The School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University is one of the world’s best film schools, according to rankings published by The Hollywood Reporter this week.
The trade journal compiled the list after surveying entertainment industry insiders, executives, filmmakers and film school graduates. LMU ranked 19th out of 25 top schools around the world and was the only Jesuit university on the list.
“It’s great to see The Hollywood Reporter recognize what industry professionals and film students have known for a long time, which is that LMU’s School of Film and Television is one of the best places to learn the art of film and television,” said President David W. Burcham. “We’re proud of this recognition and of the great work our SFTV students and faculty achieve every day. It’s truly extraordinary for such a young program to receive this kind of recognition. It’s something of which we are very proud.”
THR survey respondents singled out LMU for stressing humanism over commercialism in filmmaking, and the school’s success in helping students land internships in the industry. The journal lauded LMU’s new Incubator Lab, where recent graduates can apply for financial support and mentorship to help them complete a film project.
The journal noted several of LMU’s film alumni, including Oscar-winning screenwriter Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential,” “Mystic River”) and directors Francis Lawrence (“Water for Elephants”) and Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer”).
“This ranking acknowledges our belief that the best foundation for an aspiring filmmaker is a strong liberal arts education with a focus on developing craft, storytelling and technical expertise,” said Stephen G. Ujlaki, dean of the school. “Congratulations to our entire LMU filmmaking community of extraordinary students, faculty, alumni and staff.”
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July 29, 2011