School of Filmmaking at UNCSA tops lists of best programs in North America
The School of Filmmaking has been recognized by Variety magazine in its list the top 21 film programs in North America. It was also named one of the “7 Top Film Programs for Cinematographers” by Backstage magazine.
Variety writes, “From sprawling suburban campuses to big city locales, each of these programs offers cutting-edge courses and a roster of prestigious instructors that will lead budding filmmakers on a track toward entertainment industry success.”
The widely read industry publication cited UNCSA for embracing “a wide range of cinematic storytelling forms, including episodic and narrative fiction and non-fiction, animation, documentary and short-form.” It notes the school’s LED wall, which offers students hands-on experience in the digital realm with professional equipment.
Student cinematographer in the School of Filmmaking. / Photo: Wayne Reich
The article quotes Deborah LaVine, dean of the School of Filmmaking, saying of UNCSA: “Our curriculum, which is equal parts art and commerce, results in artistic, creative filmmakers who are prepared upon graduation to enter the profession with industry standard skills.”
Backstage magazine cited the benefit of the school’s partnership with the Sundance Institute for cinematography students. Additionally, the influential magazine highlighted the school’s on-campus soundstages and that students develop considerable portfolios with numerous alumni connections by the time they graduate.
Student in the School of Filmmaking. / Photo: Wayne Reich
“This recognition would not be possible without the support and dedication of our faculty, staff and immensely talented students,” LaVine continued. “This is a deserving acknowledgment and confirmation that the UNCSA School of Filmmaking creates an environment that directly reflects the professional landscapes our students are preparing to succeed in. With numerous accomplished alumni, we look forward to continuing to blaze a path for emerging creatives to grow within the field.”
UNCSA will present over a dozen short films by graduating seniors and M.F.A. students in free screenings next month both in person and virtually. The films will be available on demand from Friday, May 5, at 5p.m., until Sunday, May 7, at 11:59 p.m. Register for free access at www.uncsa.edu/performances.
About the School of Filmmaking
Consistently recognized 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, Craig Zobel, Zach Seivers, Brett Haley, Rebecca Green, Jody Hill, Jeff Nichols, Vera Herbert, Martha Stephens, Aaron Katz and Zoë White. Led by independent filmmaker and educator Deborah LaVine, 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.
About Variety
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.
About Backstage
Backstage is a resource for aspiring and established actors and players in the performing arts, publishing how-to guides, interviews, and expert articles every week to help performers and makers learn the ropes and master their craft.
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April 27, 2023