Searching for the Best Documentary Filmmaking School

Hello! I'm a high school junior who's passionate about filmmaking, specifically documentaries. I'm trying to find colleges with top-notch documentary filmmaking programs. Any suggestions on where I should apply?

Hi there! It's great to see you so passionate about documentary filmmaking. There are several colleges known for their strong film and documentary programs that you should consider applying to. Here's a list of a few to get you started:

1. University of Southern California (USC) - USC's School of Cinematic Arts is widely regarded as one of the best film schools in the country. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Cinematic Arts, Film & Television Production and provide ample opportunities for students to focus in on documentary filmmaking in particular.

2. New York University (NYU) - NYU's Tisch School of the Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Television, and one of the potential tracks for specialization is documentary filmmaking. Renowned documentary filmmakers often guest teach at Tisch, and students get the opportunity to work on their own documentary projects throughout the program.

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television offers a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television, and students with a passion for documentary storytelling can cater their coursework accordingly. UCLA has a hands-on approach, and students are encouraged to create their own documentaries throughout their time in the program.

4. Emerson College - Emerson offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production. Either option will allow students to concentrate on documentary filmmaking specifically, with the BA providing more opportunities for interdisciplinary work in more traditional academic disciplines. Either way, students get the chance to work on individual or group documentary projects and learn from faculty with industry experience.

5. Chapman University - The Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production, with an opportunity to focus on documentary filmmaking. Students have access to top-notch resources and technology and can gain practical experience working on documentary projects while they study.

6. Stanford University - Stanford offers one of the best programs for documentary filmmakers through its Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Film and Video. While it's a graduate program, undergraduates might be able to take elective courses or collaborate on graduate projects, and the prestige of the program benefits the school's overall film programs.

While these are just a few examples of schools with outstanding documentary filmmaking programs, many more options are available depending on your preferences for location, size, and academic culture. No matter which school you choose, it's important to remember that the connections you make, the projects you work on, and the experiences you gain can be just as important as the academic training in preparing you for a career in documentary filmmaking. Good luck with your college search!