5 Best Schools for Film

Chances are, if you’re interested in film, you want to make it big — as an actor, screenwriter, director, etc. So how can you set yourself up for success? What about studying at one of the best schools for film? From industry connections and notable alumni, to state-of-the-art facilities and access to green screens, mixing labs, and prop warehouses, there are countless advantages to attending a top school for film. 

In this article we’ll explore what exactly makes a film school one of the best. We’ll also provide you with an overview of the 5 best schools for film in the US, as well as provide you with guidance on how to prepare for the application process. 

Why Study Film at a Top School

Studying film at a top school provides access to cutting-edge facilities, such as sound stages, editing suites, and screening rooms. This allows students to experiment with the same tools used by industry professionals. Top schools also attract accomplished faculty and visiting artists, which means that students have the opportunity to learn directly from filmmakers, writers, and producers who are actively producing work. 

And you can’t forget about alumni networks. The alumni networks at schools like USC, NYU, UCLA, AFI, and Chapman are deeply woven into Hollywood and the global entertainment industry. These connections can lead to internships, collaborations, and career opportunities that are hard to access otherwise.

Criteria That Define the Best Film Schools

So what makes a film school one of the best? In addition to access to studios, labs, and film equipment, you’ll also want to look for schools that offer diverse curriculums that expose you to directing, producing, editing, cinematography, and more. After all, the more well-rounded and well-versed you are in the industry, the better. You’ll also want to prioritize schools with a strong alumni presence in Hollywood and global cinema. 

5 Best Schools for Film

Now that you know what to look for in a top film school, let’s get started by exploring the 5 best schools for film in the country:

1. University of Southern California (USC)

USC’s School of Cinematic Arts is consistently ranked among the top film schools worldwide. With unmatched industry connections and cutting-edge facilities, USC provides students with opportunities to learn from leading filmmakers and gain hands-on experience. Known for its commitment to combining theory and practice, this interdisciplinary program provides students with the opportunity to take classes in a wide range of disciplines, including: Cinema & Media Studies, Film & Television Production, Animation & Digital Arts, Interactive Media & Games, Writing for Screen & Television, Producing, Media Arts & Practice, and Business of Cinematic Arts. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, film students are sure to find plenty of inspiration and opportunities. 

Notable Alumni

• George Lucas (Creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones)

• Ron Howard (Oscar-winning director of A Beautiful Mind)

• Robert Zemeckis (Director of Back to the Future and Forrest Gump)

• Shonda Rhimes (Writer and producer of hit TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal)

• Ryan Coogler (Director of Black Panther and Creed)

• Bryan Singer (Director and producer of The Usual Suspects and the X-Men franchise)

Notable Resources

• Soundstages

• Animation facilities

• Post-production suites

• Mixing theaters

• Research labs

• Fabrication space

• Student-run television station, Trojan Vision

2. American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory

AFI Conservatory is a graduate-level film school that focuses exclusively on filmmaking, offering specialized tracks in directing, producing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and production design. Known for its small class sizes and mentorship model, AFI provides students with direct guidance from industry professionals. Students also gain access to AFI Fest, one of Los Angeles’s premier film festivals, throughout the course of their studies. 

Notable Alumni

• David Lynch (Director and writer known for Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, and Twin Peaks)

• Darren Aronofsky (Director, writer, and producer known for Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, and The Whale)

• Patty Jenkins (Director of Monster and Wonder Woman)

• Terrence Malick (Writer and director of Badlands and The Tree of Life)

• Ari Aster (Director and writer known for Hereditary and Midsommar)

• Edward Zwick (Director of Glory and The Last Samurai)

• Robert Richardson (Three-time Oscar winner for JFK, The Aviator, and Hugo)

• Mimi Leder (Director of Deep Impact and The Morning Show)

Notable Resources

• Access to Harold Lloyd Masters Seminar

• Direct access to AFI FEST 

• Access to AFI Archive 

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television offers a comprehensive program that balances practical filmmaking with academic study. Known for its commitment to social change, UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television encourages its students to use storytelling as a means of inspiring change. In fact, the Skoll Center for Social Impact Entertainment, hosts innovative discussions, conferences, projects, and festivals designed to do just that. Located in Los Angeles, students benefit from close proximity to major studios, both in terms of internships and guest speakers. 

Notable Alumni

• Francis Ford Coppola (Director of The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now)

• Alexander Payne (Director of Sideways and The Descendants)

• Eric Roth (Academy Award–winning writer of Forrest Gump and Dune)

• Gore Verbinski (Director of Pirates of the Caribbean films and Rango)

• Justin Lin (Director of multiple Fast & Furious films)

• Jack Black (Actor known for his roles in School of Rock and Kung Fu Panda, member of comedy band Tenacious D)

• James Franco (Actor, director, and writer known for his roles in 127 Hours and the Spider-Man trilogy)

• Tim Robbins (Academy Award–winning actor in Mystic River and director of Dead Man Walking)

Notable Resources

• Access to UCLA Film & Television Archive

• Screenings at James Bridges Theater

• Access to events and projects hosted by the Skoll Center for Social Impact Entertainment

4. New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts

NYU Tisch is a globally respected institution for film, offering strong programs in directing, writing, and producing. Students are encouraged to push creative boundaries by collaborating across disciplines, gaining hands-on skills in the process. In fact, hands-on learning is at the center of a Tisch education. Did you know that faculty, staff, and students from the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television create more than 5,000 films each year? By providing students with the resources to create prolifically, students are given the opportunity to develop their own creative voices and convictions. Located in the heart of New York City, students are surrounded by world class theater and  the best in independent film. 

