The Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada 2022

OUTSTANDING PRODUCER TRAINING 

University of North Carolina School of the Arts  

(Winston-Salem, North Carolina)

Storytelling meets entrepreneurship in UNCSA’s MFA in Creative Producing program, which is especially well-suited to professionals who can commit to a master’s program while continuing to work. Tuition for students in the B.A. and MFA programs is less than half that of many other top-tier film schools, and the degree programs now provide a cash budget and all equipment needed for every senior student thesis project. The Creative Producing program teaches students about every aspect of the story development process, from concept to draft, with workshops to develop familiarity with the script-to-screen process. Students also learn copyright law as it pertains to movie acquisitions, writing business plans, distribution, and exhibition. Jeff Nichols, Danny McBride, and Brett Haley are just a few of the university’s notable alumni who visit the school for distinguished visitor lectures and have been known to hire students to work on their projects. 

Canada

OUTSTANDING FILM PRODUCTION TRAINING 

Capilano University

(North Vancouver, British Columbia)

Capilano University promises students in its Motion Picture Arts program that they will “learn how to tell stories that evoke emotions and change lives.” Every element of the program prepares students to develop professional and respectful cross-cultural collaborations. Students have access to resources ranging from an 8,000-square-foot sound stage to 3D camera rigs and a 3D editing lab. They can choose from several different directions in filmmaking, including writing, editing, and production. Its also a major draw for those looking to concentrate on below-the-line fields such as lighting/grip work, costuming, animation (2D and 3D), visual effects, games and virtual reality. Vancouver is of course home to productions from all over North America and the world, ensuring job opportunities galore. 

OUTSTANDING ANIMATION TRAINING 

Concordia University 

(Montréal, Québec)

Every visual medium in 2022 is permeated by animation, from movies to VFX to pre-production, gaming, and more. Concordia is very on top of this reality: The BFA in Film Animation is an interdisciplinary program that marries story, design, sound, and more with the art of animation. “Recently we transformed to a full-digital workflow,” says professor Luigi Allemano. “But the architecture of the program was founded in analog techniques.” Students in the program work with clay, paint, drawing and other physical materials while editing on computers, so they are ready to go work for Disney, another animation powerhouse, or anyone else.  Its sprawling campus — you’ll see Concordia buildings all over beautiful downtown Montreal — also hosts plenty of events for the Fantasia Film Festivals, one of our all-time-favorite film festivals.

OUTSTANDING FILM PRODUCTION TRAINING 

Simon Fraser University

(Vancouver, British Columbia)

Undergraduates earning a BFA in Film learn 16mm film on Bolex and Arriflex cameras, as well as how to use optical printers and hand-process film. Why? Because the institution believes that learning through film rather than digital video encourages discipline and proper technique. Students are welcome to move into digital in their third year. Simon Fraser trains students in every aspect of the art and craft of filmmaking: For example, those who want to become editors will also learn to direct and write. Simon Fraser also places a strong emphasis on cinematography because of its commitment to film as a visual medium, and not just a source of entertainment. To that end, students have access to a wide assortment of excellent cameras. 

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