When we think about film schools and attending a course to prepare us for the demands of the film industry, we tend to consider colleges in New York and Los Angeles. However, as Sam Haskell of the William Morris Agency will explain there are thousands of excellent film schools around the U.S. and in foreign countries offering excellent training opportunities. In 2013, the focus of the Hollywood film industry shifted to the U.K. when the National Film and Television School was voted the best in the world, according to The Guardian. With the introduction of new technologies and techniques coming in all the time, it is clear a solid education in film and TV production is vital to any future individual success.
1. USC
Starting at the top, the University of Southern California has always been linked to the Hollywood film industry with some of the biggest names in the industry attending and teaching classes. Way back in the 1960s, the school set out to begin teaching film to help provide professionals for the industry in nearby Hollywood. The Hollywood Reporter explains the link to George Lucas has made this one of the top schools in the world for film. Sam Haskell believes the location of the school in the heart of the film and TV production area is a major selling point for USC.
2. Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts School of Film and Television
This impressive school has been in business for four decades and is continuing to produce expert filmmakers and technicians for one of the largest markets in the world. The importance of the box office in China cannot be underestimated and continues to grow in importance for executives in Hollywood and beyond. Hong Kong has been a powerful part of the film industry since the 1970s with many experts taking up teaching roles at this globally recognized film school.
3. The National Film and Television School
Back in 1982, Colin Welland declared “The British are coming” as he picked up the Oscar for writing the screenplay for “Chariots of Fire”. He may have been premature with his pronouncement, but Welland may be proven correct with the rising reputation of the National Film and Television School. Several graduates have gone on to become major Hollywood directors, writers, and executives in the last few years with plentiful TV shows helmed by alumni. The school has followed the USC model of inviting experts to lecture and complete masterclass sessions.
4. New York University
The reputation of New York University was cultivated in the 1960s and 70s when Martin Scorsese led the charge of filmmakers honing their craft at the school. Sam Haskell believes the school has built a powerful reputation that has seen it move with the times while maintaining its links to some of the great directors of all time. NYU has evolved to fit into modern times with its decision to create a combined film and business major that prepares students for every aspect of life in the film industry.
5. National Film School of Denmark
Fluency in Danish is one of the prerequisites for attending the National Film School of Denmark, but this is a college that has produced some of the top directors of the last few decades. Following in the footsteps of Lars Von Trier and Billie August should put this school at the top of the list for students who must show their technical abilities before being allowed to attend the school.
6. The American Film Institute
A well-known and popular choice for students who are looking to enter the film industry in the future. The American Film Institute has a long history of bringing success to its students with alumni including David Lynch and Mimi Leder. The Institute cannot be accused of failing to move with the times with its decision to ensure a 50-50 split between the genders among its student body to promote diversity for the future of Hollywood.
7. La Femis
The romance of the French New Wave is something that almost every film student enjoys at some point in their studies. The top French film school is La Femis with its future led by Oscar-winning director of “The Artist”, Michael Hazanavicius who is placing the focus on returning the French film industry to its former glories.
The global nature of the film industry in the 21st-century means there are opportunities for success far beyond Hollywood for both TV and film. The choice of a renowned film school is a good starting point for any future film industry member who wants to develop their talent under the leadership of industry veterans.