Top 11 New York Film Schools for Fledgling Filmmakers to Consider
As a New York video production company we know how important your selection process must be. While there are so many film school options to choose from in New York, NY, there’s a handful of great schools where you could learn the skills you need to step into the field. To help you out in narrowing down your options, we’ve created a list of noteworthy schools where you can pave your path to success. Good luck, future New York filmmaker! Break a leg.
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1. New York University
Between staff, students, and faculty, NYU generates more than 5,000 films per year. Impressive, right? Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas) and Chris Columbus (Night at the Museum), editor Sally Menke (Pulp Fiction), independent filmmakers Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) and Joel Coen (No Country for Old Men) are just a handful of the impactful filmmakers that graduated from this top-notch school.
Cinema Studies and Undergraduate Film & Television programs are both offered at NYU. Additionally, NYU offers summer courses, workshops, and even high school courses for aspiring filmmakers looking to get a step ahead.
Phone Number:
212-998-1700
Location:
721 Broadway
New York, New York 10003
2. New York Film Academy
The New York Film Academy is a hands-on film & acting school. Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and other astounding figures in the industry have sent their family members to this school to study the craft of filmmaking.
The New York Film Academy offers everything from degree programs, to conservatory-style programs, to workshops and camps. Depending on your level of experience and what you’re interested in doing, this school has plenty of tracks to choose from. Filmmaking, screenwriting, producing, 3D animation, and cinematography are just a few of the topics address in the New York Film Academy’s world-renowned programs.
Phone Number:
212-674-4300
Location:
17 Battery Pl
New York, NY 10004
3. Pratt Institute
At the Pratt Institute School of Art, the BFA in Film program is built to foster learning in the next generation of filmmakers. Whether you’re interested in building movies for the big screen or finding success in YouTube communities, Pratt addresses it all.
Starting freshman year, students have immediate access to the latest digital cinema cameras, microphones, editing resources, and other types of production materials. Pre-professional experiences are abundant at this school, with microcinemas and top-notch galleries that expose your vision to the community. This allows you to network and build connections before stepping out into the field on your own!
Phone Number:
718-636-3600
Location:
200 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
4. The City College of New York
This remarkable college is home to one of the oldest film schools in the country, offering a small class size for a more personal, hands-on experience. The City College of New York is also proud to be the only public school in NYC to offer a BFA in film.
When you enroll in this program, you and your 24 fellow students will be immersed in an exciting, intense two year curriculum where you’ll be producing mostly narrative and documentary film. This school encourages students individuality, and provides them with the skills and tools needed to play a key role in the always developing world of film.
Phone Number:
212-650-8961
Location:
160 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031
5. Columbia University
This world-renown university is host to one of the most exclusive film schools in the country. With only 6% of applicants gaining admission, you know if you’re accepted here you will be among the cream of the crop and will be receiving an incredible education.
Columbia’s film school offers an MFA program with a focus in either one of two areas: Screenwriting/Directing or Creative Producing. In the Screenwriting/Directing program, students will take a number of creative workshops and participate in research arts work, creating a few short films as well as writing both feature length and short films scripts. In the Creative Producing program, students will have a chance to work with producers currently participating in the field to gain the necessary creative and business skills needed to produce a film.
Phone Number:
212-854-1754
Location:
116th St & Broadway
New York, NY 10027
6. Film Connection
Film Connection offers a unique program where students get to work and learn directly from a real New York film production company! The school offers two programs, Film Producing & Editing, as well as Cinematography
In the Film Production & Editing program, you’ll be studying all aspects of producing, directing, and screenwriting from industry professionals while developing your amazing idea with a real filmmaker. Once you’ve met the necessary requirements, you’ll get the opportunity to pitch your script to an executive and just maybe see your story brought to life! In the Cinematography program, you will learn all the necessary skills to become a DP (director of Photography) in a hands-on, incredible environment.
Phone Number:
917-580-6765
Location:
1330 Avenue of the Americas 23A
New York, NY 10019
7. Pace University
Based in New York, and offering versatile, accessible programs, Pace University has a variety of courses geared toward film hopefuls, ranging from acting to art history, communications, digital cinema, and more. Offering undergraduate degrees and personalized attention for students, Pace University makes it easy for you to excel in your studies. You’ll definitely get the hands-on experience you want that can propel you into the film industry when you graduate.
Phone Number:
212-346-1514
Location:
One Pace Plaza
New York, NY 10038
8. Fordham University
From the history to the theory of film and television production, Fordham University provides a practical approach to the studies of filmmaking. Offering focus on creative writing, film and television production, as well as communication and media studies, students hoping to succeed in the New York film industry not only get the stellar education they seek but are uniquely positioned in the city to be connected in the local film scene. With experienced professors preparing you, you’ll be ready to create great film when you leave Fordham University.
Phone Number:
212-636-6000
Location:
Lincoln Center
33 W. 60th Street
New York, NY 10023
9. Rochester Institute of Technology
If you want to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Animation, the Rochester Institute of Technology offers the education you seek, based on the pillars of great filmmaking, including animation (including 2D and 3D), production, and screenwriting. You’ll also learn everything from theory and history to the business side of the film industry. Some alumni have already won awards and many current students are well on their way to greatness in the field.
Phone Number:
585-475-2711
Location:
One Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
10. School of Visual Arts
From a BFA in Cartooning or Animation, as well as Fine Arts and Film to a MFA in Design or Art Writing, the School of Visual Arts provides plenty of programs for the film creative who wants to further their education.
Uniquely positioned in New York, yet also offering studies abroad, this school provides you with the versatility you may be looking for, while preparing you for a successful career in the arts and film. The school encourages freedom of expression and diversity and inclusion, making it a favorite option for many.
Phone Number:
212-592-2000
Location:
209 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
11. Barnard College
The Film Studies Program is well-designed at Barnard College, teaching students everything about the history and theory of film while grounding them in the practices of storytelling, sociopolitical and economic aspects in the industry, and film technology. Located in New York, students have the ability to easily connect with professionals in the industry, making it easy to transition from their studies to a career in the field of film. From screenwriting to film production, you’ll learn everything you need to know in the courses provided at Barnard College.
Phone Number:
212-854-2116
Location:
417 Barnard Hall
Barnard College
30009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Honorable Mentions
These schools are a little outside the city, but still incredible institutions that can help boost your film career.
1. Vassar College
This college is one of the first liberal arts colleges to have an intensive film major at its school. Vassar College’s Film Department is international and diverse, covering everything from film theory to history, and every type of film in-between. This school’s BA degree covers two different areas of film: Film History and Theory and Screenwriting and Production. This way, students are exposed to the foundations of film before working in the field.
Integration is key for Vassar College. For example, integrating film studies with filmmaking, and integrating film and television, allow students to maximize their learning opportunities! Eventually, students will “integrate” themselves into the filmmaking community with all of the skills learned at this school.
Phone Number:
845-437-5473
Location:
124 Raymond Avenue, Box 741
Poughkeepsie, New York 12604-0741
2. Ithaca College
Ithaca College’s B.F.A. in Film, Photography, and Visual Arts is truly the whole package. This degree program is best for students looking to experience a wide range of opportunities in the filmmaking process. From exploring digital media, to photography, to television studies, Ithaca’s diverse undergraduate track can prepare you for any professional environment.
Recent graduates from Ithaca College are already working in art and production with companies such as R/GA advertising agency and Bull Moose Pictures LLC in New York City. Perhaps this well-rounded program can benefit you too!
Phone Number:
607-274-3011
Location:
953 Danby Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
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