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Find the best-valued film schools in Los Angeles if you are looking for a film school to begin an exciting career in the film industry.
When it comes to film schools, LA has the best film schools in California. It’s no doubt, that the film schools in Los Angeles are well recognized in California – although there are many schools to start an exciting study in filmmaking.
In addition, the best film schools in Los Angeles are the perfect choice for students looking forward to getting hands-on practice and quality education in filmmaking.
So, if you are planning to attend a film school in Los Angeles and have decided to look out for the prestigious and best film schools, but don’t know them or find it challenging to pick a school;
Here in this article, We at College Reporters have taken the responsibility to help you find and select the top film schools in Los Angeles, California. You will also be provided with some needful information such as their programs, courses and tuition fees. Read On!
About Film Schools in Los Angeles
It is no dispute that Los Angeles city has the best film schools and is the right place to attend film schools in California if getting into the prestigious top film schools is your focus and next plan.
Just like London has the best film schools in the UK – Los Angeles is a centre of entertainment and home of film schools if any of the roles: filmmaking, producing, editing, directing and acting is your passion.
The top film schools in Los Angeles are notable and reputable for their professional programs and courses – BA, MA in filmmaking and courses such as directing, producing, editing and a wide range of short courses.
In addition to the courses offered, there is an incredible network with professionals and industries for those interested in starting professionally while in school.
Why Attend Film Schools in Los Angeles
Unlike many other schools (colleges and universities) – film schools are established to offer professional training in filmmaking, documentary and television.
But the best film school in Los Angeles focuses on technical knowledge and behind the camera profession such as editing, producing, directing, screenwriting and cinematography.
If you are going to develop those required skillsets for your career in the industry, the list of best film schools in Los Angeles is your best check for a reputable school.
How Much Does Film Schools Cost in Los Angeles?
The cost or tuition fee of film schools varies between schools. There is no fixed cost/tuition fee for the film degree program and course.
On average, the tuition fee of film schools in Los Angeles cost around $30,000 to $54,000 for a program.
Film Careers For A Film Graduate
There are exciting opportunities – careers in the film industry to grow your experiences if you enjoy the action, work, creativity and planning to be a professional
Here are some of the careers in filmmaking that will suit you.
Film Editor
The editor has one of the amazing work to do, the role requires you to put the video footage together – a post-production task which is essential to film production.
Using editing suite, the editor finds the best way to create the make the story to captivate the audience’s view.
Producer
First for a film a producer can also be the director. The role is to make the actors and actresses put themselves into character and tell the right story in the way it has been written.
If there is a director, the film producer works closely with the director in the post and pre-production.
Screenwriter
Creating the story for the film in the best way that combines the action and speech of the actor is the role of the screenwriter.
As a screenwriter, you will work closely with a director and producer to create the story. As the scripts can be accepted or rejected by the producer if the story does have what it takes to produce a film.
Cinematographer
As a cinematographer, your role is to shoot the film or video and manage the camera shot composition.
The role also requires you to work hand in hand with the lighting and camera crew.
Director
As a director, the role is to ensure the story and film is rightly told through the actor/actress.
The role requires leadership skills – such as team coordinator, as it requires both correction and review of the creatives at pre and post-production.
Actor/Actress
It is not a behind-the-camera role, because you are the cast performing.
An actor or actress takes part in the story by putting himself or herself in the story for the audience to view. For this role, you will need a theatre art degree, major in acting.
How You Can Find Reputable Film Schools In Los Angeles
One may ask, how can i find a good film school? There are many options for film schools, but selecting the best film schools is the right decision.
Here are some listed factors and needed checklist to find the reputable top film schools in Los Angeles, California.
Programme and Courses
Facilities and Equipment
Tuition Fees
Professionals and Industry Network
How To Get Into Film Schools in Los Angeles
Admission into the top film schools in London is very difficult and can be competitive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t gain admission.
Since it’s highly competitive, only a few students out of thousands of applicants do get an offer.
It’s the more reason you must find out how to get into a film school especially the film schools in Los Angeles and California.
Display Academic Performance
Beyond your talent in filmmaking, many prestigious film schools need the applicant to exhibit some excellent performance in academics.
An excellent academic performance does play a determining role in the final applicants’ selection.
Do combine your film talent with your academics to demonstrate you are a well-rounded applicant.
Select and Embrace a Course
After you have decided on the film school you want to attend, you should also choose a film course you want to study, that matches your film career interest.
It is important to select the right course because some courses may be too difficult for beginners.
In addition, you need to ensure that the film course and program are accredited and that the school have updated equipment.
You can speak with current school students to know the recent updates and how the selected course will suit your study.
