What does it take to make a world-class film school?

With the worldwide hunger for film, thousands of young people around the globe are thinking about making a career in the film and television arts.  For some, that means getting their hands on a video camera and shooting with their friends in their garage.  For others, it means tapping into connections and trying to grab ahold of that elusive job in the studio mailroom.  But for most, it means studying film somehow, somewhere. 

Today, there are literally hundreds of programs in film education.  Some are little more than quick and dirty trade schools ("Learn all you need to know in 48 hours!" the ads scream) and others offer a few critical studies courses paired with a hands-on course using digital video cameras.  But a film school in every sense of the word offers a complete curriculum taught by faculty who are also working professionals. 

What does it take to make a great film? 
Passion. Imagination. Tools. Teamwork. Commitment. 

The School of Film and Television at Chapman University is founded on a singular commitment to helping today's creative young people find and bring to the screen the stories that have meaning in their lives. 

We do this in an environment built on collaboration: the foundation of success in the creative arts of film and television.  Although it's technically possible for one person to make a film today, the best creative work is a team effort.  So we are committed to helping our students learn to work with other creative people to draw upon each individual's strengths. 

What does it take to make a great film school experience?
Opportunity. Technology. Collaboration. Encouragement.

At Chapman, we believe there are three key components to learning how to make great films: students need to watch films, make films, and talk about films.  Watching films means learning the history of film language.  It means learning how images communicate.  Making films is, of course, what everyone expects to do when they come to film school.  And talking about films?  Well, we bring major Hollywood artists to campus to talk to students about what they do.  We give you the opportunity to do all of these things and encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity.

What does it take to make a great film school?
Equipment. Energy. Access. Vision. Interaction. Screenings.

As a pioneer in bringing digital post-production technologies into higher education, Chapman has built a unique film school that is both visionary and entreprenuerial.  We are driven by our belief that we are well on our way to becoming one of the top film schools in the country.  We have the equipment you need to start making films from your very first day on campus and our facilities are open 24/7.  Now that's access.  When inspiration strikes, we're ready to see you bring your ideas to life.

What does it take to make a great faculty?
Creativity. Experience. Care. Professionalism. Connections.

We have an exceptional faculty.  You can read all about their credentials under Faculty on this site.  But what makes them the people they are is that they care, first and foremost, about our students.  That's why they're here.  That's why they teach.

What are the outcomes of a Chapman film school education?
Experience. Jobs. Contacts. Skills. Reels. Readiness.

Chapman students graduate with the knowledge they need and two key calling cards--a completed feature length script and a 10-15 minute film to showcase their talent.  Through internships and with the assistance of our alumni and friends in the industry, many of our students have jobs lined up even before they graduate.  All that we do is aimed to help them be ready when opportunity knocks.