CalArts School of Film/Video
A conservatory-style arts school in Valencia, California, known for its experimental approach to filmmaking and one of the top animation programs in the world.
Overview
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was founded by Walt Disney in 1961 and has grown into one of the most distinctive art schools in the United States. The School of Film/Video offers programs that span live-action filmmaking, animation, and experimental media, with a philosophy that prioritizes artistic exploration over commercial training.
CalArts occupies a dedicated campus in Valencia, approximately 30 miles north of Los Angeles. The school's character animation program, housed within the School of Film/Video, is widely considered the top animation training ground in the world. Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and other major animation houses recruit heavily from CalArts, and the school's alumni dominate the leadership ranks of these studios.
The live-action film program at CalArts takes a different approach from USC or AFI. Rather than focusing on Hollywood-style production, CalArts encourages personal, experimental, and genre-defying work. Students are expected to develop their own artistic voice rather than train for a specific industry role.
Programs Offered
- BFA in Character Animation -- the flagship animation program, producing artists for feature animation, television, and games
- BFA in Experimental Animation -- focused on non-traditional animation techniques, including stop-motion, mixed media, and abstract work
- MFA in Experimental Animation -- a graduate extension of the experimental program
- BFA in Film and Video -- live-action production with an emphasis on personal and experimental filmmaking
- MFA in Film and Video -- a graduate program for directors, writers, and visual artists working in moving image
- MFA in Film Directing -- the Program in Film Directing (PFD), a highly selective directing track
What Students Should Know
CalArts is not a traditional film school in the USC or AFI mold. The school's culture rewards artistic risk-taking, personal expression, and formal experimentation. Students who want to work in mainstream Hollywood production may find the curriculum less directly applicable than programs at USC or UCLA. Students who want to develop a distinctive creative voice and work in animation, independent film, or art cinema will find CalArts exceptionally well suited.
The Character Animation BFA is the school's most competitive program, with acceptance rates in the single digits. Graduates of this program are recruited directly by Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and other studios, often before they finish their thesis films. The professional placement rate for CalArts animation graduates is among the highest of any arts program.
Tuition at CalArts is approximately $55,000 per year. The campus is in a suburban setting that lacks the urban energy of New York or central Los Angeles, and students should factor location into their decision. Financial aid and scholarships are available, with the school committing to meeting a significant portion of demonstrated need.
Notable Alumni
CalArts has produced an extraordinary concentration of animation talent, including Tim Burton (Batman, Edward Scissorhands), John Lasseter (co-founder of Pixar), Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille), Pete Docter (Up, Inside Out), Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL-E), and Brenda Chapman (Brave). In live-action, alumni include Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation) and Don Hertzfeldt (Oscar-nominated animator).
See Also
For a guide to animation career paths and studio pipelines, see Animation Industry Overview. To explore aspect ratio decisions for animated projects, use the Aspect Ratio Calculator.
