Can someone tell me about the film schools in Chicago?

I'm interested in studying film and Chicago seems like a cool city. Does anyone have recommendations on film schools there or insights into their reputation?

Sure! Chicago has several schools that offer strong film programs.

One of the top ones is Columbia College Chicago. Columbia College Chicago's Cinema Art and Science program is regarded as one of the leading film schools in the U.S., and many of its graduates have gone on to successful careers in film and television. The school offers a BFA in Cinema Art and Science and boasts state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. They also have partnerships with local film festivals, where students have opportunities to showcase their work.

Northwestern University, which is actually located in Evanston, just north of Chicago, has an outstanding radio, television, and film program in their School of Communication. It’s not exactly in Chicago, but close enough that many students live in or visit the city often. The program has a more academic approach to film than some other programs, and is well known for producing writers particularly.

DePaul University also has an acclaimed School of Cinematic Arts that offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Film and Television. The school has a digital cinema production studio and offers students opportunities for internships.

These are all programs with strong reputations, but they are very different in nature, so you might want to consider your career goals, as well as the kind of academic experience you're seeking, when choosing a program. Hope this helps!