New York City Opens First Public Graduate Film School
Zack Sharf
READ MORE: New York City is Getting Its First Independent Cinema Theater in 10 Years
Mayor Bill de Blasio joined City University of New York Chancellor James Milliken, Media and Entertainment Commissioner Cynthia López, Barry R. Feirstein and other elected officials earlier today to open the doors to the Brooklyn College Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. The Feirstein School, which welcomes an inaugural class of 69 students this fall, is the only public graduate school in the nation integrated into a working film lot, Steiner Studios, and is the first public graduate school of cinema in New York City.*
According to an official statement, the objective of the The Feirstein School is “to provide affordable access to career opportunities in cinema, while simultaneously creating a pipeline of diverse talent that can work in the local film industry in New York City’s five boroughs.” Announced in 2012, the school reflects the City’s commitment to growing the NYC-set film and television industry.
NYC has invested a total of $8 million to support the creation of the Feirstein School and numerous scholarships so that more New Yorkers have the opportunity to pursue jobs in film and television production. The cost of tuition at Feirstein is approximately $59,000 for in-state students over three years. The City’s overall contribution includes $4.7 million for construction, $2 million for scholarships, $1 million for curriculum and programming, and $500,000 for creative grants and marketing.
“New York City has long been a global capital for film and television production, but today we are making an unprecedented commitment in the future of this industry and in New York’s finest young filmmakers,” said de Blasio. “By opening the Feirstein School, we are unlocking the door of opportunity for a talented and diverse group of students who want to get the best, most cutting-edge education in cinema, and then put those skills to use right here in New York City.”
Seasoned directors, producers and actors will also contribute to the Feirstein’s advisory board and help to guide the school toward fulfilling its mission, including Ethan Hawke, Steven Soderburgh and Celia Costas.
Visit the Feirstein School website for more information.
*The City College of New York also offers a graduate degree in Film, though the school was originally founded as an institute before becoming a public graduate program in later years.
READ MORE: New York City Film Czar Cynthia Lopez Stepping Down
