Los Angeles is widely considered the entertainment capital of the world. It's home to some of the biggest movie studios, and it's also where many aspiring filmmakers go to learn their craft.
There are dozens of film schools in Los Angeles, offering students the opportunity to learn from experts and gain access to expensive technology. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to decide which school is right for you.
To assist you in your decision-making process, here is a list of the 10 best film schools located in Los Angeles.
Columbia College Hollywood
Columbia College Hollywood is a private film school in Los Angeles, California. The school offers a 5.1 96-seat channel surround sound theater and a 35-seat 7.1channel screening room. The FoleyADR suite is complete with a secluded booths for sounds, as well as post-production editing suites, separate from the control room. The school includes standard features such as Sets, Writers Rooms, Classrooms, along with a larger than average Learning Resource Center at 5000 sq. ft.
The school was founded in 1952 by Dr. Hilda Taba and several other educators. Taba believed that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. The school was originally located in a small converted house on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. In the early years, the school offered classes in filmmaking, acting, writing, and producing.
Today, Columbia College Hollywood is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Film & Television Production and Acting for Film & Television, as well as Associate of Arts degrees in Film & Video Production and Motion Picture Science. The college also offers certificate programs in various aspects of filmmaking and television production.
Students at Columbia College Hollywood have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including high-definition cameras, lighting kits, grip trucks, and edit suites equipped with Avid Media Composer software. The college also has an extensive library of films and television shows available for student use.
Graduates of Columbia College Hollywood have gone on to successful careers in the entertainment industry, working as directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, writers, and more. alumni include Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone and Emmy Award-winning editor Sydney Wolinsky.
Biola University School of Cinema and Media Studies
Biola University's School of Cinema and Media Studies has been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. The Wrap and Filmmaker magazine both recently ranked the school as one of the top film schools in the country.
What sets Biola apart from other film schools? For one, its faculty is comprised entirely of industry professionals. This means that students are learning from people who have real-world experience in the filmmaking business.
The school's top-of-the-line equipment is another huge selling point. Students have access to the latest cameras, editing software, and other tools of the trade. This ensures that they're learning on cutting-edge technology and preparing themselves for careers in today's competitive marketplace.
But perhaps what makes Biola truly unique is its Christian perspective on film studies. After graduation, many students go on to find jobs at big name studios like Lucasfilm and Universal Pictures. However, these graduates approach their work from a Christian perspective, letting their worldview inform their decisions.
If you're looking for a top-notch film school with a Christian foundation, Biola University should definitely be at the top of your list.
Occidental College's Media Arts & Culture department
Occidental College's Media Arts & Culture department is a one-of-a-kind program that synthesizes practical production skills with media theory. The department is located in downtown Los Angeles, which gives students access to the movie-making business. The program is designed to encourage students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities to learn about filmmaking from a global perspective.
The location of the department in downtown Los Angeles provides students with an opportunity to learn about the film industry firsthand. The proximity to Hollywood also means that there are many internship and job opportunities available for students who want to get their foot in the door of the movie business.
The program at Occidental College encourages students to study abroad in order to learn about filmmaking from a global perspective. There are many different film schools around the world, each with its own unique approach to the art and craft of filmmaking. By participating in a study abroad program, students can learn about different cultures and how they approach filmmaking. This experience can be invaluable for those interested in working in the film industry on a global scale.
California State University - Northridge
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has awarded an $80,000 grant to California State University - Northridge. The grant will fund the purchase of new cameras and associated gear, upgrading of existing facilities, and help to maintain the Elaine and Alan Armer Screening Room.
This is great news for students at CSUN who are interested in careers in film and television. With this new equipment, they'll have access to the latest technology and be able to produce high-quality work that can compete with the best in the industry. Additionally, the upgrades to the facilities will make CSUN an even more attractive choice for film schools looking to lease space in Los Angeles.
Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television
Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television is one of the leading film schools in Los Angeles. The student to faculty ratio at the school is 12:1, which allows students to thrive in an intimate learning environment. Additionally, 49% of the student body is female, ensuring that women have a strong presence in the filmmaking industry.
In March of 2021, Associate Professor Miranda Banks moderated an EDIT Media - associatedround tableon “Anti-Racist Film and Media Pedagogy.” This event brought together leaders in the field to discuss how educators can create more inclusive and equitable classrooms. It was a powerful conversation that will no doubt shape the future of film and television education.
LMU's commitment to social justice is just one of the many reasons why it is such a renowned institution. If you're looking for a top-notch film school that will challenge and inspire you, look no further than LMU SFTV.
At the American Film Institute’s Conservatory, those who come to study are not just
The American Film Institute's Conservatory program is about more than just learning from instructors – it's about learning from your fellow students as well. Fellows in the program get to know each other and collaborate on projects by working on several short films together over the course of their two years. It's a unique experience that has produced some amazing results – former AFI fellows include Terrance Mallick, David Lynch, and Julie Dash. If you're looking for one of the best film schools in Los Angeles, the AFI Conservatory should definitely be at the top of your list.
Cal Arts School of Film and Video
Cal Arts School of Film and Video is one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. Founded in 1961, it has educated many of the titans of the industry and continues to do so today.
The school annually awards a $75,000 prize to a mid-career artist who takes risks. This prize is given in recognition of the fact that artists often have to take risks in order to create great art.
The school is located in Los Angeles, which is one of the best places in the world for aspiring filmmakers to learn their craft. There are many other great film schools in Los Angeles, but Cal Arts stands out as being one of the best.
Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
If you're looking for a top-notch film school in Los Angeles, look no further than Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Dodge College provides plenty of chances for future filmmakers to get their start with around 1,465 undergraduate and 256 graduate students.
One of the best things about Dodge College is the Marion Knott Studios. Spanning 76,000 square feet, the studios offer state-of-the-art facilities for filmmaking, including an outdoor shooting area. The Digital Media Arts Center is another great resource for students, offering 18,000 square feet of space for production and post-production work.
In addition to its excellent facilities, Dodge College also offers a number of degree programs to choose from. Whether you're interested in directing, producing, cinematography, or screenwriting, there's a program at Dodge College that can help you achieve your goals.
If you're looking for a top-notch film school in Los Angeles, Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts should be at the top of your list!
University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts
There are few film schools in the world with as much history and prestige as the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. Founded in 1929, USC's CNTV program is one of the most selective in the country, admitting only 2% of applicants.
In the program, students have the opportunity to learn in the shadow of Hollywood greats. With a faculty that includes Oscar-winning directors, producers, and writers, there is no shortage of inspiration at USC. In addition, the school's location in Los Angeles gives students access to the city's vast entertainment industry.
Whether you're looking to become a director, producer, screenwriter, or any other type of filmmaker, USC is one of the best places to start your career. If you're lucky enough to be admitted into the program, you'll be getting an education from some of the top minds in the business.
Conclusion
No matter which film school you choose, you'll be getting a world-class education that will prepare you for a successful career in the entertainment industry. Each of these schools has its own unique strengths, so it's important to research each one carefully to find the best fit for your needs. Whichever school you choose, you're sure to receive an education that will stay with you for a lifetime.