FEEDBACK
STUDENTS
Jay proved himself to be an excellent educator and filmmaker. He prepared us every week in advance by sending us sides and preparation tips. His training sessions were fun, insightful and, yes, hard work. After each training session, Jay would send us footage which he edited himself, along with a summary of that week’s theory and acting/filmmaking tips.
I highly recommend Jay Finocchiaro as an educator!
ALEX
Thank you for a great week's work. Thanks to all your enthusiasm and support. I learned a lot about film technique and lost some of the fear. I could see a big difference between the first film session and the last ones. I showed them to friends and family and they thought they looked great and were all beautifully shot. I can see I used the camera angles as you explained. Thank you.
DENISE
Taking a course from Jay was intense and challenging in a positive way! He is a great guy, great vibes, great fun!
BORUT
Jay is so enthusiastic and works hard to get the best out of you. His classes are packed with practical experience and information. We have covered so much work including animation, Voice Over and have gained fantastic experience in front of the camera, in a variety of roles. I really do highly recommend Jay.
DOLORES
Jay brings his technical skill, enthusiasm for film, and creative energy to the course and paces it really well. A lot of ground was covered in just a few days and some interesting work was achieved in a short time.
KIERAN
Jay has a warm easy-going manner, which belies his razor sharp eye and wizardry behind the camera! Finished a week's course with him and learnt quite a bit in the short space of time.
STEPHANIE
Jay gives a very practical overview of acting. He gives insights into various ways and techniques on how to act and allows students to practise and perform on these methods with personal feedback given. Jay also teaches the actor on the industry and debunks a lot of the prevailing myths. Jay's course was very much a hands on course where you practise what is taught constantly. I highly recommend Jay for anyone who is serious about acting. For me it's very interesting and great fun.
DANNY
A must for anyone seriously considering a career as an actor, whether TV/film or theatre is your calling. Not only are Jay's classes packed with invaluable techniques and practical help, but his insight into the industry sets these classes apart from any other available in the Munster region. Highly recommend Jay!
EMER
10/10 - Thank you so much! Your advice has helped immensely. Your workshop really made me enjoy acting again, so thats a big thank you on my part!!!
CAITLIN
INDUSTRY
I was fortunate to have Jay working on my film Broken Beat, and he proved to be an efficient production manager, providing assistance with casting, recruiting crew members and scheduling timetables. In a TV series that Jay worked with me, he was involved as the 2nd Assistant Director, looking after key cast members and extras among other jobs. I am happy to recommend Jay as a thorough and professional filmmaker and team member.
GRACIE OTTO
DIRECTOR:
The Artful Dodger (starring Thomas Brodie-Sangster)
Who Is Pappy Pariah? (starring Sean Penn)
The Last Impresario (starring John Cleese, Anna Wintour, Kate Moss and Yoko Ono)
Hi Jay, I very much enjoyed working with you on Sanctuary. I hope that our paths cross again sometime in the future on another project.
XAVIER SAMUEL
ACTOR:
Elvis (starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks)
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (starring Sigourney Weaver)
Blonde (starring Ana de Armas) Mr. Church (starring Eddie Murphy)
Adore (starring Naomi Watts and Robin Wright)
Fury (starring Shia LeBeouf and Brad Pitt)
Jay is definitely one of those rare finds, both personality-wise and work-ethic-wise. Just after meeting him once, his enthusiasm and charm left a lasting impression on me. His type of energy is what every set needs. What I also noticed was a fearless quality to Jay's footage. He not only took my direction well, but he took it beyond my expectations. From my experience, I would hire Jay again.
ARMEN HAROOTUN
FILM EDITOR:
Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour Beyoncé: Lemonade
Commercials for Audi, McDonalds, Zara, Chanel, Pepsi, Calvin Klein,
Ralph Lauren, Nike.
Thank you for coming out and helping on the music video (England's Going Out), truly appreciate it.
OMID DJALILI
COMEDIAN, ACTOR, WRITER, PRODUCER
Movies:
Gladiator, The Mummy, Sex and the City 2, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Shaun the Sheep Movie, Casanova,
Modigliani, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Spy Game,
The World is Not Enough, Notting Hill
Hi Jay, thanks for reading my script... I've been re-writing since sending you the last draft and I'm working on some of the things that you pick up on. You give much to consider and it's very valuable feedback.
IRIS HERSHNER
EDITOR
Series:
Desperate Housewives, The Middle, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Project Runway,
Single with Parents, Top Chef, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,
Under the Dome, Once Upon a Time, The Flash, Dead to Me, With Love
Jay is a talented young person, who excels in creativity and brings a thoughtful spirit with him. He was cast in my production of Hansel and Gretel for Opera Australia...
A delight to work with.
ELIJAH MOSHINSKY
DIRECTOR
Opera:
Peter Grimes (La Scala), The Queen of Spades (Metropolitan Opera),
Simon Boccanegra (Covent Gardens), The Force of Destiny (Mariinsky Theatre)
​
Theatre:
Shadowlands (Broadway), The Lord of the Flies (Royal Shakespeare Company)
​
Television Movies:
Ghosts (starring Judi Dench, Kenneth Branagh and Michael Gambon)
Cymbeline (starring Helen Mirren), Brazen Hussies (starring Julie Walters)​
Jay has energy, lots and lots of energy! His excitement for performance radiates through. You are challenged to explore, discover and create. He is generous of spirit!
SAM WILKINSON
ACTOR
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (starring Zachary Levi and Thandiwe Newton)
Morbius (starring Jared Leto), Burnt (starring Bradley Cooper), Rogue One
​
TV Series:
The Crown, Kalifat, Freud