Best Film Schools – Everything You Need To Know

4. NYU Tisch School of the Arts (New York, USA)

Image Source: NYU

NYU Tisch School of the Arts is globally recognized as a prestigious institution dedicated to pursuing cinematic, performing, and emerging media arts excellence. Renowned for its commitment to nurturing and training aspiring artists and filmmakers, the Tisch School of the Arts is a prominent platform for creative development and artistic expression. The NYU Tisch School of the Arts has a rich history of unwavering dedication to pursuing artistic innovation and exploring new creative frontiers. The educational institution has earned a prestigious reputation for its exceptional academic offerings, particularly in film, theatre, dance, creative writing, comedy, and other performing arts disciplines. The educational institution provides diverse academic programs tailored to individuals’ unique interests and aspirations, spanning from a bachelor’s degree to a Doctorate.

You can acquire diverse skills and knowledge in the realms of acting, dance, design, animation, games, film performance, film production, writing for musical theatre, stage, screen, and television, recorded music, photography, preservation, interactive media, and even public policy. By engaging in these disciplines, individuals can expand their horizons and cultivate a multifaceted understanding of the arts, entertainment, and societal dynamics. Following an enriching experience immersing oneself in the vibrant cultural scene of New York, individuals can further their academic pursuits by embarking on a transformative educational journey at various esteemed campuses affiliated with the institution.

These campuses are strategically located in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and other prominent global academic hubs such as London, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Prague, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Florence, Paris, Washington D.C., Accra, and Berlin. Expanding their education horizons allows students to delve into diverse cultural landscapes and engage with various intellectual perspectives, fostering a truly global and comprehensive learning experience. Due to its fiercely competitive admissions process, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts is widely recognized as a highly sought-after institution for aspiring filmmakers. The admission requirements for each department and program exhibit a considerable degree of variability.

Prospective candidates are advised to diligently peruse the official website of the educational institution in question to access the most current and accurate details about their application process. In addition, we highly recommend exploring the vast array of options available when selecting a reputable and esteemed institution for pursuing your filmmaking aspirations within the United States. The decision to embark on this educational journey is undoubtedly pivotal, as it will shape your future trajectory in the captivating world of cinema.

Broad Curriculum

The focus at NYU Tisch is on having a thorough understanding of the cinematic arts. A wide variety of genres and forms, including documentaries, narrative films, advertisements, and music videos, are encouraged for students to experiment with.

Industry Exposure

Students at Tisch have unmatched access to internship and employment opportunities in the film, television, and digital media sectors because of their location in New York City. These opportunities provide students with the ability to develop valuable professional contacts as well as practical expertise.

Famous Alumni

Tisch has many accomplished graduates, including well-known directors like Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, and Amy Heckerling. This attests to the School’s significant impact on the business.

Art and the City

Students find inspiration from a dynamic creative community and a city that has served as the setting for innumerable movies and television series, thanks to the School’s position in one of the most important cultural centers in the world.

Contact

721 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Phone: (212) 998-1900

Website: NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Courses offered

Under Graduates

Graduate

Fee Details

The average cost of studying at Tisch School of Arts is:

For fee details refer: Graduate Tuition and Fees (nyu.edu)

Application details

Submit the Common Application before scheduling a session for artistic evaluation. The deadline for scheduling your artistic evaluation is strictly enforced immediately following the Common Application deadline.

Application Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

A two-part portfolio to the Department of Cinema Studies is required with the NYU application.

• A five-to-ten-page essay about a film, director, or other moving picture subject.
• A one-page statement answering the questions found on the website.

Graduate Requirements

The Fall 2023 application date is December 1, 2022. Application criteria for Cinema Studies M.A. and Ph.D. programs is as follows:

C.V.

A professional CV must include academic background, job experience, honors, professional group affiliations, conference papers, published work, and language competence.

 Statement

A two-to-three-page statement of purpose describing your academic and professional experience, aspirations, and expectations from the program.

 Sample Writing

A 15–20-page writing sample demonstrates your ability to critically, theoretically, and historically analyze film, television, video, and new media. Writing on the arts or humanities is permissible without a moving-image theme.

Closure

At the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, students are immersed in film and television rather than merely learning about it. It is a setting that fosters creativity, cultivates talent, and champions future storytellers. The school’s integration of art, business, and culture equips aspiring filmmakers with the skills to navigate and contribute to the dynamic film industry.

5.    London Film School (London, UK)

Image Source: LFS

London Film School (LFS) is the U.K.’s oldest film school. LFS has been an opportunity for developing creative talent to improve their craft, discover their voice, and interact directly with the thriving U.K. film industries for over 65 years. The school provides a Ph.D. Film by Practice, three full-time M.A. programs, and a comprehensive schedule of short courses. It is known for its dedication to cinema, innovation, and creative freedom, as well as its reputation for teaching quality and hands-on learning. The Hollywood Reporter often identifies it as one of the best worldwide film schools.

