TFS Named one of 30 Best Film Schools in U.S. & Canada by MovieMaker Magazine

TFS logo

TORONTO, ON – July 17, 2024  Toronto Film School has been named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada for the sixth consecutive year.

The esteemed annual list – which includes world-renowned institutions such as NYU, UCLA, and the AFI Conservatory, among others – recognizes schools that offer “top-notch equipment, experienced faculty, and abundant networking opportunities,” spotlighting both world-renowned institutions and up-and-coming schools on the rise.

Movie Maker Best Film Schools graphic

MovieMaker Editor-in-Chief Tim Molloy said his Los Angeles-based publication selected Toronto Film School (TFS) for this year’s list due to its “proven approach of learning by doing, backed up by strong industry connections that start on the top.” He also singled out TFS’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning President, Andrew Barnsley, as an example of those powerful ties to the industry.

“We recently named Toronto the #1 big city on our 2024 list of the Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker, and in Toronto Film School, the filmmaking powerhouse has an academic institution worthy of its cinematic history – one that’s well-prepared to teach the new generation of moviemakers,” he said.

“Students won’t have to leave Toronto to find abundant internship opportunities or jobs once they complete their studies. And the Toronto International Film Festival is a fantastic inspiration and motivation for students to dream big as they go into each new academic year. What we appreciate most is TFS’s honest, direct instruction about what students will need to achieve to bring those dreams to life.”

This year marks TFS’s sixth consecutive year making the MovieMaker cut – having previously been singled out in 2023, 2021 and 2019 in the magazine’s Outstanding Production Training category for its flagship, 18-month Film Production program. In 2020 and 2022, TFS made the magazine’s list in the Outstanding Screenwriting Training category in recognition of its Writing for Film & Television program.

Andrew Barnsley - Emmy & Golden Globe

Neither the fact that TFS once again made the MovieMaker list in 2024 – nor that the magazine lauded the school for its “boots-on-the-ground approach to instruction – came as any surprise to Barnsley.

“Students choose Toronto Film School for its world-class faculty, specialized curriculums, hands-on training, and industry networking opportunities from day one,” he said, noting that TFS also recently invested $2.5 million in new, state-of-the-art equipment, including ARRI Alexa Mini and Alexa Mini LF, Sony FX6 and FX3, and Sony a7III DSLR 4K cameras.

“Our graduates finish their studies at TFS confident, savvy, and connected. When they leave us, they are not only set-ready, but industry-ready – having mastered their craft, prepared to enter into an industry that is fast-paced, demanding and exciting.”

Read MovieMaker’s full write-up about TFS in its 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada in 2024  listing here: https://www.moviemaker.com/best-film-schools-us-and-canada-2024

Showcase

About Toronto Film School:

Toronto Film School is a globally acclaimed, industry-focused career college located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Canada. Its curriculum is delivered by award-winning faculty who are actively working in their fields and are well-placed to prepare students to succeed in the rapidly growing film, TV and creative industries. TFS offers its specialized training through both on-campus and online programs in filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, video games and design. TFS students graduate set-ready and industry-ready with a professional portfolio in 12 to 24 months.

Cynthia Reason

Cynthia Reason (she/her) is a former newspaper journalist turned communications professional who currently works as Toronto Film School’s Manager of Communications. Prior to joining TFS, she spent 13 years working as a reporter for Torstar/Metroland Media Toronto, writing for publications including Toronto.com, the Etobicoke Guardian, and the Toronto Star, among others. Her byline has also appeared in the National Post. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Humber College.

Blogs

TFS Acting Students Embrace Love, Loss and Hope in Stage Production of John Cariani’s 'Almost, Maine' 

Toronto Film School acting students will get into the holiday spirit when their upcoming production of John Cariani’s Almost, Maine hits the stage at the Papermill Theatre. Directed by Christel Bartelse, the 75-minute production comprises of eight short stories that play out on a frigid December night in a remote, mythical town called ‘Almost’ in rural …Read more