Variety names School of Filmmaking at UNCSA one of 30 top film schools in North America

The School of Filmmaking at UNCSA has been recognized by Variety in its list of “30 Top Film Schools in North America,” a curated “list of film schools that are definitely worth a good look.”

The widely read industry publication cited UNCSA for funding its students’ thesis films, unique among its peers, and for its thesis program embracing new formats such as documentaries and VR/XR technologies. It also notes the program’s successful alumni including Catherine Linebarger (B.F.A. ’07), Walt Disney Television Animation postproduction supervisor; Tiffany McMichael (B.F.A. ’04), Hulu originals content operations manager; and Shawn Harwell (B.F.A. ’99), an adjunct faculty member in the graduate screenwriting program and writer on the HBO series “Eastbound & Down.”

The article quotes Dean Deborah LaVine of the School of Filmmaking, saying of UNCSA: “To stand on a set and ideate a script is challenging. So, to be in a space where you are mentored, guided and nurtured and you’re collaborating is priceless.”

Each year Variety curates the list of top film school programs both in the United States and abroad and this year notes that “film education is a fast-growing and widely expanding focus.”

“Recognition by influential publications like Variety is a testament to our school’s commitment to staying relevant in the arts and entertainment industry,” said Chancellor Brian Cole. “The School of Filmmaking is a fine example of how the work we do here resonates internationally, and that our experienced faculty are training our talented students for careers at the highest level.”

Dean LaVine said, “UNCSA deserves to be at the top of any list of best film schools. With our terrific value and an even playing field created by our financial support of thesis films, alongside our incredible faculty and uniquely collaborative environment, UNCSA is a gem among film schools worldwide.”

UNCSA will present 14 short films by graduating seniors in free screenings next month both in person and virtually. The films will be available on demand from Friday, May 6, at 4 p.m., until Sunday, May 8, at 11:59 p.m. Register for free access on our website.

Consistently recognized as among the nation’s best training programs for filmmakers, the School of Filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts has produced some of today’s most creative storytellers, including Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Brett Haley, Rebecca Green, Jody Hill, Jeff Nichols, Craig Zobel, Vera Herbert, Martha Stephens, Aaron Katz and Zoë White, among many others.

The award-winning faculty in the School of Filmmaking 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. The film school’s Media + Emerging Technology Lab (METL) is dedicated to the exploration and production of immersive storytelling content.

A weekly entertainment trade magazine and website, Variety has been recognized and respected throughout the world of show business as the premier source of entertainment news since 1905. It has an estimated 4 million followers on social media and 17 million unique monthly visitors to its website.

Contact Media Relations

Get the best news, performance and alumni stories from UNCSA.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS(OPENS IN NEW TAB)