LFS accepts a student body from all over the world and has long been a center of a culture where new ideas, experiences, and viewpoints mingle with customs and history. Once established, a worldwide network is useful for a professional lifetime. With over 180 films produced a year and a commitment to collaborative, practice-based learning, the school fosters a vibrant, intense film environment. LFS encourages and values students’ creativity by allowing them to try new things, question conventional thinking, discover innovative storytelling techniques, and develop fresh connections with audiences. Greg Dyke serves as Chairman of the Board for the London Film School, a non-profit educational organization, while Neil Peplow serves as Director and CEO.

Globally Recognized

The Office for Students named it a World-Leading Specialist Provider in filmmaking, offering world-class quality and competence. Over 60% of the students are international due to excellent teaching and practical learning.

Creativity in Learning

London Film School knows the market and employability and values your dreams and individuality. Instead of copying, LFS lets you innovate cinematic form.

Professional Teaching

LFS educated by seasoned filmmakers and screenwriters. Students learn from the finest and apply real-world working settings and benefit from Visiting Lecturers and Industry professionals in teaching, external exams, and screenings. Built sets, professional cameras, professional digital recorders, Avid editing, and professional dubbing are typical. LFS graduation films often appear at Oscar and Bafta qualifying and prestigious festivals, including Cannes La Cinef, BFI London Film Festival, TIFF, and Berlinale. LFS grads may join Locarno Academy, Berlinale Talents, Film London Labs, Serial Eyes, and other talent labs worldwide.

Verified track record

The Alumni network is extensive and diversified. Thousands of famous alumni and networking possibilities await. Alums include directors Michael Mann (Public Enemies), Mike Leigh (Mr. Turner), Duncan Jones (Moon), Ann Hui (A Simple Life), cinematographers Jo Willems (The Hunger Games), Erik Wilson (Paddington), Roger Pratt (Harry Potter), Tak Fujimoto (The Sixth Sense), Paula Huidobro (CODA), editors Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir (Deadpool 2), Mark Goldblatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), and producer Iain Smith (Mad Max).

Contact

London Film School, 24 Shelton Street, Covent Garden,

WC2H 9UB London, United Kingdom.

Phone: +44 (0)207836 9642

Website: London Film School (lfs.org.uk)

Courses offered  

Fee Details

Student costs for the September 2023 M.A. Filmmaking program are stated below, along with application deadlines. Payment covers film exercises in Terms 1-5 and each student’s graduating film project in Term 6.

For fee details refer: London Film School (lfs.org.uk)

Application Details

London Film School has two selection stages:

• Academic Registry reviews an application to ensure it meets admission standards, has all essential paperwork, and meets English Language requirements.
• An Admissions tutor will interview students who have advanced to the Academic Selection round.

Review

Academic Registry employees examine applications at this stage to ensure the following:

• Education credentials, references, and personal remarks.
• Required certified translations of all applicable papers are accessible in English.
• Submitted an adequate portfolio of work (Academic Registry employees will not assess its quality at this stage)
• English language requirements satisfied

Academic Selection

• Admission Tutors interview applicants who have reached this level.
• One academic staff member will interview online. The school stores interview audio recordings securely and only allow Admissions personnel and interviewers to access them.
• This level assesses your chances of finishing the course. This is usually based on academic performance and topic ability. Professional experience in the cinema or similar fields can substitute academic credentials.
• Other applications will be examined alongside the application and interview. Examine all relevant evidence and grade it against the course selection criteria. The interviewer will discuss the selection criteria with the candidate.

Application Requirements

• Students must complete the LFA website’s course-specific application form.
• While an undergraduate degree might help, the LFA mainly seeks filmmaking enthusiasm and potential. You may apply even without an academic background.
• Outlining why to attend LFA, your objectives, and any prior filmmaking experience.
• Creative Portfolio: Depending on the course
• Previous works, screenplays, or other creative examples are required for the filmmaking certificate.
• Screenwriting Diploma: Short scripts or snippets from lengthier works.
• One or two academic or professional references are usually requested.
• Application shortlisting will be interviewed in-person, via phone, or by videoconferencing.

Closure

The London Film Academy is known for its immersive and hands-on approach to film education. If you want to immerse yourself in filmmaking through practical experience, LFA is an excellent choice. Refer to the London Film Academy’s official website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

6.    Beijing Film Academy (Beijing, China)

Image Source: BIC

The biggest university for cinema and television production in Asia, with a history spanning more than 50 years, is Beijing Cinema Academy (BFA). The Academy has five schools, seven departments, and twelve specializations. The School of Literature offers courses in film literature, directing, film and television program production, performing arts, photography, sound recording, art design, and advertising. The School of Management offers film production, management, and distribution courses. The School of Photography offers courses in still photography. The School of Animation offers courses in animation. Although traditional higher education is the foundation of the Academy, adult education programs are available in various formats, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies, professional training, correspondence and vocational courses, and night school courses.

