Film School

Chapter threeApplying to Film School: Program-Specific Research

1. Eight Great American Film Schools (And Seventeen Very Good Ones)

The American film industry is centered in Los Angeles and New York, which also host nearly all of the elite American film schools. Understand that film schools differ not only as broad institutions, but in their individual programs and the kind of filmmakers they produce.

Here it’s helpful to create a portrait of yourself: your ambitions, taste, needs, finances, learning style and maturity. Take stock of your past experiences: Do you feel ready to make a leap to a big city? Are you the kind of person who enjoys formal learning? Would you benefit from some more life experience before you lock down a school you want ...