New York City opens their very first Graduate Film School, Brooklyn College Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema
Mayor Bill de Blasio teamed up with City University of New York Chancellor James Milliken, Media and Entertainment Commissioner Cynthia Lopez, Barry R. Feirstein and other elected officials earlier this week to open the doors to the Brooklyn College Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. The Feirstein School, which welcomes their first class of 69 students this fall, is the only public graduate film school in the nation that is associated with a working film lot, Steiner Studios, and will be the first public graduate film school in New York City.
According to an official statement, the mission of 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.” The project was first announced three years ago and the school’s objective is to reflect New York City’s commitment to growing the entertainment, film, and TV industry in the city.
New York City heavily invests into their own film industry. Currently, NYC has invested $8 million to support the creation of the Feirstein School and numerous scholarship programs so that more New Yorkers have the chance to pursue a career in the film and TV industry. The cost of tuition at the Feirstein is currently $59,000 for instate students over three years. The City paid $4.7 million for construction, $2 million for scholarships, $1 million for curriculum and programming, and an additional $500,00 for grants and promotional marketing services.
“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.”
Experienced directors, actors, and producers are expected to contribute to the Feirsten School in order to help build a school that features the best and talented filmmakers in the world. Ethan Hawk, Steven Soderburgh and Celia Costas have all signed up to help fulfill the school’s mission.
Visit the Feirstein School website for more information.
H/T: Indiewire.com
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What do you think of the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema? Do you plan on applying? Do you think you need to go to film school to make it in Hollywood? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!
