CHICAGO — Chicago is home to two of the top 25 film schools in the nation, according to an annual ranking from the The Hollywood Reporter.
Columbia College ranked No. 14, and DePaul University ranked No. 21 in a 2013 list that was dominated by schools on the coasts.
The full list, topped by the University of California, came out Wednesday and can be read here.
To build the rankings, the Reporter consulted "industry insiders" and factored in ballot votes from members of the Writers Guild of America West, American Cinema Editors and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The Reporter touts Columbia's new Comedy Performance and Writing program, in which students collaborate with a troupe from The Second City, part of the Columbia's focus on "creative cross-training."
“Columbia College Chicago educates some of the top creative practitioners and thought leaders in the entertainment industry,” said Dr. Kwang-Wu Kim, president and CEO of the school. “We are pleased to be recognized again this year along with an esteemed group of institutions and industry leaders.”
Columbia boasts alumni including actors Scott Adsit of "30 Rock" and Aidy Bryant from "Saturday Night Live." Oscar-winning cinematographers Janusz Kaminski of "Schindler’s List" and "Saving Private Ryan" and Mauro Fiore of "Avatar" also attended Columbia.
DePaul was highlighted because students "get their hands on cameras from day one and own their films," according to the Reporter.
The list also mentioned the school's pairing with Cinespace Film Studios, 2621 W. 15th Place, which allows students to make industry contacts while networks film there this fall.
Notable DePaul alumni include actress Gillian Anderson and actor John C. Reilly.
Evanston's Northwestern University also made the list, coming in at No. 13.
