Full Sail University is an online division of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The school offers a comprehensive filmmaking program, with specialized degrees in film production, digital cinematography, and screenwriting.  Students are provided access to a wide array of resources, including virtual classrooms, multimedia course materials, interactive assignments, and support services like academic advising and career counseling.

Los Angeles’ renowned LA Film School offers an online degree for filmmaking, producing, and screenwriting. The school also hosts multiple online networking events for both current students and alumni. Alumni may have access to online forums, job boards, and networking platforms to support their ongoing career advancement and professional development.

New York Film Academy (NYFA) Online offers virtual programs in film, producing, screenwriting, acting, VR filmmaking, photography, and other creative avenues. While taught remotely, the curriculum is designed to be hands-on and immersive, with tactile assignments and creative projects tailored to each discipline.

The American Film Institute (AFI) offers online programs that provide a comprehensive education in several filmmaking departments, such as directing, screenwriting, producing, filmmaking, and other creative disciplines. The renowned institution offers both short-term workshops and longer-term certificate programs. AFI has a robust alumni network, with graduates moving on to becoming award-winning producers, directors, and screenwriters.

University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts offers online certificate programs and master’s degrees in film-related fields such as digital arts, film production, animation, interactive media, and screenwriting. The school boasts a world-class reputation of alumni and lectures, and despite being accessed remotely, USC’s assignments are very hands-on and practical.

Located in the United Kingdom, the National Film and Television School (NTFS), offers online programs in multiple filmmaking areas, such as film directing, screenwriting, producing, cinematography, editing, sound design, animation, and digital production. The school provides students with state-of-the-art equipment, access to some top-tier industry professionals, and connections within the UK and beyond.

Vancouver Film School (VFS) offers a range of programs, including certificates, diplomas, and short courses in the filmmaking field. It is recognized as a premier film school in Canada, acclaimed for its dedication to excellence and creative ingenuity.

The various disciplines available are television, film, digital arts, and game design. VFS is recognized as a premier film school in Canada, acclaimed for its dedication to excellence and creative ingenuity. Graduating from a VFS Online program can bolster a student’s reputation and unlock pathways to industry success.

While NoFilmSchool.com doesn’t offer a degree program, it is known for its intensive and comprehensive online resources, videos, articles, how-to guides, ebooks, and courses. Because of this, it seemed more than appropriate to add it to our list of top online film schools!

The mission behind No Film School is to provide accessible and high-quality educational content to aspiring filmmakers outside of a film school setting. This leads to an in-depth examination of screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, and beyond from both theoretical and hands-on craft perspectives.

Both online and in-person film schools have their own specialized shares of advantages. While one puts students into an in-person, on-site learning scenario, the other offers room for students to build their own schedule and study filmmaking craft and execution from anywhere across the globe.

Ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference and what works best for students individually. Let’s take a look at a few of the pros and cons for each type of institution to draw a clearer comparison…

Flexibility

Online schools offer a tremendous advantage in terms of flexibility. Because so much content gets recorded and stored online, students can access assignments, lectures, and other content as it fits their personal schedule. Conversely, in-person schools usually have set times and places for classes that students are required to attend.

Networking Opportunities

Traditional film schools seem to take the edge in this one, allotting times and places for in-person events and interactions. This includes networking mixers, lecture events, and the experience of being in an in-person community. That’s not to say networking is impossible in an online setting. Many online schools host virtual events, forums, and alumni gatherings remotely. While both methods have seen measures of success, some students have voiced that the energy of a remote event may not have the same benefits as an in-person experience.

Accessibility

Educational materials tend to be more accessible in a remote setting, allowing students access to lectures and materials regardless of where they are in the world or what time of day (or night) they’re looking to get hold of them.

Hands-On Experience

Traditional film schools can offer students access to cutting-edge equipment, facilities, and other state-of-the-art resources that may only be available in professional settings otherwise. By contrast, online students are free to use any equipment available to them, but that doesn’t guarantee a degree of professionalism to their finished work.

Instructional Quality

Both traditional and online film schools should be certified to deliver competent, high-quality education of professional value. The largest difference will be the method instruction is given. Some students may prefer the more interactive, face-to-face learning experience they’d find at an on-campus facility, while others thrive in an online, high-tech environment of multimedia and interactive exercises.

Cost

Online school takes the win on this one, as remote education eliminates the need for housing, campus fees, transportation, and other costs associated with a traditional, on-campus setting. All of which can all add up to costly amounts. That’s not to say that all traditional, on-campus learning should be ruled out solely for budgetary reasons. Many in-person institutions offer financial aid and scholarships, so prospective students should do their homework when it comes to choosing the film institution that will be the best suit for them and their ultimate career goals.

As with an in-person institution, online film schools necessitate several requirements for admission. Of course, free public educational sites like No Film School don’t have any admission requirements.

However, most degree-offering institutions will require some of the following admission materials:

Educational Background

Online film schools will often require a high school diploma (or equivalent) from their applicants. Getting a rudimentary educational background can help as you move forward, into a more specified, cinematic field.

Transcript

Your pre-college academic performance is typically requested by the admissions board of an online school. These records will ideally outline your academic background and also provide an insight into any other education you may have gotten.

Standardized Test Score

Many schools seek to evaluate candidates’ performances on standardized tests such as ACT or the SAT. For students who wish to progress further, graduate schools will often require GMAT or GRE scores.

Statement of Personal intent

Some schools require a statement of personal intent from aspiring students. This typically outlines why you’re interested in filmmaking, your career goals, and why you’re applying to this school’s specific program. It’s a good idea to research whichever institution you’re applying to and let those values reflect in your letter of intent.

Portfolio

Film schools usually require applicants to submit a portfolio of their creative work. Portfolios can consist of short films (or features, if you have any), photographs, screenplays, or other original projects. It’s the place where prospective students have an opportunity to really let their identities shine.

Application Form

As with the majority of educational institutions, most online film schools will require an application. Typically accompanied with a fee, application forms are standardized documents that provide rudimentary information about an applicant’s personal and educational background.

Letters of Recommendation

Employers, mentors, and teachers are the most common sources for obtaining a letter of recommendation. These letters can help provide another party’s perspective on potential candidates and give broader insight to the admissions board.

Interview

Online schools may ask for an interview as one of the final steps in the application and admission process. Typically, for online schools, these can be conducted via video conference or phone. Some people see the interview process as stressful. Instead, prospective students should try looking at it as an opportunity to showcase not just who they are as a person and filmmaker, but their unbridled enthusiasm for becoming a student at the esteemed institution they’re interviewing at,

When it comes to an online film school education, it’s up to the individual prospective student to decide which institution is the best fit. As we’ve seen in this piece, there are many accredited and competent facilities offering a broad range of terrific filmmaking programs and learning opportunities.

It’s prudent to assess each through a personal lens, taking all factors into account (like types of classes, specialties, individual preference, costs) of what it is one would be hoping to get out of their filmmaking education. Examining what each school has to offer in relation to your specific educational needs should help immeasurably in the search for the perfect online film school.

Don’t just look for the perfect one – look for the one that’s perfect for you.