The following is an excerpt from an article originally published on November 3, 2021, by Sarah Dougher.
For the second year in a row, Biola University’s School of Cinema and Media Arts has been recognized as one of the nation’s top film schools by entertainment news site, The Wrap. Biola is one of 50 schools on The Wrap’s Top 50 Film Schools list.
In spring of 2020, Executive Vice President at AMC Networks, Tom Halleen left his position at AMC to become Biola’s founding dean of its School of Cinema and Media Arts.
“Biola’s School of Cinema & Media Arts is honored to once again be listed as a best in class film school,” said Halleen. “Located just a short drive from Hollywood, we pride ourselves in the integration of creative and technical training, industry access and a collaborative spirit which sets our students apart. Whether film, television, digital media, or game design, we’re more than just a film school. We not only teach the skills required by the industry, but we also teach collaboration and character for our students to stand out.”
The Wrap featured Biola for its commendable faculty to student ratio, industry connections and expert faculty.
“At the border of L.A. and Orange counties in La Mirada, Biola’s School of Cinema and Media Arts offers a B.A. that trains students in film production, screenwriting, and media management ‘to tell stories that matter,’ spokesperson Jenna Loumagne said. Founding Dean Tom Halleen walked from his executive VP job at AMC Networks — where he helped launch ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ — to join the private evangelical Christian university. In the past few years, Biola’s joint has grown from a stand-alone major to a multi-program school, with plans for a new $76 million building underway. Grads include ‘Doctor Strange’ director Scott Derrickson, Scientific and Technical Achievement Oscar winner Brian Hall and social media star Zach King,” said The Wrap’s statement on Biola.
Biola’s School of Cinema and Media Arts is anticipating a brand-new $76 million building to become its new permanent home. The 50,000-plus square-foot facility will house a 300-seat theater, sound stage, scoring stage, motion capture stage, Foley stage, color correction, mixing, recording and editing rooms, computer labs, three classrooms and faculty and staff offices. A hallmark of Biola’s film school is the access students in the program have immediately upon entering Biola, which currently includes almost $4 million worth of state-of-the-art equipment.
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Source: Biola University