Apply to Schools
Apply to film schools once you have selected the right course to study. This usually involves submitting documents such as personal statement, admission essay, resume, portfolio, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
CHECK ALSO
Here Are The Best Film Schools in Los Angeles to Attend
Here is the list of prestigious top film schools in Los Angeles. Click on your preferred choice of film school for a complete overview of information.
| S/N | Best Film Schools in Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|
| 1. | Los Angeles Film Schools |
| 2. | American Film Institute Conservatory |
| 3. | University of California, Los Angeles |
| 4. | University of Southern California |
| 5. | New York Film Academy, Los Angeles |
| 6. | Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television |
| 7. | Art Center College of Design, Pasadena |
| 8. | California Institute of Arts |
| 9. | California State University, Northridge |
| 10. | Chapman University |
| 11. | Relativity School |
1. Los Angeles Film Schools
Based in Hollywood, The Los Angeles Film School was founded in 1999 and is one of the best film schools in Los Angeles that provide hand-on practice in editing, production, cinematography and few other courses.
Los Angeles Film School boast of it’s Boulevard campus – centrally located California to facilitate great learning and access to industry.
The school is a great selection for students who want professional training in music, audio and film production. Also the film schools is one of the leading film schools in Los Angeles offering wide range of courses from a good state-of-art facilities.
Before you join some gaggle of students, unlike other school it is less of traditional school environment, although has great professionals who are expert in the industry to help you kickstart your journey in the career.
As a film school, LA Film School provides students the opportunity to work on live projects and acquire the practical training to take on the real-world professional film production.
Looking into the programs and courses, Los Angeles Film School offers a vairety of courses such as film production, editing, directing, cinematography.
In addition, courses such as audio and music production, animation: game art and visual effects are offered by Los Angeles Film Schools as a bachelor degree program. The school also provide online degree in Digital Filmmaking, entertainment business.
It is obvious without doubt, the school is among preferred best film schools in California for a professional filmmaking career.
The tuition fee for study in the school is very affordable. Having an average tuition fee range from $33,000 to $76,100, your choice of course tuition fee can be considerable lower.
However, do check with the school for a current tuition fee and funding. Notable alumni are the popular Brandon Trost, Kyle Newacheck and Hannah Davis.
School Details
Programs: BA (Hons) Filmmaking, Animation, Film and Television. Online Courses
Fees: $33,100 – $42,500
Location: 24 Shelton St, London
2.American Film Institute Conservatory
When you think of professional film training schools, one of the big name that comes first is American Film Institute (AFI). Founded in 1969, the film school attracts students whose focus are not the traditional campus life.
Rather the expert training offered at postgraduate level. The film school is a leading film school in Los Angeles and California that is notable for its master degree programs and courses like cinematography, production, editing, directing, screenwriting and production design.
AFI is the next option among the big film school names in Los Angeles. As the school boast of Alumni with OSCAR awards.
Unlike the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – American Film Institute provides a relatively cheap program with duration of 2 years.
School Details
Programs: BA (Hons) and MA
Fees: $42,500 – $51,360
Location: 24 Shelton St, London
CHECK ALSO
Best Film Schools in the UK To Attend
3. University of California, Los Angeles
If you like to be in-front of the Camera, this Los Angeles based film school is a good choice to enroll and kick start a film program.
University of California (UCLA) is recognized as a leading film school and is a good choice of the best film schools in California as well as Los Angeles.
In addition to its location in the city, the school’s film program is relatively linked with UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television. A good learning place for young filmmakers who want to be professionals.
Except you got money to put down for its rival the University of Southern California. Else, UCLA is a fantastic film school (no doubt the best option) for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
University of California School of Theatre offers program for bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree in Film, Television and Digital Media department.
The school offers program and courses such as animation, cinema & media studies, cinematography,, directing, producing, and screenwriting.
Compared with other schools like USC and CSU Northridge, the University of California Los Angeles has a very affordable tuition fee of $13,249 (home base students). A few notable alumni are Tim Robbins, Jack Black, Francis Ford Coppola and Rob Reiner.
School Details
Programs: BA (Hons) and MA
Fees: $42,500 – $51,360
Location: Los Angeles, California
4. University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts
Known to have a wide variety of programs for students looking to kick start a career in the Los Angeles film industry.
The Niche also reports the University of Southern California as the country best college offering film and photography. USC is the undisputed best film school in California.
And here it is also one of Los Angeles best film schools. The list and ranking never lie, so you don’t feel disappointed.
As a film school, USC has the very best state-of-art facilities, best campus life. As the USC School of Cinematics Art offer programs such as division of cinema & media studies, film & television production, writing for screen and television, media arts & practice .
