Top Film Schools in the U.S.

Columbia University School of the Arts

• Located in New York City, the Columbia University School of the Arts has one of the most prestigious film programs in the country. Some of the classes students must take before graduating include "The Master's Colloquium II: Current Topics in Film Theory" and "The Elements of Dramatic Narrative." In courses such as these, students are taught how to use film theory to develop their own ideas for a feature film and learn how to create a script with dramatic impact. Guest lecture events have included "An Evening in Honor of Dan Talbot," featuring guest scholars speaking about Talbot, a leading figure in art-house cinema in the U.S.

  Columbia University School of the Arts
  305 Dodge Hall
  2960 Broadway
  New York, NY 10027
  212-854-2134
  columbia.edu

UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television

• With a heavy emphasis on both creative and technical skills, including learning how to produce, write and direct films, UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television offers four-year programs involving cinematography, screenwriting and directing. This West Coast college also offers advanced degrees such as a master of fine arts in production/directing. All students must create a two- to five-minute short 16mm film before graduation. Courses include "Directing the Actor for the Camera" and "Writing for the Short Film."

  UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
  102 East Melnitz Hall
  Los Angeles, CA 90095-1622
  310-206-8441
  tft.ucla.edu

California Institute of the Arts

• Founded in 1961, the California Institute of the Arts was the first accredited college to hand out visual-art degrees. This prominent U.S. film school was created by Walt Disney and his associates to encourage students to study the technical challenges of movie making. Famous Hollywood creative people like cartoonist Chuck Jones, costume designer Edith Head and composer Henry Mancini were founding members of the board of directors when Cal Arts was first incorporated. Some of the programs offered include film direction, film and video production, and film theory and scriptwriting.

  California Institute of the Arts
  24700 McBean Parkway
  Valencia, CA 91355
  661-255-1050
  calarts.edu