Ithaca College Named to Variety’s List of Top Film Schools and Educators

By Grace Collins '22, April 22, 2021

The Park School was once again named a top 50 global film school by Variety Magazine.

Providing students access to cutting-edge film equipment, such as the RED camera system, is one of the reasons the Roy H. Park School of Communications is so highly regarded.

(Photo by Adam Baker)

Film students and faculty in Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications have long been known for their flexibility and adaptability. That’s been especially true during the Coronavirus pandemic, which required everyone to think outside of the box during production.

It’s because of their successes in these efforts that the Park School was again named to Variety magazine’s 2021 Entertainment Impact Report of the Top 50 Film Schools and Instructors from around the world.

In its write-up on the Park School, Variety mentioned the virtual production “What COVID-19 Taught Me,” a docu-series by students in a Nonfiction Production class taught by John Scott, associate professor of media arts. The docu-series, which explored the lives of film students, facilitating creative solutions without their usual technological resources, aired on Syracuse PBS affiliate WCNY in June 2020.

“We are honored that Variety has once again identified the Park School as a top film school. Park's track record in this area is phenomenal, and it's because of our talented faculty and our committed students that we continue to be recognized.”

Jack Powers, interim dean, Roy H. Park School of Communications

“It's this kind of collaboration between faculty and students that separates the Park School,” said interim dean Jack Powers. “Few production students get the opportunity to have their work distributed by known entities like PBS, but at Park, it's something that happens regularly.”

Variety also praised the Park School for treating students as young professionals and providing opportunities to access the latest filmmaking technology and equipment.

“We are honored that Variety has once again identified the Park School as a top film school. Park's track record in this area is phenomenal, and it's because of our talented faculty and our committed students that we continue to be recognized,” said Powers. “I couldn't be prouder of our students and faculty.”

Variety’s list recognized the challenges facing the film industry over the past year, and highlighted academic institutions that continued to provide a top-notch education and student experience regardless.

“No matter what the challenges the film industry faced, aspiring filmmakers — be they producers, screenwriters or directors — worked diligently at their respective crafts,” said the report. “Students at these schools will likely emerge to become the superstar creators of the TV series, indie films and tentpole movies of tomorrow.”