Top 10 New York film schools for filmmakers to consider

New York has a top film production industry—one of the best in the country—and it also boasts of a large number of aspiring filmmakers waiting for their chance to achieve success in the field of film production, acting, and more. If you’re looking for New York film schools-large or small-read along. You’ll be sure to find the best option for your needs. The below schools are communities where upcoming New York filmmakers receive the top-notch training needed to help them get started in their career in the New York industry. There are programs for everyone, from the student who loves immersive courses to the ones looking for a more traditional film program.

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As a participant in the New York video production community, we know that there are challenges. But, with these schools preparing you in everything having to do with New York film production, photography, visual arts, and media, you’ll learn all the principles you need to for building a foundation in filming, editing and production that can lead you to a career paths with major film companies, news studios, and advertising agencies or as you pursue self-employment.

1. NYU

NYU is a great school that can prepare you for a future in storytelling. As one of the best New York film schools, NYU has produced some of the recent greats in the film industry, spanning across the fields of directing to editing, cinematography and more. With an undergraduate program in film and television, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. 

Phone: 212-998-1700

Location:

721 Broadway

New York, New York 10003

2. Columbia

In a competitive film environment like New York, it’s great to get an education that can prepare you to stand out from the rest. The Columbia University School of the Arts has a variety of degree programs available, both with a Film MFA in Creative Producing as well as a Film MFA in Screenwriting/Directing. If you want to stand out, you’ll receive the hands-on experience and instruction by top industry professionals that can help you do just that at Columbia. 

Phone: 212-854-1754

Location:

116th St & Broadway

New York, NY 10027

3. Ithaca

Ithaca can get you going with a B.F.A in Film, Photography, and Visual Arts to provide you with the foundation for a successful future in the world of art and production in New York. The interdisciplinary program at Ithaca allows you to get instruction and develop skill in a variety of practices to ready for you a well-rounded future. From classes in photography to course programs on video editing and art, when you leave Ithaca, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge you may find in your job as a film professional. The school also has a program to get you in the right internship that will suit your objectives. 

Phone:

607-274-3011

Location:

953 Danby Road

Ithaca, NY 14850

4. Vassar

Vassar offers an expansive art program, which includes film  In the Film Department, you’ll find a program geared towards grounding students in all the disciplines and practices necessary for a successful future. From documentary and narrative production to screenwriting and learning about film theory and history, Vassar’s program is ideal for the student who wants to get hands-on experience while learning. 

Phone: 845-437-5473

Location:

124 Raymond Avenue, Box 741

Poughkeepsie, New York 12604-0741

5. Pace University

Walk away from Pace University with a BS in Digital Cinema and Filmmaking, after having learned everything from screenwriting to editing, lighting, and cinematography. Whatever your career vision may be, the program at Pace can ready you for a future in drama production, television, and traditional film. From the top-notch gear to the professors at Pace, there are multiple aspects of this school that make it one of the best New York film schools for a well-rounded foundation for a future in film. 

Phone: 212-346-1514

Location:

One Pace Plaza

New York, NY 10038

6. Pratt Institute 

Pratt offers a broad variety of degree programs ranging from associates to masters in everything from digital arts and animation to game design, interactive media, and digital imaging. Students will find the Pratt Institute environment to be one highly conducive to creativity and expression, where personal talent is encouraged and emphasized. Additionally, students will appreciate the great facilities, equipment, and faculty found at Pratt. 

Phone: 718-636-3600

Location:

200 Willoughby Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

7. New York Film Academy

The College of Visual and Performing Arts offers immersive programs centered around hands-on practices to prepare you in all the skills needed for successful film careers. There are a variety of degree programs available, from a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies to a three year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Game Design, and more. With so many versatile programs available for the creative film hopeful, you can trust NYFA is a great option to consider. 

Phone: 212-674-4300

Location:

17 Battery Pl

New York, NY 10004

8. The City College of New York 

For a smaller and more personal approach than some other options on this list, the City College of New York offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Video. As an older institution, it has a history of producing alumni that have gone on to create some amazing film and video. As a second tier program, it may not be the right choice for those just graduating from high school. 

Phone: 212-650-8961

Location: 

160 Convent Avenue

New York, NY 10031

9. Purchase College

For aspiring filmmakers looking to graduate as a film major, Purchase College will help make it possible for you to learn all the important aspects of filmmaking, from writing to directing, and more. Most of the alumni from Purchase College are currently working in the film industry, so with a reputation like this, it’s a great option to consider. With a BFA in Film from Purchase College, you can find a job in anything from animation to cinematography, and directing. 

Phone: 914-251-6000

Location:

735 Anderson Hill Road

Purchase, NY 10577

10. Fordham University 

As one of the top New York film schools, and one that is uniquely positioned for successful career opportunities, Fordham University may be ideal for you. From cultural to ethical practices, to hands-on learning, the program for a film and television major is expansive, adequate to provide students with the preparation needed for a career in film and media. The program is versatile, offering students the opportunity to choose the best direction and concentration that is right for their career goals. 

Phone: 212-636-6000

Location:

Lincoln Center

33 W. 60th Street

New York, NY 10023

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