Top 10 California Film Schools for Filmmakers to Consider

California is well-known for a vibrant and expansive video production and film industry, with plenty of budding filmmakers ready to get started in the field of film and media. Whether you’re trying to find large or small California film schools, keep reading to see if you find the right fit for your vision. These schools below all offer excellent training for passionate California filmmakers and can help you get a great start in your career in the California industry. From intensive programs for the hands-on learner to the traditional film program at a smaller college, there are options available for all.

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We know the challenges that abound in the California video production community, and that the journey can be a challenging one. Fortunately, many of these schools will help prepare graduates for successful careers in anything from California film production to the visual arts, radio, and even photography. As you study the main principles of filming, editing and production, you will find a film path with some of the major film companies, news studios, and advertising agencies as well as steady ground for getting started in self-employment.”

1. CalArts

CalArts offers specialized programs geared towards aspiring filmmakers who are looking to study specific practices for a successful career in the film industry. From Film Directing to Character Animation, Film Directing, and Film and Video, CalArts offers programs designed for both the undergraduate and graduate level. As an innovative school offering not only experienced professors, but a close proximity to the country’s hub of film and television production, CalArts is a top option in the state.

Number:

(661) 255-1050 

Location:

24700 McBean Pkwy

Valencia, CA 91355

2. UCLA

There are many reasons to choose UCLA’s programs in the Department of Film, Television, and Digital Media, with both undergraduate and graduate degrees available, as well as internships available for students. Whether you want to study cinematography, animation, directing, documentary, screenwriting, or production, there are options available for you at UCLA. Uniquely positioned in Los Angeles, this School of Theater, Film, and Television can get you a head start on your career in the area, thanks to being a well-connected option in the city.

Number:

(310) 206-844

Location:

102 East Melnitz Hall
Box 951622
Los Angeles, CA 90095

3. USC

If you want a well-rounded education for your career in film, the department of Cinematic Arts at USC offers a great program that spreads across seven disciplines, allowing graduates to walk into their new careers, fully-prepared for the demanding industry that is the field of film. From a Bachelor of Arts to a Bachelor of fine Arts, there are various options for degrees at USC. The school also has a program that uniquely positions you for a job post-studies, making it a favorite option in the state for many.

Number:

(213) 740-8358

Location:

900 West 34th Street

 Los Angeles, CA 90089

4. UC Berkeley

As a top school in the state and well-known for its Department of Film and Media, UC Berkeley is certainly a top option to consider for aspiring filmmakers looking for California film schools where they can get an in-depth education that can position them for success in the industry. From undergraduate programs to graduate programs, the school offers various options, no matter where you may be in your film education journey. Whether you get a BA in Film and Media or simply take some courses at UC Berkeley, you’ll have the ability to receive instruction on everything you may possibly need to know for a successful film career, from the history of film to theory, and best of all, a rich and innovative program designed to teach you everything you need to know.

Number:

(510)642-1415

Location:

7408 Dwinelle Hall
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720

5. Stanford University

From film to creative writing, art, film, music, design, and theater, Stanford University provides a broad array of programs and studies for the aspiring filmmaker who is looking to get the well-rounded education that will fully prepare them for a career in film. You can learn everything from screenwriting to the technical aspects in film production, as well as documentary making and culture in cinema. As a leading school in the country, it’s a great option for those looking for one of the best film schools in the state.

Number:

(650) 723-2300

Location:

450 Serra Mall

Stanford, CA 94305

6. Loyola Marymount University

If you’re ready to pursue a career in animation for film, the program at Loyola Marymount University may be the right option for you. With courses geared towards providing students with hands-on experience, as they learn about everything from film to television, 3D filmmaking, and more, this is one of the best California film schools for anyone hoping to learn about animation.

Number:

(310) 338-2700

Location:

1 LMU Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90045

7. The Los Angeles Film School

Cutting-edge and one of the leading schools in a city that is undoubtedly a mecca for all things film-related, The Los Angeles Film School offers programs that are designed for hands-on experience so that by the time you walk out of the classroom, you have working experience ready to be put to use at your new job in the industry. With film sets and production stages, and a highly experienced faculty, this school has a top-notch reputation for good reason. From cinematography to animation, production, and film, there are both associate degrees and bachelor of science degrees available for students here.

Number:

(877) 952-3456

Location:

6363 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028

8. Chapman University

Well-known in the industry with greats like Stephen Galloway leading the way, the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University is definitely a choice to be considered. You can obtain degrees in anything from Movies and Television to Marketing and Communication, so whatever type of film career you’re looing for, Doge College can get you ready. As a leading school in the region, it positions you for success in the local California industry.

Number:

(714) 997-6815

Location:

One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866

9. Pepperdine University

Offering a film major and minor, Pepperdine University makes it easy for you to reach your educational goals in film, whatever they may be. You’ll have the chance to learn everything from the theory to the history of cinema and digital media arts as well as receive hands-on experience. You can be confident that when you leave the school with a bachelor’s degree in film studies, you’ll be aptly able to demonstrate capability in everything from cinematography to editing, sound, and more.

Number:

(310) 506-4225

Location:

Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

10. San Francisco State University

The SFSU School of Cinema dates back to the 1960s, and continues to boast of programs that offer artistic and social courses designed towards helping aspiring filmmakers have an in-depth background for their future careers. With the B.A. in Cinema a top pic for many aspiring filmmakers, students will have the chance to learn everything from the technological to the industrial and artistic aspects of a film career. SFSU is one of the leading California film schools and the quality programs help prepare students for successful careers in the film industry.

Number:

(415) 338-1629

Location:

1600 Holloway Ave

San Francisco, CA 94132

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