Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications has secured its place among the nation’s premier film schools, earning spots on both The Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap’s 2024 lists of top programs. Ranked 15th by The Hollywood Reporter and 28th by TheWrap, Ithaca College’s film program continues to garner acclaim for its innovative technology, hands-on approach, and successful alumni network.
Central to the Park School’s appeal is its philosophy of immediate immersion, captured in its “Day one, you’re on” mantra. First-year students gain access to over $5 million in state-of-the-art equipment, including “The Volume,” an immersive virtual background technology used in major film and television productions. This ensures that students work with professional-grade tools from their first semester, providing a strong foundation in modern filmmaking techniques.
“We’re thrilled to be ranked among the best film schools in the nation,” said Amy Falkner, Dean of the Park School. “Access to cutting-edge equipment, talented faculty, and a dedicated alumni network make Park an exceptional place for aspiring filmmakers.”
The program’s industry connections set it apart. The Ithaca College Los Angeles Program, highlighted by TheWrap, provides juniors and seniors with hands-on internships and coursework at the James B. Pendleton Center, located near Burbank and Hollywood. Alumni frequently return to campus to share their expertise, screen their projects, or mentor students through Zoom sessions.
Prominent alumni like Disney CEO Bob Iger ’73, actor David Boreanaz ’93, and TV writer-producer Liz Tigelaar ’98 reflect the program’s history of fostering talent. Recent graduate Philip Thompson ’21, recognized by Filmmaker Magazine as one of the “new faces of independent film,” exemplifies the program’s emphasis on independent production.
The Hollywood Reporter commended the Park School’s Special Opportunities for Students fund, which helps students showcase their work at film festivals and seize career opportunities. TheWrap also noted Park’s diverse course offerings, allowing students to major or minor in various areas of film, and its comprehensive financial aid program, with all IC students receiving some form of financial support.
With its advanced technology, supportive alumni network, and commitment to student success, Ithaca College’s Park School of Communications continues to shape the next generation of filmmakers. As Dean Falkner put it, “The Park School is a wonderful place to learn, and full of opportunity.”
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