collageThe number of film schools in California has really grown in the last few years. Gearing up while stocking up on 3D Cameras, most of these schools are modern. But even with all that technology, making a decision about which school to attend can be a nightmare. Thankfully, if you know what you want to pursue, you’ll definitely end up in the right school. From video to photographic arts to cinematic arts, California has it all. If you are searching for the best film school in California, our writing will shed some light on the best schools.
Why You Should Attend a Film School
If you have a desire to pursue a career in film or, you want to become a director, actor, or screenwriter, the best way to prepare yourself is to attend a film school. One of the important benefits of attending film school is to hone your skills and study the subjects, related to the film. Since making a high-quality film takes time, you need to attend the best film school.
Top 5 Film Schools in California
| RANK | SCHOOL | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California |
| 2 | California Institute of the Arts | Santa Clarita, California |
| 3 | Stanford University College | Stanford, California |
| 4 | University Of California- Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, California |
| 5 | American Film Institute | Los Angeles, California |
Good film schools will give you a hands-on approach on how to use lighting, camera, audio, and other film equipment. You also need to remember that a film school covers a range of topics, including theories, hands-on assignments, and management. Having said that, you should look for a school with everything you are looking for.
Moreover, attending a film school allows you to affirm your life choices and, gives you a chance to discover your talent. Surrounding yourself with individuals who share your passion and are positive is very important in your career growth. By attending a film school, it’s possible to build a powerful network to help you throughout your life. Ultimately, deciding whether to attend or not to attend a film school is something that you can decide on alone. Overall going to a film school will validate and nourish your urge to become a filmmaker.
The Best 15 Film Schools In California
1
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, California
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Points: 98
If you want to pursue a degree in film, photography arts, and video, the University of Southern California is a very good option. Located in the famous city of Los Angeles, it has trained several students all over the world. Unlike other schools, its students are encouraged to study business and communications to boost their career later on in life. Some of their programs include film scripts, film productions, media and film studies, media arts digital arts and practices, and interactive media and games. It also provides many ways for students to get engaged in the entertainment industry in a hands-on approach manner.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition per year: $57,256VISIT SCHOOL WEBSITE2
California Institute of the Arts
- Santa Clarita, California
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Points: 94
Originally founded as a creation of Walt Disney in collaboration with several other giants in the industry, California Institute of the Arts is currently one of the best film schools in California. If you want to specialize in animation, this school has everything you need. It also has full production capabilities for documentary, fiction and experimental filmmaking. Hence, students can learn what they need to cover. They can also connect with studios and other industry contacts through internships and the annual Animation Portfolio Day. Featuring several work programs, their students will easily gain hands-on experience so they can become the best in their fields.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition per year: $52,850VISIT SCHOOL WEBSITE3
Stanford University College
- Stanford, California
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Points: 89
Stanford University College is an elite private university located in California San Francisco Bay. As a mid-sized university, it has an enrollment rate of 7,087 students. Since it only has an acceptance rate of 4%, its admission is quite competitive. If you are considering a major in film and media studies, it’s recommended that you take FILMSTUD 4 introduction and take other courses to prepare you. These courses will anchor the major through exposure to film language and visual and narrative structures. Since courses may not be offered throughout the year, you need to consult the University so as to know the true picture.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition per year: $52,529VISIT SCHOOL WEBSITE4
University Of California- Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara, California
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Points: 86
University of California Santa Barbara is ranked among the best universities for students who are interested in video, film, and photography arts. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Santa Barbara, it’s a medium-sized college that caters to a wide variety of students. As one of the leading internal centers for research and education, the department of film and media studies has everything that you need.
Once a student is admitted, he can choose the kind of degree he wishes to pursue.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition per year: $44,145VISIT SCHOOL WEBSITE5
American Film Institute
- Los Angeles, California
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Points: 80
American Film Institute has a great history of training graduates to work in major advertising, television production programs, films, and all the other commercial, artistic endeavors. Accepting only MFA for two-year degree programs, most of their students are working professionals. By bringing the students together, it allows them to develop long term relations through collaborations. Accepting less than 50 trainees in one year, you can only expect them to produce the best. Some of their courses include editing, directing, cinematography, scriptwriting, and design. It’s, therefore, one of the best film schools in the world.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Tuition per year: $59,951VISIT SCHOOL WEBSITE6
Loyola Marymount University
- Los Angeles, California
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Points: 79
7
Chapman University
- Orange, California
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Points: 75
8
Columbia College Hollywood
- Los Angeles, California
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Points: 73
9
Laguna College of Art and Design
- Laguna Beach, California
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Points: 70
10
San Francisco State University
- San Francisco, California
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Points: 68
11
Emersion College Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, California
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Points: 65
12
The University of California Irvine
- Irvine, California
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Points: 62
13
New York Film Academy
- Burbank, California
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Points: 59
14
Woodbury University
- Burbank, California
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Points: 56
15
Santa Monica College
- Santa Monica, California
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Points: 51
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