'Variety' Names Belmont's Film Program Among Best in North America

Variety has once again recognized Belmont University's film program as a 2024 Top Film School in North America. The prestigious list — which includes renowned institutions such as USC, NYU, and UCLA — highlights Belmont's dedication to providing students with an exceptional education in the film industry. 

"It is an honor to be acknowledged by Variety for our outstanding Motion Pictures program and a testament to our dedicated faculty who help students hone their craft,” said Curb College Dean Brittany Schaffer. “Our Motion Pictures program is cultivating the next generation of storytellers and innovators, providing them with the skills and experiences necessary to make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. This recognition from Variety reinforces our commitment to excellence and inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in film education.” 

Belmont's Motion Pictures program offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to filmmaking, covering every aspect from screenwriting and cinematography to post-production and distribution. The University's state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty of industry professionals provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the competitive film world. 

“From the moment students start in our program, they have a camera in hand filming and creating productions, and it builds from there,” said Jay New, co-chair of motion pictures, screenwriting & production. “We are constantly seeking new ways to enhance our curriculum and facilities to ensure that our students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”  

As one of the only schools whose students learn to mix in Dolby Atmos, Belmont boasts top-of-the-line gear and facilities, including the ARRI Alexa LF, a 2,500-square-foot sound stage and a Foley/ADR stage. Further, Belmont's Motion Pictures department is one of the first in the world to utilize Avid Media Central, enabling students to work on projects remotely from nearly anywhere in the U.S. by logging in and controlling one of 87 remote editing systems. With nearly two petabytes of storage, Belmont's media server and Avid Media Central streamline collaboration on films, making the process faster and more efficient. 

This month, Curb College announced plans to expand on Music Row, creating a space that will provide additional state-of-the-art facilities and resources for aspiring musicians, filmmakers and more, further enhancing the program's ability to nurture the next generation of industry leaders. With this significant investment, Belmont's film program is poised to reach new heights, offering students an unparalleled, immersive educational experience to prepare them for successful careers in a dynamic and thriving entertainment industry.