Where to Study Filmmaking: 7 Best Film Schools

Dreaming of becoming a director? This material is for you. We tell you about the best foreign film schools, and why you should go there.

Why you should enroll in film school

This question is not as simple as it sounds. The fact that you can learn to make movies yourself. There are many talented directors who came into the profession from the outside. Among them, for example, are such legends as Stanley Kubrick and Akira Kurosawa. And given how much it costs to go to film school, it's important to know firmly why you're going there. So what are the benefits of an education at a film school?

First, the equipment. Filmmaking is a technically demanding process, and film schools are just the way to do it. In prestigious schools, you will have at your disposal a professional camera, shooting pavilions, light, sound recording, editing equipment, and more. But it's not just about that.

At film school, you'll learn how to set up work processes and interact with other members of the team. You'll gain fundamental knowledge of all areas and stages of film production: from camerawork to makeup, from pitching ideas to post-production and distribution. You'll learn all this from real practicing professionals: directors, cameramen, screenwriters, producers, artists. The focus, of course, will be on your specialty: if you're enrolled as a cameraman, you'll learn a lot of the technical aspects of shooting. But you'll also get a clear idea of the work of other team members. 

Plus, at most prestigious schools, practice is the main part of education. You'll have the opportunity to do your own projects, and usually, it's not just a thesis, but intermediate "coursework" as well. Of course, you can buy a college essay if you don't have time, but it's much more interesting to do the assignments yourself.

 What do you need for admission to film school?

 First, you will need the standard documents for admission:

• diplomas or certificates of previous education with a transcript of grades;

• a letter of motivation;

• letters of recommendation;

• portfolio of work.

 There are also specific requirements. To get into most film schools, you have to present your project. For future filmmakers, it's usually a short film of a few minutes in length. The work requirements vary from school to school - you need to check them on the website. There you can also find out if the school gives scholarships. In the field of cinema, this thing is rather rare, but it still occurs. If you ask write my essay service to write a motivational letter, you can definitely get funding.

Keep in mind that admission requirements will also depend on the type of program. In the field of cinema, as in all others, you can get a Bachelor's, Master's, and even Ph.D. Moreover, bachelor's programs are less common than master's programs. There are also short-term programs. They are easier and cheaper to enter, but they do not teach you as much fundamental knowledge as the full programs.

Best Film Schools in the World

1. American Film Institute (AFI)

This small but very prestigious institution gives students unique opportunities. In two years of graduate school, they make as many as four films, which will then become part of their portfolio. The guest faculty includes many internationally recognized directors and producers: in addition to the already mentioned David Lynch, there is Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Spike Lee, Sofia Copolla, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and Joel Cohen. AFI is truly unique because it nurtures the talent that defines the face of modern filmmaking.  

2. USC School of Cinematic Arts

The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts is another unique place. Its students have access to equipment and technology that not every established filmmaker has. Specially equipped shooting pavilions, editing stations, sound recording pavilions, animation studios, an IMAX movie theater - the list goes on and on.

USC School of Cinematic Arts is a real film industry in miniature. Students go through every stage of filmmaking, so they come out as true professionals.

3. CalArts

California Institute of Arts was founded in 1961 at the initiative of Walt Disney himself. Now this institution is considered one of the best for future animation directors. In addition, CalArts has become known for its school of documentary and indie filmmaking. ).

4. Kanbar Institute of Film & Television, NYU

California is a true mecca for filmmakers. But there are also good schools on the East Coast. One of the most famous is the Maurice Kanbar Institute for Film and Television at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Its students and faculty make more than 5,000 films a year. Outside of Los Angeles, no other institution can boast such production volumes and such a large number of renowned alumni. 

5. Vancouver Film School

Most of the famous film schools are located in the United States, but there are recognized institutions outside of it as well. One of them is the Vancouver Film School. The choice of fields of study is not limited to directing. All related professions from 3D animation to sound design are taught here. Vancouver Film School is a private institution, which is why it is so expensive. However, every year the management raffles off several full-coverage scholarships for the most talented students.

6. London Film School

London Film School, located in the heart of the British capital. The main feature of education at London Film School is the focus on the development of production skills in a real "live" film environment. It means that the students have a lot of practice there. 

The institution is small: right now there are only 220 students. However, they come from more than 30 countries of the world, so the atmosphere on campus is truly international.

7. National Film and Television School (NFTS)

 The National Film and Television School on the northwest outskirts of London is often described as the best film school in Britain. It is the only school in the country with its film and television studios. In 2016, the school received $26 million in additional funding, which allowed it to open two new buildings with state-of-the-art equipment.