Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Filmmaking Schools in Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, and Milwaukee.
Top Filmmaking Schools in Wisconsin
Are you aiming for a career in film and wondering where to start? Wisconsin offers several top-notch filmmaking schools that provide excellent education and practical experience.
This guide will introduce you to the best options, helping you make an informed choice for your future in the film industry.
Explore what makes these schools stand out.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film
Discover an exceptional opportunity to develop your filmmaking skills at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts. Their acclaimed Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film program offers a comprehensive education in cinematic arts. Recognized as one of Variety’s “Best Film Schools,” this program promises a blend of practical and theoretical instruction.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access sophisticated equipment and facilities that enhance your learning experience.
- Diverse Programs: Offers BFA in Film, BA in Animation, and a minor in film, video, animation, and new genres.
- Networking Opportunities: Gain real-world experience through internships and partnerships with leading arts organizations.
- Scholarships and Alumni Network: Benefit from various scholarships and a thriving alumni network in Milwaukee’s creative economy.
The curriculum balances hands-on production techniques with analyses of cinematic storytelling, preparing you for various career paths in the film industry.
Film Connection – Mentor-Extern Program
For a unique, immersive learning experience, consider the Film Connection Mentor-Extern Program in Wisconsin. This program sets you up with an industry professional mentor, providing a personalized approach to your film education.
- Hands-On Learning: Engage in real-world film production at established facilities in Green Bay and Milwaukee.
- Cost-Effective: This program costs approximately 75% less than traditional film schools.
- Pitch Opportunities: Present your film ideas to Los Angeles executives upon program completion.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers production, editing, cinematography, and screenwriting.
This approach ensures you’re not only learning but also building crucial industry connections that facilitate professional growth.
University of Wisconsin-Madison – Film Graduate Program
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Film Graduate Program is tailored for those interested in film history, theory, and criticism. Aimed at nurturing scholars, this program focuses on critical analysis and academic research in cinema.
- Research-Oriented Curriculum: Emphasis on theory, history, and film criticism.
- Teaching Appointments: Supported through teaching roles that bolster your academic journey.
- Top Facilities: Includes the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research and the university’s Cinematheque.
- Professional Preparation: Prepares students for academic careers with expectations of progressing to the Ph.D. level.
The program also features weekly colloquia and publishing opportunities that enhance your academic and professional profile.
Marquette University – Film Program
Marquette University’s Film Program offers a versatile curriculum that stands out in Wisconsin’s academic landscape. It’s designed to cover various filmmaking aspects, enabling you to carve out a niche or explore multiple facets of media production.
- Diverse Curriculum: Courses in narrative, nonfiction, commercial, and corporate media provide a well-rounded education.
- Hands-On Experiences: Participate in the Marquette Filmmakers Association, 24-Hour Film Race, and internships.
- Diederich Experiences Program: Travel to major cities, enhancing your global perspective on filmmaking.
- Film Festivals and Showcases: Engage in the Milwaukee Film Festival and Marquette’s own festival to exhibit your work.
Marquette’s emphasis on practical experience ensures you graduate with a robust portfolio and valuable industry connections.
Up next, we explore more filmmaking schools in Wisconsin, each with unique programs suited to different needs and professional aspirations. Stay tuned for insights into other institutions that can help shape your filmmaking career.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh – Radio TV Film Major/Minor
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Radio TV Film (RTF) program offers a dynamic experience that prepares students for successful careers in media. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and industry insights, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the evolving media landscape.
- Hands-On Education: Engage in professional facilities and get real-world experience at the university’s TV and radio stations.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from accomplished professionals who bring industry knowledge and practical skills to the classroom.
- Multiple Pathways: With major and minor tracks, plus specific media production certificates, you can tailor your education to fit your career goals.
- Career Focused: Alumni achieve national and regional job placements, proving the practical and effective nature of the program.
- Internships and Networking: Benefit from industry connections through internships and a strong network of alumni and media organizations.
Explore more about the RTF program at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to see how it can set you on the path to success.
University of Wisconsin-Superior – Theatre and Digital Filmmaking Program
At the University of Wisconsin-Superior, the Theatre and Digital Filmmaking Program integrates performance with media production, offering a well-rounded education that prepares students for diverse careers.
- Practical Training: Gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art theatres, production studios, and media editing labs.
- Collaborative Projects: Engage in projects that stress teamwork, from pre-production to public showcases like the Annual UW-Superior Student Film and Video Showcase.
- Career Preparation: Graduates often secure roles as writers, producers, directors, editors, and designers.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from professionals who are dedicated to student success through practice-oriented instruction and mentorship.
- Theatre Minor: Complement your major with a theatre minor to broaden your performance and media production education.
Check out the detailed curriculum and facilities of the Theatre and Digital Filmmaking Program to understand how it can help you achieve your career aspirations.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay – Emphasis in Film and Cinema Studies
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Emphasis in Film and Cinema Studies within its Humanities Program provides a robust education in various aspects of film.
- Diverse Course Offerings: The 27-credit emphasis includes film theory, history, production, and the societal impact of cinema.
- Specialized Topics: Delve into course topics such as American Indians in Film, German Cinema, and Indigenous Nations Oral and Storytelling Traditions.
- Upper-Level Courses: Advanced studies in International Cinema and Spanish and Latin American Cinema provide deeper insights.
- Internship Opportunities: Gain practical experience through internships that align with film studies.
- Critical Thinking and Analysis: Develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and practical film production.
Explore more about how the Film and Cinema Studies Emphasis at UW-Green Bay can shape your career in the film industry.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – Film Studies Program
The Film Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater aims to equip students with the expertise needed to excel in the film industry.
- Interdisciplinary Coursework: Study film history, genres, techniques, and analysis through a diverse curriculum.
- Practical Skills: Sharpen your practical skills in video production, editing, storyboarding, directing, and producing.
- Hands-On Learning: Participate in storytelling through video and audio production, screenplay writing, and creating short films.
- Supplemental Credentials: Enhance your skills with a video production certificate and a Communication (Electronic Media) minor.
- Faculty Expertise: Learn from experienced faculty committed to your professional growth.
- Networking Opportunities: Benefit from connections with industry professionals and nearby film festivals.
Discover how the Film Studies Program at UW-Whitewater can prepare you for various careers in film.
How to Choose the Right Filmmaking School in Wisconsin
Selecting the right film school is a crucial step towards achieving your career goals in the film industry. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision:
- Program Curriculum: Look for a program that covers essential aspects of film production, theory, and history. This ensures a well-rounded education.
- Faculty Expertise: Choose a school with faculty who have substantial experience in the film industry. Their mentorship can be invaluable.
- Industry Connections: Internships and networking opportunities are critical for gaining practical experience and professional contacts. Schools with solid industry ties can provide these opportunities.
- Campus Facilities: Ensure the school offers state-of-the-art equipment, production studios, editing labs, and screening rooms. These resources are essential for hands-on learning.
- Location: Consider the school’s proximity to film communities, festivals, and job markets. Being close to these can boost your career prospects.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Research financial aid options and scholarships offered by the school. These can significantly reduce your education costs.
- Alumni Success: Look at the achievements of the school’s alumni. This can give you an idea of the program’s effectiveness in launching successful careers.
By evaluating these factors, you can find a filmmaking school in Wisconsin that best aligns with your career aspirations and personal needs.
Filmmaking Schools By State
Conclusion
Wisconsin offers a range of excellent filmmaking schools, each with unique strengths that cater to diverse needs and aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on production, theoretical studies, or a hybrid approach, there’s a program for you. Explore these institutions, assess your priorities, and take this exciting step toward a fulfilling career in film.