'MovieMaker' Names Ƶ Among the Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada
It happened again: Ƶ has been named among the in the U.S. and Canada by “MovieMaker Magazine.” This prestigious designation follows Columbia’s recent top ranking in “The Hollywood Reporter,” reinforcing the college’s national reputation for excellence in film and television education.
“Consistently earning a spot on these highly respected lists speaks to the ongoing excellence of our film and television programs,” says Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, president and CEO of Ƶ. “It celebrates our outstanding faculty and alumni, many of whom are valuable members of the film and television community, and recognizes the hands-on education you find at Columbia.”
In its summer top film schools issue, “MovieMaker” highlighted Columbia’s real-world-focused curriculum that blends theory and practice, and called special attention to the college’s state-of-the-art Media Production Center. The facility boasts three professional sound stages, cutting-edge camera equipment, and a Volume Wall for virtual production—resources typically found only at major studios.
The article also noted Chicago's growing importance as a media hub, home to some of the most acclaimed film and television productions today.
“Chicago is a great place to go to film and television school right now because it's really become one of the major production centers in the United States,” says Eric Scholl, interim co-director of the School of Film and Television. “Chicago wants people to be making media here, so they will do things to make it attractive to you as a filmmaker to come here.”
Also earning attention was Columbia’s popular Semester in LA program, currently housed at the historic Sunset Las Palmas Studio lot—once home to “I Love Lucy.”
“Semester in LA is designed to mirror how the industry works—it's all about connections,” says Wenhwa Tasao, interim co-director of the School of Film and Television. “We teach students how to network, pitch themselves and their ideas, and navigate real-world settings like agencies, production companies, and equipment houses.”
As Columbia embarks on a new academic year, the latest ranking from “MovieMaker” affirms the college’s success in preparing the next generation of film and TV industry professionals.
“This recognition truly validates the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our students, faculty, and alumni,” says Interim Provost Suzanne McBride.