The school also offer programs like interactive media and games, business of cinematics art program for both undergraduate and postgraduate. The program critical teaches the professional strategies of marketing films and television shows.
Knowing the widely offered programs and the hands-on practical you will be engage in, student are engage in live film projects from industry, its arguable the school is one of the best film schools in Los Angeles, California.
However, entrance rate is very competitive for students who look forward to start their journey in the profession from the school.
In addition to the challenge of getting in, the school is expensive to attend, has a tuition fee range from $53,448 $60,275.
Except there is a large money in your piggy bank to afford the fees. Unlike it biggest competitor the University of California, Los Angeles that has a less cheap fee.
USC got a lot of great notable alumni, the like of George Lucas, Ron Howard and Judd Apatow and Miranda Cosgrove
School Details
Programs: BA (Hons) and MA
Fees: $53,448 $60,275
Location: Los Angeles, California
5. New York Film Academy, Los Angeles
Unlike LA film school, The New York Film Academy is a well recognized school offering graduate and undergraduate program.
Being one of the big name, New York Film Academy has substantial presence on its’ Los Angeles campus. The film academy shares a lot in common with it’s biggest rival – American Film Institute.
From hands-on practical to well-rounded teaching approach, the film school has expanded to accommodate more courses in its main campus in North Hollywood within walking distance of Universal Studios.
The school offers a wide variety of programs, which makes it a preferable choice of film schools in Los, Angeles, California.
New York Film Academy major courses offered include 3D animation and visual effects, filmmaking, production, cinematography, screenwriting and sound stage.
Taking a close view of the tuition fee, New York Film Academy has a very cheap fee compared to it competing film schools.
The fee range from $33,000-$38,779 for it’s programs offered to students. Noteworthy alumni from New York Film Academy include Naya Rivera, Issa Rae, Paul Dano, and Damon Wayans.
School Details
Programs: BA, MA
Fees: $33,000-$38,779
Location: 24 Shelton St, London
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6. Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television
Based in Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) was founded in 1920 and the school has quite a good number of graduate programs for film enthusiast who look forward to begin their career.
Loyola Marymount University is ranked among the best film schools in Los Angeles, has an incubator lab which operates in partnership with film independent to help young filmmakers.
Not just film, Loyola Marymount University is also recognized amongs the best colleges offering photography. Although, the school isn’t on the very ranked list of world best film schools.
But has created a distinctive learning in some of it offered programs: screenwriting, film & television production, film, television & media studies, animation and recording arts.
The Hollywood Reporters has Loyola Marymount University on its list of best film schools in the USA.
LMU has well-known notable alumni which includes – Scoot Eastwood Barbara Broccoli. Comparing fees with other film schools, LMU is among the very affordable film schools in Los Angeles.
The school has a tuition fee range between $42,576 to $46,136 for it’s programs. However, you may check with the school for any changes.
School Details
Programs: BA and MA
Fees: $42,576 – $46,136
Location: $42,576 to $46,136
7. Art Center College of Design, Pasadena
The institution is primarily an art school and focuses on many arts study including film for students to shoot film and edit as many projects during their studies in the school.
Based in Pasadena, Art Center of Design is among the top film schools in Los Angeles to take your journey in film to the next level.
The school is notable for its film program and courses such as directing, editing, animation, television and cinematography. Although, there are many variety of courses offered in the school.
As a college offering film program, the art courses receives more attention than the film program – a drawback but the program is developing as the school have access to quality state-of-art facilities and equipment.
It helps provide the needed opportunities to get the necessary training and practice on projects during your study.
School Details
Programs: BA (Hons) and MA
Fees: $42,500 – $51,360
Location: Los Angeles, California
8. California Institute of Arts
The California Institute of Art offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Based in Santa Clarita, the school is considered a good choice of film school if you probably want to get a well-rounded education from animation to directing.
California Institute of Art has a age time specialization if the animation field, including storyboarding, drawing, digital animation.
As a film school in Los Angeles, the institution provides strong support and encourages intellectual development in filmmaking.
These provide opportunity to work on live project for industry during your study.
The school offers BA & MA degree program such as film & video, character animation, experimental animation, film directing.
And the duration of the program takes 4 to 5 years, but the tuition fees are much affordable compared to it’s rival film schools -UCLA and USC.
The tuition fee for film programs is between $45,030 to $53,466. The school counts on famous alumni – James Mangold, Tim Burton and John Lasseter.
School Details
Programs: BA and MA
Fees: $45,030 – $53,466
Location: Valencia, California
9. California State University, Northridge
Unlike the leading film schools in Los Angeles with expensive fees, California State University Northridge focus on providing an affordable fee as a public school.
