What film schools are there in Illinois?

Hi, I'm a high school junior from Illinois and I'm looking to study film in college. Are there any film schools in Illinois with a strong program that I should know about? Would love to hear any experiences or advice. Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're interested in pursuing film in college. Illinois has a few schools with strong film programs that you should definitely consider:

1. Columbia College Chicago: This college is well-known for its film and television programs. They offer a variety of majors including Cinema and Television Arts, Film and TV Production, and Post-Production. With state-of-the-art facilities and access to a thriving film community in Chicago, you'll have plenty of resources and connections to succeed in the industry.

2. DePaul University: DePaul's School of Cinematic Arts, part of the College of Computing and Digital Media, provides a comprehensive filmmaking education. They offer majors in Film and Television Production, Animation, Screenwriting, and Cinematography. DePaul's Cinema Production Center is a professional-grade facility, and their connection to the Chicago film industry can help students find internships and job opportunities.

3. Northwestern University: While Northwestern doesn't have a dedicated film school, they offer a Radio/Television/Film (RTVF) program within the School of Communication. This interdisciplinary program allows students to learn various aspects of film, television, and radio production, as well as screenwriting and media theory. Students can also participate in several RTVF-affiliated extracurriculars and special programs, like the Student Filmmakers Association and the MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage.

4. Southern Illinois University Carbondale: SIU Carbondale's College of Mass Communication and Media Arts has a Cinema and Photography program which combines theory and practice, helping students develop strong filmmaking and storytelling skills. Students can specialize in one of two areas: Cinema Production or Cinema Studies, allowing them to focus on their interests in filmmaking or film analysis and criticism.

All of these schools have their unique advantages, so it's essential to research each program further and visit the campuses if possible. Keep in mind factors like location, class sizes, and the type of hands-on experience the program offers. Best of luck in your search for the perfect film program!