Ringling College named No. 16 on 'Hollywood Reporter' list of top 25 film schools

The annual list notes the school as being the youngest on the list — and one of only two ranked Florida schools.

By Nick Friedman
| 4:23 p.m. August 22, 2016

Dylan McDermott works with Ringling alum Mo Shane on his locally shot web series, "Sugar." Photo by Rich Schineller

Arts + Culture

The digital filmmaking program at Ringling College of Art and Design continues to live up to its reputation as a nationally renowned film school.

"The Hollywood Reporter" released its annual ranking of the top 25 American film schools, moving Ringling College to No. 16 from last year's listing at No. 17.

Dylan McDermott works with Ringling students and alum on his locally shot web series, "Sugar." Photo by Rich Schineller

The listing notes that the college is the youngest program on the list, having launched in 2007 and graduating its first class in 2011. Also mentioned are the school's forthcoming soundstage and postproduction studio, which will open its first large stage later this year and be fully operational in 2017, and its partnership with Semkhor Networks, which provides students opportunities to work alongside industry professionals, including Justin Long, Roman Coppola, Dylan McDermott and Kevin Smith.

Nick Morgulis with Elijah Wood. Photo by Rich Schineller

The school was named No. 23 when the annual ranking debuted in 2011 and has been mentioned by the publication each year since. This year's ranking is the highest yet for the college. Ringling joins Florida State University (No. 24) as the only other Florida college on the list.

Kevin Smith works with a class of Ringling students. Photo by Rich Schineller

Nick Morgulis, a 2012 graduate of the program currently working as a director in New York City, told "The Hollywood Reporter" that his experience in the program and working with industry professionals was an invaluable learning experience.

"The opportunities Ringling's Studio Lab are creating are priceless to current and former students in advancing their skills, resumes and contacts," he said.