collageThose without prior expertise or who do not study the subject may find reading about film schools in Boston daunting, but they may also find it fascinating.
Learn more about best film schools in boston, filmmaking schools in boston, film grad schools in boston, and film directing schools in boston. You will also find more resources on collegelearners related to film production schools in Boston.
How Many Years Is A Film School?
Universities offer courses ranging from 1 to 4 years, with the majority lasting 3 or 4 years. Conversely, films schools focus on shorter technical courses of 1 or 2 years.
Is It Worth Being In Film School?
While both approaches have their pros and cons, earning a bachelor’s degree in filmmaking often yields significantly more success in the long run. From networking opportunities to gaining hands-on experience, there’s little doubt that studying film in college provides incredible career benefits.
Is Filmmaking A Good Career?
Originally Answered: Is being a filmmaker a good career choice? The short and sweet answer to that is a big YES! Being a filmmaker or film director, in today’s day and age, is more of a boon than bane. And there is a combination of things that has contributed to this current golden era for filmmakers and aspirants.
Prerequisites For Online Film Programs
Online programs typically follow the same requirements as on-campus programs. Getting into an online film program can vary based on the program type and level. However, many programs, regardless of their discipline or level, require transcripts, letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a personal essay.
Online Film Certificate and Associate’s Degree Programs
It can depend on the school, but some online film programs at the certificate and associate’s levels have open enrollment policies and generally do not have any prerequisites. Usually, to participate in a certificate program, an individual must be an undergraduate student at that school, but some online schools will let undergraduate students from other schools enroll.
An associate degree program can require students to participate in placement testing in addition to requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Online Film Bachelor’s Degree
Online bachelor’s degree programs in film typically require:
- Proof of a high school diploma or equivalent
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
Typical Courses In An Online Film Program
Each type of film program (screenwriting, film study, and production/filmmaking) will have courses tailored towards that concentration. However, many programs have courses from all 3 concentrations available, either through electives or as part of the core requirements.
Screenwriting Courses
Screenwriting courses typically focus on the structure, formatting, and storytelling techniques used in film and television writing. Many screenwriting programs have workshops where students are given time to hone their craft and receive feedback.
- Film Screenwriting – students study techniques for crafting feature-length screenplays and how to write visually for the screen.
- Television Screenwriting – students study how TV shows are written and produced and they may come up with pitches, write a spec script, or write an original pilot.
- Writing Dialogue – students study how to write believable, gripping dialogue in a way that intrigues audiences and pushes the story further.
Film Studies Courses
Film studies courses typically focus on the history, theory, and criticism of films.
- Film Theory – students study the role of film in society, how it is consumed, how it reflects culture, and how it relates to other art.
- Film History – students study historically significant films and how filmmakers approach historical films.
- Intro to Film Studies – students are introduced to basic analysis and criticism, as well as structure, genre, and industry terms.
Production/Filmmaking Courses
Production courses typically focus on the creative, business, and technical aspects of filmmaking, from directing and editing to scene composure and media ethics. Depending on the program, these courses may have multiple parts or entire courses dedicated to one aspect, such as sound design. They may also be broken down into different genres, such as directing for documentaries.
- Production – students study how a film is made from beginning to end, from the idea to the shooting script, casting, budgeting, and post-production editing.
- Directing – students study directing techniques such as how to direct screen actors, how to execute an idea from start to finish, and how to work in location and studio settings.
- Cinematography – students study the compositional aspects of creating a scene, from different lenses to color theory, lighting, and grip.
Film schools in Boston
1. HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Harvard’s Film and Visual Studies Graduate Program prepares prospective students for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These courses are built to test students’ mastery of visual media, as well as their knowledge of the history, theory, and aesthetics of moving images in relation to the visual and performing arts. Qualifying papers, exams, and dissertation prospectus is required for candidacy for a PhD in Film and Visual Studies.
Students start the teaching in their third year, which is another required part of each student’s training. If you’re looking to advance your career in film and prepare yourself to teach it, Harvard’s graduate program might be best for you.
Phone Number:
617-495-5315
Location:
Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center
1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 350
Cambridge, MA 02138-3654
2. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Boston University’s BS in Film & Television degree hones all kinds of skills in the realm of film. At this school, students study writing, image creation, managing, producing, all while learning the history and theory of film and television. The Bachelor of Science program is designed to be student-oriented.
Classes are usually small, allowing you to work closely with professors that are internationally-acclaimed members of the film community. Students are able to choose between four focuses: production, screenwriting, film and television studies, or management/producing. You choose what focus you’re most interested in and BU staff will help you reach your ultimate goal!
Phone Number:
617-353-3450
Location:
Boston University College of Communication
640 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
3. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON
UMass’s Cinema Studies program primarily studies the history, theory, aesthetics, and criticism of film and other moving-image media. That being said, critical study and cinema’s relation to other arts are also some of the courses incorporated in this program’s curricula.
The school features frequent visits from distinguished scholars and filmmakers, offering lectures, screenings, and discussions for students to participate in. Additionally, UMass is known for its enriching film and media internships, as well as study abroad experiences. The school offers all kinds of opportunities that can make your resume shine, making it an important member of our top 7 Boston film schools.
Phone Number:
617-287-5000
Location:
100 William T. Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
4. NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
New York Film Academy offers programs at Harvard University during the summer, giving students an opportunity to learn at one of the most famous schools in the world. Located minutes away from Boston, the New York Film Academy has an open enrollment, so students with all kinds of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The New York Film Academy hosts workshops with a rigorous full-time schedule. Filmmaking Workshops offer shooting with 16mm film on Arriflex-S cameras and portable Lowel lighting packages while students in the Digital Filmmaking Workshops utilize digital cameras. Every student receives experience with digital editing software and other equipment used in leading degree programs in the United States. These workshops are short but meaningful experiences for students looking to hone their skills (particularly with equipment).
Phone Number:
212-674-4300
Location:
Harvard University
Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
5. FILM CONNECTION BOSTON
Film Connection is an innovative and prestigious film school alternative. Its Boston location offers two major programs: Film Production & Editing and Cinematography. Film Production & Editing prepares students with directing, producing, and screenwriting opportunities while Cinematography helps hone the “technological wizardry” needed capture the perfect shot. Film Connection also offers two workshops with focuses in screenwriting and film editing, if that’s more up your alley.
Phone Number:
617-963-0920
Location:
225 Franklin St
Boston, MA 02110
collage