If you are passionate about film production and want to pursue a degree in this field, you might be wondering which universities offer the best programs and opportunities. Film production is a competitive and creative industry that requires both technical skills and artistic vision. To help you narrow down your choices, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best universities for film production in the world, based on various factors such as facilities, alumni, location, and reputation.
1. University of Southern California (USC) - School of Cinematic Arts, USA
The University of Southern California (USC) is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1880 by Robert Maclay Widney, making it the oldest private research university in the state. USC has a diverse and international student body of about 50,000, with 21,000 undergraduates and 28,500 postgraduates from all 50 U.S. states and more than 115 countries. USC is also a member of the Association of American Universities, a group of leading research universities in the U.S. and Canada.
USC offers a wide range of academic programs across 23 schools and colleges, covering fields such as arts, humanities, social sciences, engineering, medicine, law, business, and communication. USC is especially renowned for its School of Cinematic Arts, which has produced many acclaimed filmmakers and actors, and its Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, which is a leader in media and public affairs education. USC alumni include 29 living billionaires, 10 Nobel laureates, 6 MacArthur Fellows, 11 Rhodes scholars, 12 Marshall scholars, and numerous Academy Award and Emmy Award winners.
2. New York University (NYU) - Tisch School of the Arts, USA
Film Production is a popular and competitive field of study at New York University (NYU), one of the world's leading institutions for arts and media education. Students who enroll in the undergraduate or graduate film programs at NYU's Kanbar Institute of Film and Television can learn from renowned faculty members, collaborate with fellow aspiring filmmakers, and access state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
The film curriculum covers various aspects of cinematic storytelling, such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, animation, and producing. Students also have the opportunity to showcase their work at festivals, network with industry professionals, and develop their own unique voice and style. Whether they are interested in making feature films, documentaries, experimental films, or animation, students can find a supportive and stimulating environment at NYU's film production program.
3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - School of Theater, Film, and Television, USA
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the United States, with a strong reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and public service. One of the schools within UCLA is the School of Theater, Film, and Television (TFT), which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various aspects of the entertainment industry, such as acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, animation, cinematography, and more.
TFT is also home to several renowned research centers and institutes, such as the Center for Performance Studies, the Center for Digital Humanities, the Center for Media Literacy, and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. TFT alumni include many prominent figures in Hollywood and beyond, such as Francis Ford Coppola, Tim Robbins, Alexander Payne, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ava DuVernay, Justin Lin, and Ryan Coogler.
4. London Film School, United Kingdom
London Film School is one of the world's leading postgraduate film institutions, offering MA, Ph.D., and Workshops programs in filmmaking and screenwriting. It is located in Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom. The school was founded in 1956 and has a history of producing award-winning filmmakers and screenwriters. London Film School has a diverse and international student body, with over 50% of students coming from outside the UK.
The school provides a collaborative and creative environment for students to learn all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to editing and sound design. London Film School also offers short and part-time professional development courses, as well as summer programs for beginners and advanced filmmakers. The school has strong links with the film industry and alumni networks around the world. London Film School is a World-Leading Specialist Provider of film education, recognized by the Office for Students (OfS).
5. National Film and Television School (NFTS), United Kingdom
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is one of the world's leading film, television, and games schools, located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England. Established in 1971, the NFTS has trained some of the most prominent and influential creative talents in the UK and beyond, such as directors, producers, screenwriters, composers, animators, visual effects artists, and more.
The NFTS offers over 30 postgraduate courses in various aspects of film, television, and games production, as well as short courses, online courses, and outreach programs. The NFTS operates like a professional studio, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and a curriculum that is constantly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and practices. The NFTS also provides its students with unparalleled opportunities to learn from and network with acclaimed industry professionals, through masterclasses, guest lectures, mentorships, and placements.
The NFTS has a high graduate employment rate of over 90%, and its alumni have won numerous awards and accolades, including Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmys, and Golden Globes. The NFTS is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the screen sector, with nearly half of its MA students being female and a third being ethnically diverse. The NFTS also offers various scholarships and bursaries to help talented individuals pursue their creative ambitions.
6. American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory, USA
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization established in 1967 with the mission of celebrating excellence in the art of the moving image and creating national education initiatives that inspire artists and audiences alike. The AFI offers various programs and events, such as the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level film school that trains narrative filmmakers; the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters of cinema; the AFI AWARDS, which recognizes the most outstanding screen stories of the year; the AFI FEST and AFI DOCS, which showcase the best of contemporary and documentary films; and the AFI Movie Club, which invites movie lovers to discover and discuss classic and new films.
