Ringling College ranks among top 25 film schools in the nation

Jay Handelman, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Golden Globe-winning actor Dylan McDermott, right, filmed part of his television pilot “Sweet Jane” in Sarasota in 2018, incorporating Ringling College students in the crew.
Golden Globe-winning actor Dylan McDermott, right, filmed part of his television pilot “Sweet Jane” in Sarasota in 2018, incorporating Ringling College students in the crew.

The film program at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota is once again among the top 25 in the nation, according to a new ranking by the Hollywood Reporter.

The Ringling program was ranked No. 21, the same place it held in 2021 and 2020, but down from its No. 16 ranking in 2019 and 2016.

This year’s list was topped by the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, followed by New York University and the University of Southern California.

For the latest list, Hollywood Reporter editors wrote: ”Known for its animation endeavors, as well as curriculum that prepares students for music video production and branded content, Ringling also offers more than 30,000 square feet of soundstage and production space.” It noted that Alexander Tullo won a second place honor at this year’s Student Academy Awards for the animated short “Barking Orders.”

Filmmaker, actor and comedian Kevin Smith spoke at Ringling College’s "Studio Labs Inside the Industry" in 2019. He filmed his movie “Killroy Was Here” in Sarasota.
Filmmaker, actor and comedian Kevin Smith spoke at Ringling College’s "Studio Labs Inside the Industry" in 2019. He filmed his movie “Killroy Was Here” in Sarasota.

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The list includes tuition levels and prominent alumni for each school, with film editor Andrew Halley representing Ringling College. Ringling’s tuition is listed at $48,110. The highest tuition is $69,152 for undergraduates at Columbia University.

At No. 14 on the list is Florida State University in Tallahassee, which editors said “is celebrated for its industry training initiatives and tight-knit alumni network, in addition to its affordability.” Tuition at FSU is $6,517 for resident undergraduates and $21,683 for non-residents.

The Ringling film program has grown as the school has added new space for animation and production. “Clerks” director Kevin Smith worked on his film “Killroy Was Here.” Actors Justin Long and Dylan McDermott have made web series with Ringling College and McDermott filmed a television pilot in Sarasota using Ringling students.

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Hollywood Reporter ranks Ringling College among top 25 film schools