The School of Filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) has been recognized by two leading publications of the film and television industry this month. The Hollywood Reporter (THR) ranked the school at No. 11 on its list of 25 top film schools in America, and MovieMaker magazine included UNCSA in its list of the best film schools in the U.S. and Canada, citing the school for its “Outstanding Screenwriting Training.”

THR noted the UNCSA School of Filmmaking named independent filmmaker Deborah LaVine its new dean, as well as the fact that the school boasts an incoming class of 50 percent women for the second straight year, and that it covers the costs of student films. Emmy-nominated “Mare of Easttown” director and alumnus Craig Zobel (B.F.A. ’99) is quoted as saying that UNCSA is “smaller and scrappier” and truly “aligned with an indie film spirit.”

THR also cited notable alumni Brett Haley, director of “Hearts Beat Loud” and Jeff Nichols, director of “Loving.”

MovieMaker spotlighted UNCSA’s screenwriting program, for which UNCSA offers both a B.F.A. and M.F.A. Graduates of the program hold titles such as screenwriter, producer and writer’s assistant on major motion pictures, television series and animated films at companies like Pixar Animation, Paramount and DreamWorks Animation, while others are writing and producing their own independent features. Some of their more well-known credits include “This is Us,” “Your Highness,” “Pacific Rim,” “Land Ho,” “I’ll See you In My Dreams,” “Mud,” “Loving,” “Clash of the Titans” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”

“We are honored to be included on lists like these by The Hollywood Reporter and MovieMaker, which are read by industry insiders,” said Deborah LaVine, dean of the School of Filmmaking. “I am particularly pleased to see the recognition for our ever-diversifying student body, our excellent value, and our independent spirit. It is due to our world-class faculty that students in our program thrive in the business, and we continue to achieve accolades such as this.”

Deborah LaVine
Deborah LaVine, Dean of the School of Filmmaking, UNCSA

In making its annual list, THR consulted with “knowledgeable industry players to determine what each school’s reputation is within greater Hollywood” as well as changes year-over-year and the alma maters of the past year’s top awards-season winners, film festival breakouts and box office stars.

MovieMaker editors considered the “particular programs with curriculums we find compelling and useful, based on specific paths students can pursue,” to develop its list.