Top 9 Boston Film Schools for Young Filmmakers to Consider

Boston ranks among the top five U.S. media markets, so it makes sense that they sport a grand Top 9 Boston Film Schools list. While there are many schools to enroll in, we built a list of notable schools that are worth considering. Feel free to take a look at this list before narrowing down the options that are best for aspiring Boston filmmakers. Best of luck and break a leg!

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    Harvard’s Film and Visual Studies Graduate Program prepares prospective students for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These courses are built to test students’ mastery of visual media, as well as their knowledge of the history, theory, and aesthetics of moving images in relation to the visual and performing arts. Qualifying papers, exams, and dissertation prospectus is required for candidacy for a PhD in Film and Visual Studies.

    Students start the teaching in their third year, which is another required part of each student’s training. If you’re looking to advance your career in film and prepare yourself to teach it, Harvard’s graduate program might be best for you.

    Phone Number:

    617-495-5315

    Location:

    Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center
    1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 350
    Cambridge, MA 02138-3654

    Boston University’s BS in Film & Television degree hones all kinds of skills in the realm of film. At this school, students study writing, image creation, managing, producing, all while learning the history and theory of film and television. The Bachelor of Science program is designed to be student-oriented.

    Classes are usually small, allowing you to work closely with professors that are internationally-acclaimed members of the film community. Students are able to choose between four focuses: production, screenwriting, film and television studies, or management/producing. You choose what focus you’re most interested in and BU staff will help you reach your ultimate goal!

    Phone Number:

    617-353-3450

    Location:

    Boston University College of Communication
    640 Commonwealth Avenue
    Boston, MA 02215

    UMass’s Cinema Studies program primarily studies the history, theory, aesthetics, and criticism of film and other moving-image media. That being said, critical study and cinema’s relation to other arts are also some of the courses incorporated in this program’s curricula.

    The school features frequent visits from distinguished scholars and filmmakers, offering lectures, screenings, and discussions for students to participate in. Additionally, UMass is known for its enriching film and media internships, as well as study abroad experiences. The school offers all kinds of opportunities that can make your resume shine, making it an important member of our top 7 Boston film schools.

    Phone Number:

    617-287-5000

    Location:

    100 William T. Morrissey Blvd.

    Boston, MA 02125

    New York Film Academy offers programs at Harvard University during the summer, giving students an opportunity to learn at one of the most famous schools in the world. Located minutes away from Boston, the New York Film Academy has an open enrollment, so students with all kinds of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

    The New York Film Academy hosts workshops with a rigorous full-time schedule. Filmmaking Workshops offer shooting with 16mm film on Arriflex-S cameras and portable Lowel lighting packages while students in the Digital Filmmaking Workshops utilize digital cameras. Every student receives experience with digital editing software and other equipment used in leading degree programs in the United States. These workshops are short but meaningful experiences for students looking to hone their skills (particularly with equipment).

    Phone Number:

    212-674-4300

    Location:

    Harvard University
    Massachusetts Hall
    Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

    Film Connection is an innovative and prestigious film school alternative. Its Boston location offers two major programs: Film Production & Editing and Cinematography. Film Production & Editing prepares students with directing, producing, and screenwriting opportunities while Cinematography helps hone the “technological wizardry” needed capture the perfect shot. Film Connection also offers two workshops with focuses in screenwriting and film editing, if that’s more up your alley.

    Phone Number:

    617-963-0920

    Location:

    225 Franklin St

    Boston, MA 02110

    MassArt offers continuing education opportunities through its summer film school. MassArt’s “Documentary Filmmaking A-Z” program is essentially a mini-film school! Through “documentary boot camps,” camera and video editing, and production opportunities, students receive professional experiences that are similar (if not identical) to real-world production work.

    It’s known to be an intensive program, but it essentially packs a year of work into a month-long program. If you want to specialize in documentaries, or hone your skills to better film one, this program is a great pick for you.

    Phone Number:

    617-879-7000

    Location:

    Massachusetts College of Art and Design
    621 Huntington Ave
    Boston, MA 02115

    Emerson College’s Department of Visual and Media Arts is well-renowned for fostering compelling art from capable students. The school offers four enriching undergraduate programs for rising filmmakers:

    • The Bachelor of Arts in Production
    • The Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies
    • The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Media Arts Production
    • The Global Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Art

    With experienced faculty members who are active members of the industry and a myriad of production resources, there are plenty of film production opportunities offered at Emerson. This member of our top 7 Boston film schools list is not to be overlooked!

    Phone Number:

    617-824-8500

    Location:

    120 Boylston Street

    Boston, MA 02116

    Many a current celebrity has once graced the halls of this university, which could help you understand just how top-notch this school’s film programs really are.

    Offering a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Television, and Interactive Media, you’ll have the opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, spanning everything from creative arts to computer science. You’ll also learn about film style, content, editing, and screenwriting, preparing you for a creative yet informed career in the film industry.

    Phone Number:

    781-736-8270

    Location:

    415 South Street

    Waltham, MA 02453

    For anyone looking for a Media and Film Major, look no further. Suffolk University offers you the chance to get a well-rounded education in film and media, offering the practices and theory to prepare you as innovative creators with practical knowledge.

    From World Cinema to the Business of Media, the designed courses will provide you with all the film education you need to move forward in a successful career in the industry.

    Phone Number:

    617-573-8000

    Location: 

    73 Tremont Street

    Boston, MA 02108

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