The AFI also preserves film history through its AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive and promotes diversity and inclusion through its workshops and initiatives. The AFI is supported by private funding and public membership fees and is dedicated to the vision of championing the future of the moving image as an art form and the power of storytelling to change the world.
7. Beijing Film Academy (BFA), China
Beijing Film Academy (BFA) is a state-run higher education institution specializing in film and television in Beijing, China. It was established in 1950 as the Performance Art Institution of the Film Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and has since undergone several name changes and expansions. It is one of Asia's most prestigious film colleges and the only film academy in China.
It offers associate, bachelor, and master's degrees in various areas of film, such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound recording, animation, and management. It also has an International School that provides exchange programs, workshops, and joint co-education training programs with foreign partners. Many of its graduates and faculty members have achieved success and recognition in the film industry, both nationally and internationally.
8. La Fémis, France
La Fémis is the French state film school under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture and Communication. It is located in Paris, in a former film studio that was used by Pathé and Gaumont. La Fémis offers various courses in film and television, such as directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, editing, production, distribution, and exhibition. La Fémis also has international programs, such as the Atelier Ludwigsburg-Paris, the Summer University, and exchange programs with other film schools worldwide. La Fémis is ranked among the top film schools in the world by various publications. La Fémis aims to train creative and innovative filmmakers who can contribute to the cultural diversity of French and European cinema.
9. Vancouver Film School (VFS), Canada
Vancouver Film School (VFS) is a leading entertainment arts school that offers intensive and immersive programs in various fields of media arts, such as film, animation, game design, sound design, writing, and more. VFS has eight campuses in downtown Vancouver, B.C., Canada, where students can access state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and software.
VFS also offers an English for Creative Arts program, which helps students improve their English language and communication skills while learning the fundamentals of visual design, photography, video, and Photoshop. VFS graduates have a global reputation for excellence and have been nominated and awarded at prestigious events such as the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, and Game Awards. VFS is a one-year education model that prepares students for successful careers in the entertainment industry.
10. Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), Australia
The Australian Film, Television, and Radio School (AFTRS) is Australia's national screen arts and broadcast school. It was established in 1973 by the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School Act 1973 and operates as a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.
AFTRS offers a range of courses, from short courses to bachelor's and master's degrees, in various disciplines such as production, directing, writing, editing, sound, cinematography, radio and podcasting, screen business, and more. AFTRS aims to empower Australian talent to shape and share their stories by delivering world-leading future-focused education, research, and training. AFTRS has a reputation for excellence and innovation, and its alumni and staff have won many awards and accolades in the screen and broadcast industries.
What is the best degree for film production?
The best degree for film production largely depends on individual goals, interests, and career aspirations within the film industry. There are several degree options available, each with its own advantages and focus areas. Here are some of the most common and relevant degrees for film production:
1. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film Production
A BFA in Film Production provides a comprehensive education in filmmaking, covering various aspects such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing. This degree offers a well-rounded understanding of the filmmaking process and allows students to explore different roles within the industry. A BFA program often includes practical hands-on experience, enabling students to work on their own film projects.
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Film Studies or Cinema Studies
A BA in Film Studies focuses on the critical and theoretical aspects of cinema, examining film history, analysis, and cultural impact. While this degree may not be as production-focused as a BFA, it provides a strong foundation in film theory and analysis, which can be valuable for aspiring filmmakers who want to understand the historical and cultural context of cinema.
3. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Film Production
Similar to a BFA, a BS in Film Production covers technical and practical aspects of filmmaking but may also incorporate courses in digital technology, visual effects, and post-production. This degree program often emphasizes the technical and technological aspects of filmmaking.
4. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film Production
An MFA in Film Production is a graduate-level degree that offers a deeper exploration of filmmaking techniques and storytelling. MFA programs often provide opportunities for students to work on more ambitious film projects and receive mentorship from industry professionals. This degree is suitable for individuals who want to specialize in a particular aspect of film production and further develop their creative and technical skills.
5. Master of Arts (MA) in Film Studies or Cinema Studies
An MA in Film Studies focuses on film theory, criticism, and research. This degree is more academically oriented and is suitable for individuals interested in pursuing careers in film research, academia, or film criticism.
Final Thoughts
Film production is an art form that demands dedication, creativity, and technical expertise. The top 10 best universities for film production listed above have earned their reputations by consistently delivering comprehensive education, hands-on training, and exposure to industry networks. From Hollywood to London, and beyond, these institutions have become the breeding grounds for future cinematic visionaries who will shape the landscape of filmmaking for years to come.
Watch more video: Everything to Know About Film School