Top Film Schools in the World
It’s no wonder that most young people want to enter the film industry. With Hollywood dominating, TV shows and movies are more popular than ever before. And with the internet, there is a seemingly endless supply of content for viewers to watch anytime they please. The success rate in this industry is not high, but many are willing to take their chances on it because the rewards can be even higher if they do make it big, either financially or through fame and recognition.
There are many different routes into the film industry, but one of the most common is to attend a film school. Film schools can offer a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that is often necessary to make it in this competitive industry. There are many different film schools around the world, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. However, most fall into the same four categories: highly competitive, expensive, well-known and not very selective. Many of these film schools are located in California or New York, as this is where many people want to make their dreams come true.
This article looks at some of the top film schools in the world:
1) University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts
The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts is one of the most highly respected film schools in the world. It is located in Los Angeles, California, and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in filmmaking. The school has a very selective admissions process and only accepts around 8% of applicants.
The faculty at USC are some of the best in the business and include award-winning directors, producers and screenwriters. The school offers a range of courses in all aspects of film-making, from writing and directing to sound design and editing. The school also has a very strong emphasis on hands-on experience, with students having access to some of the best equipment and facilities in the industry.
2) American Film Institute
The American Film Institute Conservatory is a graduate film school that focuses more on artistic excellence than job training. The school is located in Los Angeles, California and offers a Master of Fine Arts degree. The school has been around since 1969, and aims to train the next generation of filmmakers as well as celebrate those who are already working in the industry. The faculty at AFI have a wealth of experience in both feature and television writing, producing and directing.
Although the school has a selective admissions process, it is open to anyone who applies. Many students take a year-long foundation course before continuing onto their main program. This usually involves taking classes such as screenwriting, acting for the camera and directing.
3) New York University Tisch School of the Arts
The New York University Tisch School of the Arts is another highly respected film school, located in Greenwich Village, New York City. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of disciplines relating to film, including production, screenwriting, cinematography and acting. The school is one of the most selective in the world, admitting around 12% of students.
The faculty at NYU are industry professionals, and many are award-winning. The school offers a wide range of courses, as well as opportunities for students to get hands-on experience through its production and internship programs.
4) California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts is a highly selective art school that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in film. The school is located in Valencia, California, and has around 1,500 students. Film is one of the school’s six main areas of study, which also include dance, music, theater, visual arts and entertainment studies.
The faculty at Cal Arts are all professionals in their respective fields. The school is very hands-on in its approach to filmmaking, with students being encouraged to experiment and try new things. There is also a strong emphasis on acting, and many productions at the school involve students from multiple disciplines.
5) London Film School
The London Film School is a postgraduate school that offers MA and PhD degrees in film. The school is located in Covent Garden, London, and has around 350 students. It is the oldest British film school, and many of its graduates have gone on to achieve success in the industry.
The faculty at the London Film School are all professionals within their fields, and have a strong track record of producing award-winning films. The school has a selective admissions process, but accepts students from any country. It offers a wide range of courses in all aspects of film-making, as well as many different types of production training.
6) Kanbar Institute of Film & Television
The Kanbar Institute of Film & Television is a highly selective graduate school in New York City. The institute offers an MFA degree in film production, which is designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in the industry. Most graduates go on to work in TV show creation, directing and cinematography positions.
7) University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication
The University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication offers a well-rounded education in film and media. The school has over 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as an extensive range of minors. It is one of the largest schools of communication in the United States.
The faculty at UT are industry professionals, with many working in television and film. The school offers a range of courses in all aspects of media, as well as opportunities for students to get hands-on experience through its production and internship programs.
8) New York Film Academy
The New York Film Academy is a private, non-profit film school that offers degree and non-degree programs. The school has campuses in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami, and also offers courses online. It has around 7,000 students from over 115 countries.
NYFA is known for its intensive approach to film-making education. Students learn by doing, and have the opportunity to work on professional sets. The school also offers a range of courses in writing, acting, producing and directing.
9) Toronto Film School
The Toronto Film School is a postgraduate school that offers MA and graduate diploma degrees. The school is located in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s largest city. It has around 100 students from various backgrounds, including acting, cinematography, screenwriting and directing.
The faculty at TFS are industry professionals who have extensive experience within their fields. The school offers a range of courses in all aspects of film and television, as well as opportunities for students to get hands-on experience through its many production programs.
10) University of British Columbia’s Department of Theatre and Film
The University of British Columbia’s Department of Theatre and Film offers a Bachelor’s degree in acting, film production and visual arts. The department has won many prestigious awards for its film and television productions. It is one of the oldest film schools in Canada, and has produced some of that country’s best-known actors.
The faculty at UBC are experienced professionals, and many are award-winning filmmakers. The school offers a range of courses in all aspects of film and television, as well as opportunities for students to get hands-on experience through its many production programs.
11) Screen Academy Scotland
Screen Academy Scotland is a postgraduate school that offers BA and MA degrees, as well as an intensive one-year course known as the “Scottish Master in Film & Television Directing”. The school has around 70 students from various backgrounds, including art direction, cinematography, editing and script-writing.
The faculty at SAS are experienced professionals, and many are award-winning filmmakers. The school offers a range of courses in all aspects of film and television, as well as opportunities for students to get hands-on experience through its many production programs.
12) Griffith Film School
The Griffith Film School is a postgraduate school that offers MA and MFA degrees in film production. The school is located in Dublin, Ireland and has around 110 students from various backgrounds, including acting, cinematography, editing and sound.
The faculty at Griffith are experienced professionals, and many are award-winning filmmakers. The school offers a range of courses in all aspects of film and television, as well as opportunities for students to get hands-on experience through its many production programs.
These are some of the top film schools in the world. Regardless of which school you choose, make sure you do your research to find one that fits your needs and passions.