The Hollywood Reporter has CSU Northridge on the list of top American film schools. And its no doubt as the film school legible engrave to the list of schools offering sound film programs.
Looking into the programs, CSUN offers bachelor’s and master’s degree program. The programs include film production, screenwriting, television production- narrative and documentary, media theory & criticism, emerging media production and management.
From producing entertainment professionals to providing hands-on practical in filmmaking, CSUN is well recognized among the top film schools in California and is one of the recommended Los Angeles film schools to jump on board for well-rounded film education.
CSUN have famous and notable alumni to its name. alumni include Darren Grant, Paul Hunter and Dale Launer.
School Details
Programs: BA (Hons) and MA
Fees: $6,875 – $7,017
Location: Los Angeles, California
10. Chapman University, Dogge College of Film And Media Arts
Just get your luggage and hop onboard to one of the famous and well recognized private film school in Los Angeles.
Chapman University has everything, from the finest state-of-art facility and equipment to holistically developed learning in film and television.
As one of the leading film schools in LA, the institution cinematography and production program focuses on sharpening your talents in order to be a good fit for the industry.
So, its arguable the school is among the best film schools in Los Angeles for programs such as film studies, film production, screenwriting and screen acting.
Other courses include creative producing, television writing & production, and broadcast journalism & documentary.
Chapman University offers bachelor and master degree to students who look forward to start pursuing their dream course with the school. The university is looking to increase its student population for more diversity in student body .
However, famous alumni of Chapman University are Carlos Lopez Estrada, Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer.
School Details
Programs: BA (Hons) and MA
Fees: $52,340 – $57,214
Location: Orange, California
11. Relativity School
The Film plus Digital program at Relativity School provides an exclusive opportunity with holistic approach to film production.
Relativity School is a branch campus of Hussian College based in Los Angeles, offers professional filmmaking programme to earn a degrees.
Students get a well rounded training in screenwriting production, directing, cinematography, pre-production, post-production.
Although an intensive curriculum to become a graduate, the school is one of the best choices for film study.
The college offers wide variety of degree programs such as bachelor’s and masters.
The bachelor degree programs are majorly, BFA in Film + Digital Content, BFA in Acting, BFA in Commercial Dance and BFA in Contemporary Musical Theatre & Film.
Although the fees where not mentioned for the programs, which you may have to check with the school for any needed information.
But one thing is sure, the schools is design has state-of-art facilities, broadcast-ready digital production studio, video edit lab e.tc.
School Details
Programs: BA
Fees:
Location: Los Angeles, California
FAQs About Film Schools in Los Angeles
What is The Duration of Study at Film Schools in Los Angeles?
If you are taking undergraduate program, the duration of the study program is 3 to 4 years in the film school.
While the MA in filmmaking has the duration of 1 year for full-time and 2 years of study for offered part-time courses.
What Is The Cost of Film Schools in California?
The cost of film schools varies i.e there is no fix cost and this is as a result of the selected degree program (BA, MA) and the desired course.
But the average cost of film schools in California is around $31,000 to $47,000. However, do check with your selected film school – university for their fees/cost.
Are Film Schools in Los Angeles Accredited?
Yes, to be direct to the answer -the film schools in Los Angeles are accredited and this is a requirement to operate as a school.
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is the body that issues the accreditation to allow the operation as school and tutoring of students.
Is Going To Film Schools in Los Angeles Worth It?
If your decision to go into a film school is as result of your passion for filmmaking and a plan to achieve your dream.
Then it worth attending a film school, and not any school – but the best film schools in Los Angeles, California.
A few reasons to consider going to the best film schools in Los Angeles are: the hand-on practice and professional training you will receive, network with professional and film industry.
In addition to meeting other experts, most film schools and universities offer you the opportunity to work on projects in the school, and have access to studio.
How Much Does Film School Cost in Los Angeles?
The typical cost of programs at most of the best film schools in Los Angeles are quite affordable, tuition fee is between $35,000 to $56,000, and the duration is from 1 year to 4 years of degree program.
Conclusion
Now you know the very best film schools in Los Angeles to enroll and start pursuing your career.
These top film schools in Los Angeles are the best choice to turn that passion for filmmaking into a reality, because the schools offer practical training to develop you for the industry.
We do hope you find a place in one of them and wish you the best in your career pursuit.
Source: College Reporters
References:
www.giggster.com – Top 10 Film Schools in Los Angeles
www.onlinecollegeplan.com – 10 Best LA Film Schools
www.collegegazette.com -The 10 Best Film Schools in Los Angeles
