Nashville Film Institute — Local services in Nashville-Davidson

At NFI, I went from being self taught filmmaker to a real professional in the Film Industry. This place molded and finessed my skills to where I never thought it could possibly reach. Not only did I get the hands on training and education, but I also met some amazing instructors whom I have to thank for embedding their experience onto me.

I was the New Yorker migrating to the South to learn about film, and yes it was by choice. What can I say? I wanted a real hands on education that was affordable and not clouded by egos. (sorry NYC, but its true) & that's exactly what I got. It was an intense fully jam packed schedule for 9 months. It was tough and took a lot of dedication and willpower but because of it, I wouldn't be the filmmaker I am today.

Most importantly, being at NFI I discovered my true passion in the Film Industry; Documentary Filmmaking. For one of our projects we had to complete a Documentary based on any topic that interested us. Of course, as the New Yorker that I am, I went on a quest for the impossible: Discovering the underground hip hop scene in Cashville. (Nashville) Turns out, I had opened up Pandora's box and discovered a whole new world that no one had really paid attention to! Next thing you know I'm filming at legendary studios, meeting hip hop celebrities and people who really paved a way for hip hop in the South.

My documentary has made a sensation on the Hip Hop blogs from both NYC, ATL, LA, & of course my beloved ca$hville. I will be returning to Nashville to screen this masterpiece!! I have many projects dropping this year but it all started from this special place in Nashville, Tennesee; The Nashville Film Institute! I'm forever grateful to NFI and to Prema who kept pushing me! I do this for them, for those that are no longer here and for the future generation...

0 star, please and thank you I withdrew from NFI Nashville’s Hybrid course in March 2025, just two months in, and was shocked to receive a bill for $12,356. Remind you this is a 9 months hybrid course 4 months home 5 months on campus at 24,800. Julia is there only to make a sale. Peep her game. They will tag team you. It’s one other lady she calls at night. I’ll get her name later.For those two months, all I received were weekly hour Zoom meetings and YouTube videos. I received laptop the second month that they want back. Lol! The first month i attended home courses at home on my phone.I didn’t get No equipment that was promised. I no longer have excess to final draft or the Canva material that I’m paying 12,356 that I’m in debt for. That night lady convinced me to do the loan after I told her I couldn’t afford it. Something that supposed to be rewarding what ended up being an extremely expensive, disappointing and unproductive experience. If you’re not physically attending classes on campus where you can actually benefit from the equipment, facilities, and in-person instruction I strongly urge you to think twice before enrolling in the hybrid program. From my experience, it felt like a scam.They’re going to be investigated .There was no real value provided, and now my perfect credit is at risk because of this. I’m sharing my story to warn others, please do your research and protect yourself. I will not let this go without a fight, and I hope others don’t have to go...

I'm continually impressed by the hard work ethic by the students at NFI. We've worked with many of their students over the past year, but this past week really proved what their students are all about. I was on the same trailer shoot as Kappel and we couldn't have made it through our long week without our NFI guys.

As an AD, you're all over the place on set. You really need a 2nd that can read your mind. If you have to tell them something, you sure better not have to tell them twice. Having Tyler Manuel as our 2nd AD was an absolute goldmine. He took initiative, did anything he was asked and picked up on things extremely fast. I would use him on any of my projects in a heartbeat. He was there early and stayed late. He was also very friendly with everyone and was very level headed under pressure.

We had two PAs, Asher Wilkinson and Darrin Nelson, help out our Art Dept. Our fourth day was grueling. We'd already had a string of 12 hour days and this day was just as long. We needed to knock out over 25 shots that day. WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THESE DUDES. They ran errands, filled in as extras, helped stage set, gripped and a plethora of other duties. I've never worked with harder working PAs than these guys. 10/10 would have them on my set again. I wish them all the best of luck and hope to work...