6th December 2022

More reviews are in for the National Youth Film Academy, an organisation that has featured numerous times on these pages (Spoiler Alert: do not, under any circumstances whatsoever, hand over any money to this organisation).

They come after the most recent "awards ceremony" which always take place after their "courses". They are events where invites are sent to lots and lots of nominees for which they hand over large sums of money (in addition to the shovel loads of cash they've already parted with) to sit in a half empty theatre and nurse a solitary glass of Prosecco to not meet the celebrities they were promised would attend.

They appear on Trustpilot. And, predictably, they don't make pretty reading. Here are a few, captured before Rob Earnshaw works to take them off the site (as is his wont):

"I essentially paid 92 quid for a glass of Prosecco and an hour or two to speak to some other nominees".

"Seating all the 'losers' together so obviously made what should have been and exciting and fun event not very enjoyable to be at".

"It wasn’t worth the £60 plus ticket".

"Why is there a lifetime achievement award at a youth awards, and why do you have to pay to be nominated for best film?"

"ALL winners were white men. Not a single woman, person of colour, minority stepped on that stage. SO embarrassing, shameful for any awards, but especially one for young people".

"VIP tickets were extortionate at £95 but I’m not sure what you’re meant to be paying for! A glass of champagne and an hour of talking beforehand but other than that I’m not sure where my money was going. Meet and greets with all the judges were promised several times but there was no mention of it".

"We were also told the event was sold out several times but I noticed there were countless empty seats".

"I’m now wondering if the whole NYFA organisation is a complete scam. They chose a catchy name and advertise themselves as inspiring young talent with opportunities but sadly it just seems they are ripping off young people by enticing them into empty promises"."I tried to call, but every number on their website didn’t work".

"Having been told for some time that tickets were 'sold out' or... only 24 tickets left - the theatre was half empty. People who had paid £15 sitting alongside those who had paid £89. It really was bad organisation".

"I called the national youth film academy and they did not answer or call back after I leave my complaint and name and number numerous times".

"This was quite possible the most disorganised event I have been to and I've been to lots".

And finally, more feedback on what you get if you sign up for a course:

Date of experience: 03 December 2022

"Wanna Join NYFA…RUN.
NYFA is a scam. NYFA will ask for £1200 to do their ‘breakthrough/Career Program Course’ which is a week in person and then a zoom whenever they feel like it which they will only inform you of a few hours before it’s due to happen. 2nd year is Set Ready where you make your own film, very little guidance in a mixed ability group. Not only that but NYFA pledge money towards the film but then take it from your budget without your knowing so it leaves you unable to pay actors who NYFA will force you to hire and have no money to promote your film at festivals. When you have a complaint they won’t respond to calls or emails and then continue to change their number and email so no one can get a hold of them. DO NOT JOIN".

Yes, that pretty much covers it. NYFA: Avoid.