UNCSA School of Filmmaking ranked as top film school by leading industry publications 

The School of Filmmaking at UNCSA has been recognized by two leading publications of the film and television industry. Online today, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) ranked the school No. 9 – up from No. 10 last year – in its annual list of the “Top 25 American Film Schools.” In late July, MovieMaker Magazine cited the School of Filmmaking’s directing program in its annual list of the “25 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada.”

“Recognition by these influential magazines is very rewarding,” said School of Filmmaking Dean Deborah LaVine. “It represents the hard work many individuals contribute to support our students and create an environment where emerging artists can flourish and discover the power of their creativity. Any accolade is the result of commitment to those ideals from our faculty and staff, plus the UNCSA community at large. Moving forward, these nods fuel our belief that we are providing something artistically worthwhile and industry relevant.”

The Hollywood Reporter cited the university’s affordability: “As a state-funded arts school, UNCSA offers accessible financing — for tuition and student projects — while providing advanced tech like a new LED wall for virtual production.”

UNCSA is the No. 1 public university in The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 10.   

The ranking mentions the $2.28M gift from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to support the Posse Arts Program, which recruits, trains and supports talented students who come from historically underrepresented communities.

THR also quoted “Everything Everywhere All at Once” colorist and alum Alex Bickel, who cited UNCSA’s comprehensive education for helping him “expand my horizons beyond film.”

MovieMaker said: “Acclaimed and affordable, with tuition that is less than half that of other preeminent film schools, UNCSA offers an intensive hands-on production program intertwined with film history and theory.”

Notable Filmmaking alumni mentioned in both rankings include Brett Haley (B.F.A. ’05), David Gordon Green (B.F.A. ’98), Craig Zobel (B.F.A. ’99) and Jeff Nichols (B.F.A. ’01.)

MovieMaker highlighted the fact that the UNCSA School of Filmmaking has had a majority female incoming class for the last three years and is “creating a pipeline of extraordinary women in an industry that is historically predominantly male.”

LaVine, who became the school’s fifth dean in July 2021, is the second woman to lead the UNCSA School of Filmmaking, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Additionally, MovieMaker said of UNCSA: “Students can expect close relationships with faculty mentors, as well as visits from industry guests and successful alums, plus annual trips to both New York City and Los Angeles.

MovieMaker noted that directing students work with students studying other disciplines, from producing to cinematography and more, which creates “a well-rounded network to collaborate on projects before and after graduation.”

Finally, the magazine also noted the film school’s curriculum “is equal parts art and commerce, so students are both creative and prepared to navigate the businesses.”

About the School of Filmmaking

Consistently recognized as among the nation’s best training programs for filmmakers, the School of Filmmaking has produced some of today’s most creative storytellers.

The award-winning faculty have decades of real-world experience and a passion for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in concentrations that include animation, cinematography, directing, film music composition, picture editing and sound design, producing, production design and visual effects, and screenwriting. Students are able to develop individualized portfolios through collaborations with other students from different disciplines which enables them to learn industry standards and protocol, and practice their craft on state-of-the-art sound stages and studios with professional equipment. Through the curriculum, faculty and staff are able to connect students with visiting guest artists and gain exclusive access to never-before-seen films, shows and scripts. The film school’s Media + Emerging Technology Lab (METL) is dedicated to the exploration and production of immersive storytelling content. Students have the added benefit of annual trips to Los Angeles and New York City to connect with industry professionals. The film school also maintains partnerships with the RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem and the Sundance Film Festival.

Notable alumni from the School of Filmmaking include Vera Herbert (“This is Us,” “Don’t Make Me Go”); Danny McBride (“The Righteous Gemstones,” “Eastbound & Down”); David Gordon Green (the “Halloween” franchise, “Manglehorn”); Zach Seivers (“Nomadland,” “Raymond & Ray”); Brett Haley (“Hearts Beat Loud,” “The Hero”); Rebecca Green (“It Follows,” “I’ll See You in My Dreams”); Jody Hill (“The Righteous Gemstones,” “Vice Principals”); Jeff Nichols (“Loving,” “Mud”); Martha Stephens (“To the Stars”); Aaron Katz (“Land Ho!” “Gemini”); Kaitlyn Ali (“Queen & Slim,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7”); Tim Orr (“Raising Victor Vargas,” “Joe”); Will Files (“The Batman,” “Stranger Things”); and Zoë White (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Westworld”).

Contact Media Relations

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