Students studying in IC's film program can utilize The Volume, a technology which projects virtual backgrounds onto LED walls.
Students studying in IC's film program can utilize The Volume, a technology which projects virtual backgrounds onto LED walls.
Entertainment industry insiders and data confirm what everyone on South Hill already knows: When it comes to film programs, Ithaca College has one of the best.
Entertainment publications The Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap both included Ithaca College in their 2024 lists of the top film schools in the country. IC checked in at 15th in The Hollywood Reporter rankings, and 28th on TheWrap’s list.
The Park School's “Day One, You're On” promise means students have access to more than $5 million of equipment starting from their first semester on campus. (Photo by Adam Baker)
Both publications highlighted cutting-edge technology available in the Roy H. Park School of Communications, one of the few schools in the country where undergraduate students have access to the immersive technology known in the film industry as “The Volume.” This tech projects virtual backgrounds onto LED walls so that actors and cameras alike are surrounded by a virtual space. Used by major movie and television studios, Park provides access to students early in their first semester, thanks to the school’s “Day one, you’re on,” philosophy.
“We’re thrilled to be ranked among the best film schools in the nation,” says Amy Falkner, Dean of the Park School. “What makes Park’s film program unique is access and ability to participate right away. That means access to equipment and the ability to take in instruction from talented faculty and advice from a dedicated network of alumni who frequently come to campus to screen their professional work or Zoom into classrooms. These same alumni are connected to our Los Angeles campus and help provide internships and a helpful ramp to the film and television industries. Film students also learn outside the classroom in our student-led and professionally-mentored Professional Production Unit and Studio. The Park School is a wonderful place to learn, and full of opportunity.”
Alumni such as Phillip Thompson '21 have gone on to receive national accolades from industry publications. (Photo submitted)
Both publications highlighted the school’s notable industry alumni, including Disney CEO Bob Iger ’73, actor David Boreanaz ’93, and TV writer and producer Liz Tigelaar ’98.
The Hollywood Reporter pointed out Park’s “emphasis on independent production,” empowering young filmmakers like alumnus Philip Thompson ’21, recently named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “new faces of independent film.”
The Hollywood Reporter also praised Park’s Special Opportunities for Students fund that helps students presents their works at film festivals and connects them to other opportunities
TheWrap cited the Park’s diverse array of course offerings that affords students the opportunities to major or minor in different types of film, as well as the millions of dollars of film equipment available for them to use.
TheWrap also emphasized Park’s Ithaca College Los Angeles Program, an internship that provides junior and senior communications students the opportunity to gain professional experience in their chosen fields while taking industry-related courses at the James B. Pendleton Center, located minutes from Burbank and Hollywood.
TheWrap acknowledged the IC’s financial commitment to students as well: A full 100% of Ithaca College students receive some form of financial aid.