From Tisch to Tel Aviv: the Top 10 Film Schools Around the World

There are many filmmaking schools in the world today with varying levels of pedigree and reputation. So how does a student choose the best among these? Is it history and longevity in the industry? Specialty programs? What really makes a top filmmaking school stand out from the rest? 

Filmmaking is a multifaceted industry that requires exceptional expertise to function, and this, in turn, calls for superior training. From the first school established in 1919 to date, here are the top 10 Film Schools.

1. The National Film and Television School, London

National Film and Television School is a prestigious institute for the performing arts in London with outstanding programs. The school offers training in filmmaking, television, and gaming, as well as superior instruction in cinematography. 

The school offers over 30 certificate, diploma, and MA courses to international students and that makes it a favorite destination for budding actors and filmmakers. Based in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, the school is conveniently near London.

2. Australian Film, Television & Radio School

Australian Film, Television & Radio School was established in 1973 ostensibly to serve the local market but has since gained international prominence. The school boasts top of the range facilities, a beach location to die for, and a renowned faculty besides numerous awards from premier film festivals. 

Though a little pricy in tuition costs, its programs are excellent and attract many international students who seek a different experience.

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3. University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts

The University of Southern California is arguably one of the oldest film schools in the world established in 1929 and second only to Moscow Film School (1919). This is a premier school with excellent trendsetting programs that have revolutionized the film industry. 

Graduates of this great school are all over the film industry encompassing producers, writers, cinematographers, editors, executives, critics, performers, and a host of other crew.

4. NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Tisch School of the Arts is another best school outside California, the glamor state of film industry in the US. This fine school right in the heart of the Apple City has a large student population that makes a tight community and sets a conducive learning environment. What sets Tisch apart is the inclusion of a business degree alongside film art programs as a double major.

5. Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv University, in Israel, is a leading filmmaking school that enjoys a close partnership with the great NYU Tisch School of the Arts. This cooperation has elevated the school’s programs to international recognition attracting many students from all over the world. 

A student filmmaker gets a touch of culture as programs offered in both English and Hebrew creates a unique experience of the Levant. The exotic setting enhances the allure of TAU.

6. Academy of Art University, San Francisco

Academy of Art University based in San Francisco is a fully accredited private institute with excellent programs defining over 30 areas of study. 

The beauty of programs at AAU is the option for online tuition that allows the convenience of time and home study for busy students or those living outside San Francisco. This works well for international students, especially in programs such as writing for cinema.

7. The Savannah College of Art

The Savannah College of Art and Design stands out among the leading filmmaking schools for its international footprint. The Savannah opened the Lacoste campus, France in 2002 and another all the way out in Hong Kong in 2010. 

Its programs include animation and related design platforms, writing, production, sound, and performing arts, among many others. The school’s reach allows for a wider cultural experience encompassing American, Europe, and the Far East.

8. Columbia College, Chicago

Columbia College has the city of Chicago as its iconic training and shoot location with such a glittering backdrop. An inland city with a scenic lake, varied neighborhoods, and a wonderful sculpture garden that civic authorities encourage filmmaking students to use. 

This opens up the students’ imagination and creativity who exploit the sites as they study. A YouTube Creator Institute for digital media training is another attraction at CC.

9. Centro de Capacitacion Cinematographica, Mexico

Well, well, can you speak Spanish? If you can pass by in Spanish and love the exotic, then the Centro de Capacitacion Cinematographica in Mexico City is a great option and affordable too. 

The CCC has programs in digital filmmaking besides the traditional 16mm and 35mm. What is a good film without fine sound? CCC takes care of this in its programs using excellent audio production equipment in training.

10. FAMU International, Prague

FAMU International, founded in 1946, is the fifth oldest filmmaking school in the world and right in the center of Europe. Based in Prague, Czech Republic, this school offers master’s degree programs in cinema and digital media for directors and screenwriters. 

Intensive 5-week summer programs in filmmaking are a popular attraction for those engaged in activities elsewhere. The icing on the cake is the use of English for international students.

Conclusion

So, what makes a great filmmaking school? The answer is many things to different people. It could depend on what area of filmmaking you are interested in, or proximity, online programs, reputation, language, etc. What is evident is that all schools excel in chosen areas of training and it is up to the student to match their expectations with each institute’s programs to find one suitable for them.

About the author: Elizabeth Skinner is a prolific academic writer who has more than a decade’s experience in this line of work. She has been a university topper and has a penchant for writing since her college days, which makes her a great writer to get your thesis, dissertation and essays from.