Ringling students were involved in the filming of actor Dylan McDermott’s web series “Sugar” over the summer. PHOTO BY RICH SCHINELLER.
Ringling College of Art and Design is still climbing up those ranks — now, it’s listed as No. 16 in the Hollywood Reporter’s annual Top 25 Best Film Schools list.
Ringling is the youngest film school on the list, having launched its film program in 2007. Special mentions? The college is building a new 30,000 square foot soundstage and post-production complex, the first on the gulf coast. It should be open in December, which means lots more fun stuff to come from our local art school.
Nick Morgulis, a 2012 Ringling graduate who is now a director in New York, said it was a “great experience collaborating with industry pros on a daily basis during the shoots and proving the ability, when given the opportunity and time, that Ringling students can rise to work at a level rivaling seasoned film crews.”
The Sarasota school was named No. 23 in the first list in 2011, and has climbed steadily up the ranks since then. The only other Florida school on the list is Florida State University, which currently ranks at No. 24, noted for its visual effects lab and remote conservatory location.
Also noted in this year’s listing are notable Ringling alumni: Oscar-winning animator Patrick Osborne and YouTube star Michelle Phan. The school continues to provide its students with first-hand experience by collaborating with local productions, and will be working with director Kevin Smith on his next film in November.
The University of Southern California and American Film Institute topped the list at first and second place, respectively. USC has led the THR’s No.1 spot for four consecutive years, applauded for its virtual and augmented reality programs and for pushing Hollywood towards diversity. Plus their alumni include people like Kevin Feige, Shonda Rhimes and Bryan Singer. Nothing to sneeze at — but neither is Ringling’s success.