Cinematography and film production are aspects that aren't always obvious to the average viewer, but work to create films that are memorable and celebrated.
Programs for cinematography and film production are available through art colleges and film schools.
Want to become a cinematographer? Keep reading for our top schools for cinematography and film production in the U.S.
Top Schools for Cinematography and Film Production
There are several excellent film schools throughout the country, mainly based in Los Angeles or New York City.
We've listed a few of our top picks below in alphabetical order.
1. American Film Institute
The American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit film organization that offers a conservatory to train students who want careers in film. Alumni have gone on to work on a variety of hit projects.
AFI offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cinematography that trains students to become adept at making fast, informed, and inspired creative decisions to harness the power of visual storytelling.
The program takes two years to complete and includes courses like:
- Advanced Production Techniques with Master Cinematographers
- Cinematography Workshop: Dramatic Analysis and Cinematographic Leadership
- The Art and Craft of Cinematography
- The Language of Cinematography
Students can also earn an MFA in producing. This is also a two-year program and includes courses such as:
- Building a Movie for the Marketplace
- Producing Workshop: Intro to the Business of Producing
- The Art and Craft of Producing
- World Approaches to Film
Both programs offer dozens of opportunities to work on real films as well as film workshops and practical seminars.
2. New York Film Academy
New York Film Academy is an accredited private, for-profit film school based in New York City. It offers degrees in both cinematography and producing through campuses across the world.
The Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography is available through the Los Angeles campus.
At the NYC campus, undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Entertainment Media with a concentration in cinematography.
Multiple production programs are available. These include:
- Associate of Fine Arts in producing through the LA campus
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in producing through the LA campus
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in entertainment media with a concentration in producing at the NYC campus
- Master of Arts in producing at the LA campus
- Master of Fine Arts in producing at the LA campus
- A producing certificate at the NYC, LA, and Australia campuses
All producing programs put students in the environment of a professional producer through real-life experience, coursework, and practicums.
3. New York University
New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City.
The university offers film programs through its Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film & Television within its world-renowned Tisch School of the Arts.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television offers students a range of electives that cover film production and cinematography. These include:
- Advanced Production
- Experimental Production
- Language of Film
- Sight and Sound Filmmaking
This program integrates theory, practice, history, and craft studies and offers multiple filmmaking, media internship, and study abroad opportunities.
The graduate film program is a three-year program that trains students in the art of cinematic storytelling. Students make at least four short films and complete a thesis project.
4. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university in Los Angeles, CA. Its School of Theater, Film, and Television offers programs for cinematography and film production.
Students can earn their Bachelor of Arts in film, television, and digital media with a concentration in cinematography or a variety of production fields.
Courses in this curriculum include:
- Digital Cinematography
- Digital Film and Television Production
- Emerging Techniques and Technologies in Cinematography
- Production Management: Physical Production for Creatives
At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Fine Arts in cinematography. This program includes courses such as:
- Advanced Cinematography
- Cinematography and Directing
- Digital Manipulation on Set and Post
- Lighting for Film and Television
Those interested in film production can earn a Master of Fine Arts with several major options depending on your focus. These include:
- Producers program
- Production/Directing
- Production/directing- documentary
5. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university in Los Angeles, CA. It offers cinematography and film production programs through its School of Cinematic Arts.
Both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts are available in cinematic arts, film, and television production. Both are four-year programs with courses like:
- Cinematic Communication
- Developing the Documentary Production
- Organizing Creativity: Entertainment Industry Decision Making
- The Production and Post-Production Assistant
Both programs also require practicums in fields like cinematography, production, and production design. Advanced production workshops are also required.
A Master of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts, Film, and Television Production is available to graduate students. Courses in this curriculum include:
- Cinematic Ethics
- Collaboration and Creativity
- Production
- Visual Expression
This is a three-year program that includes the creation of multiple film projects as well as numerous seminars in cinema and media studies.
FAQs About Schools for Cinematography and Film Production
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about schools for cinematography and film production.
How Long are Cinematography and Film Production Programs?
Most cinematography and film production programs take about as long as other degree programs. Bachelor's degrees usually take four years and master's take about two.
Can I Earn a Degree in Cinematography and Film Production Online?
Degrees in film production and cinematography are not commonly offered online, but you may be able to find some programs that let you take a majority of coursework online.
You can find some online cinematography classes to help you explore this career path.
What Do Cinematography and Film Production Programs Require?
Most programs require students to complete coursework that provides a foundation in filmmaking and to produce short films. An internship may also be required.
Find Top Schools for Cinematography and Film Production
Students can study cinematography and film production through many esteemed film schools in the country. Check out the ones listed above to find the right fit for you today!