The BFA houses the Youth Film Studio, the Editorial Board of the BFA Journal, the Library, the Television Program Production Center, the Digital Art and Technology Research Center, the Theoretical Studies Center, and the Film and Television Experimental Laboratory. These resources provide academics from home and abroad with every amenity for instruction, production, and research. In the year of admission, the Beijing Film Academy test is conducted in March for undergraduates and in April for graduate students.

Programs and Discipline

Beijing Cinematic Academy provides Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate degrees in various cinematic fields. BFA courses include screenplay writing, film theory, directing, production, acting, art design, advertising, animations, sound art, cinematography, photography, and entertainment management. Beijing Film Academy has five schools and eight sections. The departments include Art Direction, Film Theory, Management, Photography, Screenwriting and Cinema Studies, and Sound Recording.

Academic and Scientific Research Facilities

Beijing Film Academy has four professional studios with ARRI Alaxa, ARRI Lights, Kino Flo, Panther, Steadicam, and Quantel and Da-Vinci postproduction and grading suites. Beijing Film Academy has several facilities and cutting-edge technology. Audiovisual Publications Publishing House, BFA Library, Digital Art and Technology Research Center, BFA Journal Editorial Board, Film and Television Experimental Laboratory, Television Program Production Center, Theoretical Studies Center, and Youth Film Studio are BFA facilities and research centers.

Beijing Film Academy Success

The BFA Youth Film Studio hosts various staff and student projects. The studio debuted in 1979 and has produced over 70 films. The studio’s films have received local, national, and worldwide honors. The young film company also dubs foreign films. BFA alumni have received national and international cinema and television awards for over 65 years. They graduated directors, producers, screenwriters, performers, and actresses. The most notable recent alums include actors, actresses, and directors. BFA’s prominent alums are largely fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation directors. Wu Tianming, Wu Yigong, Teng Wenji, and Zhang Nuanxin are famous fourth-generation filmmakers. The Cannes and Venice Film Festival-winning modern Chinese American director Dayyan Eng relocated to Beijing Film Academy.

International Communication and Cooperation

Beijing Film Academy enrolls 146 long-term international students from 49 countries for degrees. Beijing Film Academy outperforms more than 100 film schools in academic structure, school scale, professional direction, teaching strength, course design, teaching facilities, artistic creation, graduate quality, teaching and management, and film theory research. Beijing film school is the most distinctive of Chinese higher education of arts, the biggest in Asia, and a well-known film institution worldwide. Beijing Film Academy has made great strides in educating international students since the 1950s. Each year, international student enrolment grows. BFA is one of Beijing’s nine significant overseas student higher education institutions and has received the “Advanced Unit in Teaching and Management of Overseas Students in Beijing” award numerous times.

Courses offered

Programs in English at Beijing Film Academy, China

Contact

Department Office,3rd floor, Building G,

No. 4 Xitucheng Road,  Haidian District,

Beijing 100088.

Phone: +86 -10-82283210

Website: (bfa.edu.cn)

Fee Details

For fee details refer: Beijing Film Academy Fee Structure | Tuition Fees, Accommodation Fee and Application Fee | CUCAS

Application Details

• Applicants with Chinese parents must have a valid non-Chinese passport or Certificate of Nationality for at least four years. If the candidate has lived outside China for more than two years (9 months may count as one year, subject to entrance and exit stamps) in the past four years (up to April 30 of the year of enrollment), they must produce records.
• The applicant must be 18–30 at the time of enrollment.
• Applicant must fulfill Chinese Ministry of Education and Health health criteria.
• Candidates from countries with active military service finish their service before applying.
• The application will be denied if the applicant has a history of expulsion.
• Applicants with criminal or incarceration histories will not be accepted.

Application Requirement

• Information page for the Passport Application
• Official certificate (or notarized copy) of your greatest level of education Passport photo
• All official high school and university transcripts
• Statement of purpose (no more than three pages, double-spaced)
• Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from a teacher or school counselor.
• A narrative outline for the original work. 5-minute brief film
• Ten to twelve images of still photography
• The minimum score for the TOEFL is 85, while the minimum score for the IELTS is 6.5.
• List the activities and honors you most enjoy or best demonstrate.
• Transaction receipt for the application deposit (800 RMB).

Closure

The Beijing Film Academy is a prestigious institution with a legacy of producing successful alumni. However, getting into BFA programs is extremely competitive, so applicants must ensure their applications are well-prepared.