Notable Alumni 

• Martin Scorsese (Director of Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and Killers of the Flower Moon)

• Spike Lee (Director of Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman)

• Chloé Zhao (Director of Nomadland and Eternals)

• Donald Glover (Actor/Writer/Musician/Producer) – Known for Atlanta, Community, and as Childish Gambino.

• Lady Gaga (Pop icon and actor known for her role in A Star Is Born)

• Mahershala Ali (Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in Moonlight, Green Book, and House of Cards)

• Adam Sandler (Comedic actor known for his time as a cast member of Saturday Night Live, as well as his roles in Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and The Wedding Singer)

• M. Night Shyamalan (Director of The Sixth Sense and Split)

Notable Resources

• Black-box theaters

• Scene and costume shops

• Recording studios

• Sound mixing labs

• Visual effects facilities

• Equipment rental

5. Chapman University (Dodge College of Film and Media Arts)

Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts provides state-of-the-art facilities and an emphasis on storytelling, collaboration, and production. With programs in film production, screenwriting, producing, broadcast journalism, and animation, students are exposed to a wide variety of career paths and opportunities. Dodge college is also known for its emphasis on international films and prides itself on its unique offerings of study abroad opportunities, travel courses, and internships abroad. And don’t forget, Chapman University is less than an hour from Los Angeles, which means that internship and networking opportunities are abundant. 

Notable Alumni

• Matt Duffer (Co-creator of Stranger Things)

• Ross Duffer (Co-creator of Stranger Things)

• Justin Simien (Creator of Dear White People)

• Olatunde Osunsanmi (Director of The Fourth Kind and Falling Skies)
  Hannah Einbinder (Actor and comedian known for her role in HBO Max series Hacks)

Notable Resources

• Soundstages

• Editing suites

• Foley stages

• Scene shop

• Prop and set warehouse

• Animation, VFX, and digital design resources

• Emphasis on international film through study abroad opportunities

Preparing for Film Programs

Gaining admission into a top film school is no easy feat. You need more than just a passion for film; you need practical experience and a portfolio. At this point, you may be wondering, What do I need to include in my portfolio? Unfortunately, there is no one right answer. Application requirements vary by school and major. 

For instance, if you’re interested in applying to USC School of Cinematic Arts as a Cinema & Media Studies major, you will need to submit a 4-6 page analytic writing sample where you demonstrate your ability to engage meaningfully with some aspect of film, television, or new media. If you want to apply to USC School of Cinematic Arts as an Animation & Digital Arts major, you’ll need to submit a portfolio with 10-15 images (a combination of still and moving images). 

And if you want to apply to the NYU Tisch School of the Arts as a Film & Television major, you will need to submit: a 1-2 minute creative “self-portrait” video, a 3-page short story that combines one of three visual prompts and one of three audio prompts, a 1-page reflection where you describe in-detail a memorable film or television viewing experience and its effect on you, and a creative submission (an artistic portfolio of 10-15 images, a 5-minute film, or a 6-page writing sample). 

Needless to say, there are lots of specific requirements when it comes to applying to film school. Our best advice? Use your time in high school to indulge your curiosities, follow your passion, and seek out hands-on learning experiences through internships, pre-college summer programs, and extracurricular activities. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Film School 

What GPA do you need for film school?
Most top film schools don’t list a strict GPA cutoff, but competitive applicants often have a 3.5 GPA or higher, alongside strong creative portfolios.

Which film school is hardest to get into?
AFI Conservatory is among the most selective, with an acceptance rate of around 3%. USC and NYU are also highly competitive, admitting fewer than 20% of applicants.

Do you need a portfolio for film school?
Yes. All of the top film schools require creative work samples such as short films, photography, writing, or visual art. The portfolio is often the most important part of your application.

What careers can film school lead to?
Graduates pursue careers as directors, screenwriters, producers, editors, animators, cinematographers, or in related roles such as casting, production design, or media entrepreneurship.

Career Paths with Film Training 

With professional film training, there are countless career paths available to you. Here’s a list of 16 film-related careers for you to consider:

• Film Director

• Screenwriter

• Producer 

• Cinematographer 

• Film Editor 

• Sound Designer 

• Production Designer 

• Animator 

• Visual Effects (VFX) Artist 

• Actor 

• Casting Director 

• Documentary Filmmaker

• Film Critic

• Festival Programmer

• Talent Agent

• Media Entrepreneur 

Moving Forward: How Polygence Can Help You Reach Your Goals

One of the advantages of attending a top-tier film school is the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning. But getting accepted into one of these schools isn’t easy. In fact, all of these schools require some degree of practical experience in order to qualify for admission. So how are you supposed to get started?

That’s where we come in. Here at Polygence, we believe in empowering students to pursue their passions through one-on-one support and expert mentorship. By pairing students with industry experts, students are able to work on creative projects and gain relevant skills. Interested in learning more? Take a look at some of our student and parent testimonials.