The New York Film Academy was founded by veteran producer Jerry Sherlock in 1992, who produced such classics as "The Hunt for the Red October". Encouraged by friends of his who wanted to send their children to film school, but found the prices too costly, Sherlock designed a school that was not only affordable, but more importantly, was founded on the principle of learning by doing.

Blending a mixture of traditional film school instruction with a new approach, the Academy emphasizes coursework based around students actually going out and shooting films as part of their coursework. Students write, produce, direct, and edit their own original films while also serving as crewmembers on their fellow classmates’ films to gain extensive on-set experience. At the Academy, students can choose from a wide range of visual and performing arts programs that includes Filmmaking, Acting for Film, 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Broadcast Journalism, Cinematography, Digital Editing, Documentary Filmmaking, Game Design, Graphic Design, Musical Theatre, Photography, Producing, and Screenwriting.

The New York Film Academy is expanding its curriculum as well as its global presence, with five established campuses and many destination programs worldwide. At NYFA campuses in New York City, Los Angeles and South Beach, Miami, campuses students can earn their degree, while at NYFA Gold Coast, Australia, students can immerse themselves in long- and short-term conservatory programs and workshops.