Top film schools offer programs from directing to sound design and everything in between.
While there is no infallible list of the top film schools, certain institutions have proven themselves with histories of positive recognition and rosters of successful alumni. Before applying to the cream of the crop, budding filmmakers will want to prepare demos reels, hone writing skills, memorize monologues and present themselves as well-rounded, creative producers. Ultimately, the educational needs and career goals of each budding film professional determines which school is best for her.
American Film Institute
Founded in 1967 in the film industry hotbed of Los Angeles, the American Film Institute describes itself as "a national arts organization to train filmmakers and preserve America's vanishing film heritage." AFI educates film students at its conservatory in Hollywood, where it offers graduate programs and discipline-specific programs in such areas as cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design and screenwriting. These programs instruct students via collaborative, hands-on work in film-production environments, taking advantage of input and mentorship from film industry professionals. AFI focuses on pulling these aspects together to creative, cohesive film narratives. Past AFI trustees include director Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather) and actors Gregory Peck (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Sidney Poitier (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner). Successful industry professionals that have graduated from AFI include directors David Lynch (Mulholland Drive), Terrance Malick (The Thin Red Line) and Darren Aronosky (Requiem for a Dream). The National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities recognizes AFI as a nonprofit institution that "enrich[es] and nourish[es] the art of film in America." Prospective students apply online.
American Film Institute
2021 N. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-856-7600
afi.com
New York Film Academy
With programs based in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing and other cities around the world, the New York Film Academy spans the globe. These locations offer two-year degree programs in filmmaking and acting for film, as well as one- and two-year conservatory programs in filmmaking and acting. Offered areas of study for filmmakers include producing, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, editing, cinematography and sound design, while actors will find Associate Degrees, MFA programs and workshops ranging from one to 12 weeks in length. NYFA students receive a hands-on education as they write, shoot, direct, produce and edit a complete film over the course of the program. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits NYFA. Industry professionals such as director Stephen Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark) and actors Al Pacino (Scarface), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs) have sent their children to NYFA. New York Film Academy accepts online applications.
New York Film Academy
100 Universal City Plz.
Universal City, CA 91608
818-733-2600
nyfa.com
Vancouver Film School
Vancouver Film School in British Columbia presents focused, intensive one-year programs that put students in the thick of film production. These programs utilize practical application, collaboration, lectures, tutorials, professional mentorship and informational guest speakers. Programs within this intense format include film production (which covers directing, producing, cinematography, screenwriting, art direction and editing), entertainment business management, sound design, makeup design, writing for film and television, acting for film and television and acting essentials. Vancouver Film School alumni include Neill Blomkamp (director of District 9) and honorary degree recipient Kevin Smith (director of Clerks and Chasing Amy). Other alumni have received awards such as Oscars, Emmys and Independent Spirit Awards, while film production companies such as Pixar (Toy Story) and Lucasarts (the Star Wars series) employ VFS graduates. Potential students will find online applications at VFS's website.
Vancouver Film School
198 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 1H2
604-685-5808
vfs.edu
Tags: York Film Academy, Film Academy, Film School, Vancouver Film, Vancouver Film School, York Film