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The film industry magazine included Full Sail on its 2026 list of the Top 50 Film Schools in the US.
Full Sail University was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Film Schools in the US for 2026 by TheWrap, a film industry magazine. Here’s a breakdown of what makes Full Sail’s film education stand out, from hands-on degree programs and real-world facilities to grads who are making their mark on the industry.
What Students Learn in Full Sail University’s Film Degree Programs
Film Bachelor’s Degree
This campus program helps prepare students for a range of roles in the film industry with coursework that takes them through the entire filmmaking process from start to finish. Students gain experience in scriptwriting, cinematography, production design, sound for film, using cameras and lighting equipment, editing, and more. They work together as a crew to film their final project, gaining hands-on experience on set.
Digital Cinematography Bachelor’s Degree
Full Sail’s Digital Cinematography degree is an online program that emphasizes the entrepreneurial side of filmmaking by teaching students about digital video and film production for a variety of outlets. Students learn technical skills like script development, logistics, on-location shooting, and editing, as well as complementary skills like leadership, production budgeting, and web design.
They can complete their work using Project LaunchBox™ – a degree-specific technology suite with a laptop, audio and film equipment, and software – that’s included in tuition and shipped directly to students.
Film Production MFA
This on-campus master’s program teaches advanced skills in filmmaking and digital storytelling through project-based classes. Students learn about screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, editing, sound, and professional development, preparing them to lead thesis-level projects from concept to delivery. The curriculum can help students develop a final portfolio to submit to production companies, studios, creative agencies, independent filmmaking ventures, and more.
Real-World Film Facilities on Full Sail University’s Campus
Full Sail boasts many spaces on campus where students can get hands-on experience using professional film equipment like cameras, lighting and sound equipment, game engine software, soundstages, and more. Here are just a few examples of Full Sail’s industry-standard film facilities.
Studio V1: Virtual Production:
Full Sail’s film students can gain hands-on experience using virtual production technology – like game engine software, LED displays, and virtual production cameras – in Studio V1: Virtual Production. There are also opportunities for real-world experience on professional productions: Students and grads worked with WWE in Studio V1 to shoot content for Netflix, helped produce marketing content for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer teams, and more.
The Backlot:
Film students at Full Sail can shoot class assignments or personal projects on the university’s Hollywood-style Backlot. The outdoor facility has many facades – including Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Bourbon Street in New Orleans, New York City brownstones, a convenience store, a laundromat, a nightclub, and more – which students can use as backdrops for filming.
Soundstages & Labs:
Full Sail offers five on-campus soundstages where film-focused students can learn to use lighting, sound, and camera equipment; they can also practice using green screens and building sets from scratch with woodworking materials. Many labs – including dolly labs, audio labs, and continuity and coverage labs – take place on the soundstages or in other classrooms.
The Jobs Full Sail Film Grads Have Gotten with Their Degrees
Film grad Drew Lewis Guerra has more than 15 years of experience working in directing, editing, motion design, and visual effects. He’s the founder and CEO of the video and post-production company Black Canvas, and he worked as a Visual Effects Supervisor on breakout horror hit Obsession.
Drew says that Full Sail gave him hands-on experience that prepared him for professional filmmaking.
“[At Full Sail], I was able to finally get my hands on real equipment and backlots and sets and learn the stuff that I didn’t have a chance to [before],” Drew says. “I still credit Full Sail for just so much of my taking my passion into something more professional.”
Film graduate Veronica Smith has worked as a cinematographer, camera operator, assistant camera, and producer. She’s contributed to a range of productions, from indie films and documentaries to blockbusters like Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash. She’s also helped develop and produce original projects through her production company, Film Dreams Inc.
Veronica credits Full Sail’s Film program with helping her understand how all of the departments on a film project work together.
“At Full Sail, I was able to try every department. Even though my eye was always on cinematography, I learned not just the things I was interested in within the camera department, but pieces of every department and how they function together. That has made me a better producer and a better creative because I understand what each job requires and what different departments need when I’m producing a project,” she says.
Kalee Griffin, who earned a Film Production MFA from Full Sail, has worked as a VFX Coordinator at Legendary Entertainment and contributed to productions like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and more.
She says her time at Full Sail helped her work toward her goals and connect with likeminded peers.
“The biggest thing I learned from Full Sail is realizing that everyone around you has the same goal, so there’s nothing to be afraid of… Learn as much as you can, talk to as many people as you can, go use all the reee says
Digital Cinematography and Creative Writing MFA graduate Andrew Karr spent almost 10 years creating video content for WWE. He’s also run his own production company, AKVideo, and helped produce a YouTube ghost-hunting show called Chamber of Horrors with former WWE stars Scarlett Bordeaux and Shotzi Blackheart.
Andrew says that the equipment he received with Project LaunchBox™ for the Digital Cinematography program helped him get started with freelancing.
“Once I got my camera kit and everything from Full Sail, I was able to actually freelance for real. So I started filming weddings and for youth sports games because I had the gear,” he says.
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