Top 6 San Francisco film schools for upcoming filmmakers to consider

San Francisco, California has a vibrant film industry, with a plethora of aspiring filmmakers waiting to get going in the arena. If you’re in search of large or small  San Francisco film schools, keep reading to see if you find the right option for you. These schools mentioned below offer communities where enthusiastic San Francisco filmmakers receive one-on-one training that will help them achieve a successful career in the San Francisco industry. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional program at a small college or hope to find an immersive, stellar film program at a larger university, there are options for everyone.

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As an active member of the San Francisco video production community, we understand the challenges that will come your way. With these schools, you’ll learn all you need to know about San Francisco film production, visual arts, and more. Studying the main principles that you need to know about filming, editing and production can lead you towards a career path with major film companiesnews studios, and advertising agencies or as you follow the option of self-employment.”

1. San Francisco Film School

A school geared towards all things related to filmmaking, San Francisco Film School is an ideal institution to study at. Whether you want to work in film or television, with programs offering an AAS Degree in Digital Filmmaking or a Professional Certificate in Digital Filmmaking, as well as workshops, it’s the ideal school for those getting started on their education in film. With hands-on courses, students get a taste of what the job will be like before they graduate at what is considered one of the best San Francisco film schools. 

Phone Number: 415-824-7000

Location:

155 Sansome St

San Francisco, CA 94104

2. San Francisco State University

SFSU offers a unique program designed around social and artistic ideas, in a way that is diverse and innovative. If you’re looking to study film to achieve a B.A. in Cinema or even go for a Master of Arts in Cinema Studies, if that’s where you’re at in your film education, there are great options available at this school.

It’s also a university that offers a hands-on approach to learning, so you can graduate feeling completely ready for a job in the real world. 

Phone Number: 415-338-1629

Location:

1600 Holloway Ave

San Francisco, CA 94132

3. California College of the Arts

Get a BFA in Film from the California College of the Arts if you’re looking for a non-conventional program that lends itself toward inclusivity and interdisciplinary culture.

The program at CCA provides you with a foundation that can help you approach a career in filmmaking with both knowledge of the theory and culture of film as well as the technical and practical aspects needed for your future job.

From screenwriting to art, production, and media, students who study a BFA in Film at CCA can rest assured they’ll be aptly prepared to succeed in the local San Francisco film scene. 

Phone Number: 800-447-1ART

Location:

1111 Eighth St.

San Francisco, CA 94107

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4. UC Berkeley

Wherever you may be in your film education journey, UC Berkeley offers both B.A. in Film and a Ph.D in Media for aspiring filmmakers.

While the school offers more traditional style courses with an emphasis on theory, history, and analytical thinking of film and media, you’ll be learning from professors with hands-on experience to share with you, making it one of the best San Francisco film schools.

Students get a chance to learn all the principles needed for a knowledgeable exit into the world of film, both in California and beyond. 

Phone Number: 510-642-1415

Location:

7408 Dwinelle Hall

University of California

Berkeley, CA 94720

5. Stanford University

Stanford University offers both a major and minor in Film Studies, allowing students to choose the best option for their future. Highlighting the importance of language and genre, as well as visual and narrative designs, the program offers well-rounded courses that aptly prepare students for a future in the industry.

As one of the most well-known schools around, SU is an ideal place to study if you want to be uniquely positioned for a career in the industry, post-graduation. 

Phone Number: 650-723-2300

Location:

450 Serra Mall

Stanford, CA 94305

6. UC Davis

UC Davis offers a broad array of programs geared towards film and cinema, as well as digital studies. With both traditional teaching offered for the programs combined with hands-on learning, this school allows students to achieve their major, having learned the ins and outs of film, so that they are prepared in more ways than one for their future in film.

As one of the best San Francisco film schools, it’s an option that can help position you for a future in the local film industry once you graduate.

Phone Number: 530-752-0890

Location:

Room 101 Art Building

University of California Davis

Davis, CA 95616

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