USC, UCLA, California Arts, Tisch, AFI
Although the film school has many notable programs, there are five that stand out in particular due to their impressive curriculum, notable alumni, and overall impact. They are the American Film Institute, the California Institute of the Arts, and NYU Tisch’s Kanbar School of Film and Television. School of the Arts, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, and USC School of Cinematic Arts.
AFI is known for its excellent instructors, including Director of Cinematography Stephen Lighthill and Director of Production Lianne Halfon. Fellows are guaranteed film production, and the school is partnering to help establish the Disney/AFI Underrepresented Storytellers Initiative, creating a pathway to remove financial barriers for emerging filmmakers. .
If you ask many animation luminaries where they went to school, you’ll likely hear the name CalArts. Notable alumni include Tim Burton, Brad Bird, and Pete Docter, whose films have won multiple Academy Awards. Students can choose from 70 comprehensive degree programs.
The Cumber Institute within Tisch claims Martin Scorsese as a production alumnus. A few years ago, the school received its largest-ever grant from the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation to establish the Martin Scorsese Institute of Global Cinematic Arts, which includes a virtual production center and film studies.
As a public university, UCLA offers a world-class film school education at a price that won’t break the bank. One of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television’s ambitious offerings is a recently unveiled augmented reality and artificial intelligence research studio on the school’s downtown campus. The faculty includes many renowned professionals who cover all aspects of filmmaking, including costume designer Deborah Nadoleman Landis. Screenwriters David Koepp (Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds) and Dustin Lance Black (Milk) are among the school’s notable alumni.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum where students take the full range of courses offered by SCA. Future writers take courses in directing, and directors take courses in interactive media. Helmer Ryan Coogler and writer/producer Shonda Rhimes are just a few of SCA’s highly successful alumni. The school receives tremendous support from the creative community. In 2006, filmmaker and alumnus George Lucas donated $175 million to the film school, making it the largest single gift in USC history.
