed a strong understanding of screenplay formatting and industry standards, resulting in polished scripts that met or exceeded expectations.
- Storyboarded screenplays and scripts based on production ideas.
Assistant Director
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
- Worked with producers and directors to prioritize the needs of the projects while making sure to accomplish everything on time.
- Streamlined communication between departments for smooth collaboration and timely project completion.
- Boosted team morale by fostering a positive working environment, addressing concerns promptly, and advocating for crew members'' needs.
- Optimized time management on set by creating efficient shooting schedules and delegating tasks effectively.
- Collaborated with the director to develop creative solutions for challenging scenes, resulting in visually stunning sequences.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between scenes by ensuring all elements were in place before commencing filming.
- Reduced delays during shoots by anticipating potential issues and proactively addressing them through contingency planning.
Film Producer
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated funds.
- Led diverse teams of creatives during the production process, fostering collaboration and encouraging innovative ideas that enhanced overall project quality.
- Managed location scouting efforts to identify visually stunning settings that enhanced overall cinematic impact while adhering to budget constraints.
- Navigated regulatory requirements related to filming permits and insurance coverage for domestic shoots successfully avoiding delays in production schedules.
- Coordinated cross-functional departments such as art direction, cinematography, and costume design ensuring cohesion between all elements of the film.
- Led daily production meetings and weekly production calls.
- Oversaw logistical aspects from pre-production to post-production.
Production Designer
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
- Enhanced visual storytelling by designing captivating sets and props for various productions.
- Collaborated with directors and producers to achieve a unified vision, ensuring cohesive aesthetics across all projects.
- Developed innovative design solutions to meet budget constraints without compromising quality or artistic vision.
- Conducted thorough research into period styles, materials, and textures to create authentic settings for historical productions.
- Oversaw the construction of sets from concept through completion, ensuring accuracy to design specifications while maintaining deadlines.
- Worked closely with lighting and sound departments to integrate their elements seamlessly into the overall design aesthetic of each project.
- Ensured safety protocols were followed during set construction and installation processes to maintain a secure working environment for all team members.
- Balanced artistic vision with practical considerations, such as budget and time constraints, to produce successful results across a wide range of projects.
Costume Designer
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
- Collaborated with the director to create visually striking costumes that supported the overall vision of the production.
- Researched and sourced high-quality materials for costume construction, resulting in durable and visually appealing designs.
- Led fittings with actors, making necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort while maintaining the integrity of the design.
- Assisted in set dressing tasks when needed, contributing to cohesive visual storytelling throughout a production.
- Utilized specialized sewing techniques such as draping or pattern-making to create unique garments tailored specifically for individual performers.
- Completed alterations to existing outfits to fit specific body sizes and types.
- Created visually appealing character styles that married story with director vision.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Filmmaking
New York Film Academy, New York
New York, NY08.2024
High School Diploma -
Dallastown Area Senior High School
Dallastown, PA06.2021
Skills
- Social Media Promotion
- Character Development
- Lighting Design
- Visual storytelling
- Casting Direction
- Post-Production Supervision
- Film editing
- Film Directing
- Storyboarding
- Pitching
- Workflow Optimization
- Script breakdown
- Shot listing
- Schedule Management
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Tailoring and accessorizing
- Multi-tasking
- Budget Management
Timeline
Short Film Director
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
Screenwriter
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
Assistant Director
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
Film Producer
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
Production Designer
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
Costume Designer
New York Film Academy
2021.08 - Current
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Filmmaking
New York Film Academy, New York
High School Diploma -
Dallastown Area Senior High School
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