Ryan Turner: A Storyteller at Heart

Ryan Turner was a University of Ottawa student in 2006 who took that summer to complete the Tisch Non-Credit Certificate in Filmmaking. With many students coming to Tisch each summer to take non-credit courses or pursue one of four Tisch non-credit certificates, we thought we’d catch up with Ryan to see how he's used his experience at Tisch in his professional career. Here's what he had to say:

Did you have any undergraduate training before taking the non-credit certificate courses?

I was actually halfway through my undergraduate degree (a Bachelor’s of Arts at the University of Ottawa) when I learned of the Tisch Summer Certificate Program in Film Production.

If so, what was your major/primary degree in?

I was majoring in Music, with a concentration in composition. I studied the composition of music for film, under the guidance of Paul Merkley, with lectures from celebrated composers such as Jerry Goldstein and Howard Shore.

Were you pursuing a certificate to grow in your career or to make a career change?

As a storyteller at heart, I saw film as the perfect narrative medium; a place where my passion for the music, the written word and the moving image all came together. When I reviewed the Tisch Summer Certificate Program in Film Production’s curriculum, it seemed like the perfect launching point for a career change into filmmaking.

How did you apply your learning and training from your non-credit courses in your career?

Since completing the Tisch Summer Certificate Program in Film Production, I have applied the tools and training learned in several film projects; I have been able to leverage these skills, primarily as a writer and producer. The holistic experience you get at Tisch really prepares you for anything and everything. The student films I wrote and directed, under the guidance of a world class faculty and using industry standard gear, resulted in a turbo-charged jumpstart to my portfolio.

What did the courses and certificate allow you to achieve in your career that may not have been possible before?

In addition to the immediate credibility and personal marketability that comes with the Tisch reputation, the quality of instruction empowered me with a confidence to pursue any and every opportunity that has been afforded to me, of which there have been more than a few, since completing the Certificate Program.

Did you take one or two summers to complete your certificate?

At the time, I was only one of two students who had set out to complete the certificate over a single summer. I feel there was tremendous value in taking the momentum of the first half of the certificate and charging forward through the rest of the program.

What was the most challenging part of the certificate program?

To characterize the scope and intensity of the program as ambitious, particularly with its emphasis on practical learning through actual film projects, is a bit of an understatement. There is so much information disseminated in a relatively short period of time that the lead time between classroom learning and deployment in the field is swift (like same or next day, in most cases). While this is a tremendous catalyst for accelerated learning, managing the long hours and stress was daunting at times; this was undoubtedly the most challenging aspect of the program. It was also one of the most valuable components of the overall experience; managing the robust workload and tight deadlines had me better prepared for the inherent challenges of working in film.

What is so great about taking classes at Tisch over the summer?

The Tisch summer experience offers many unique opportunities. Collaborating with other talented student filmmakers, you will leave the program having made many great connections and perhaps even a couple of friends for life. New York City, one of the greatest cities in the world, is at its best in the summer and is the perfect canvas for filmmaking. It was amazing to see many of the iconic locations treated in some of my favorite films now become the backdrop for several of my own stories.

What advice would you give prospective students looking to achieve the filmmaking certificate?

Whatever your interest in pursuing the craft of making films, whether it is an itchy curiosity or an impassioned imperative, the Tisch Summer Filmmaking Certificate is a gigantic first step. If you fully commit your time and energy to the program, you will come away with a tremendously satisfying experience (peppered with a few moments of catharsis) and an affirmation by which you can confidently declare yourself ready to embark on a life-long journey in filmmaking.

Summer sessions at Tisch School of the Arts are open to NYU students, visiting students, working professionals, and adult learners. Courses may be taken for credit or non-credit. Students may earn a non-credit certificate in one of four disciplines: filmmaking, producing, television writing, or screenwriting. Visit our website for more admissions information.