Key Takeaways
- VFS has been featured on MovieMaker’s list of ‘30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. & Canada’ for 2025.
- VFS’s unique educational model emphasizes hands-on training from day one, where students graduate with a professional portfolio that will serve as their career calling card.
- Located in “Hollywood North”, VFS offers unparalleled industry access and networking opportunities.
Each year, MovieMaker Magazine releases its definitive guide to the top schools shaping the next generation of creators – from filmmakers to storytellers and beyond. The 2025 edition of ‘The 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada’ aims to answer one essential question: Which schools will actually help you launch your career in the entertainment industry?
While many institutions focus heavily on theory and history, MovieMaker’s annual list recognizes programs that prioritize hands-on learning, practical production experience, and portfolio-building opportunities – all crucial for navigating today’s highly competitive industry. This year, Vancouver Film School once again proudly earned a spot on this prestigious list, standing alongside some of the most renowned film schools in North America – and only 1 of 2 schools from Canada.
WHY MOVIEMAKER RECOGNIZED VFS
In their announcement, MovieMaker highlighted schools that go beyond traditional academic instruction. Their editorial team sought out programs that provide students with direct access to industry-standard equipment, real-world training environments, and the chance to build studio-focused production portfolios before graduating.
The final list for 2025 features an esteemed list of schools that don’t just teach film theory, but immerse their students in a true studio environment that is reflective of what’s going on in the entertainment industry right now.
This is where Vancouver Film School stands apart.
HANDS-ON TRAINING FROM DAY ONE
At VFS, students don’t spend weeks or months waiting for their chance to get behind the camera. From day one in our Film Production program, they’re immersed in real industry production practices – from pre-production to directing, operating professional camera and lighting equipment, recording sound, editing footage, and even collaborating with their peers across other VFS programs.
VFS’s accelerated, one-year model means students make more films in 12 months than many peers create during a four-year degree. This intensive production schedule not only builds technical confidence but also helps students discover their creative voice quickly while being guided by one-on-one mentorship from working industry professionals.
BUILDING A POWERFUL PRODUCTION PORTFOLIO
A strong portfolio is the most valuable asset a filmmaker can graduate with. Every scene, asset, and project you complete at VFS builds a polished, industry-ready portfolio that proves your skills.
Your portfolio ultimately serves as your calling card to studios and employers, showing you can deliver from day one. At VFS, you graduate with more than a diploma – you graduate with proof that you’re ready to work.
Take a look at our VFS student portfolio showcase to see what recent grads have created!
INDUSTRY ACCESS IN VANCOUVER
Another reason VFS was recognized by MovieMaker is its location. Vancouver – widely known as “Hollywood North” – is one of the busiest film production hubs in the world, worth nearly $4 billion annually. The city is home to some of the biggest names in film, television, visual effects, and games:
- Disney: Industrial Light & Magic employs 800+ in its Vancouver studio.
- Netflix has invested over $1 billion in B.C.-based productions since 2017.
- Warner Bros has long chosen Vancouver for major series like The Flash and Supernatural.
- Sony Pictures operates its global HQ in Vancouver.
- Weta brings its award-winning VFX expertise to B.C.’s animation and film industry.
- Digital Domain delivers cutting-edge visual effects for Hollywood blockbusters.
- Electronic Arts (EA) employs 1,300+ in Vancouver as the global hub for the FIFA franchise.
This thriving creative ecosystem gives VFS students unparalleled access to industry networks, events, and opportunities right in their backyard. Many graduates go on to work on these productions, and some even find themselves nominated for or winning major awards, with their VFS training and portfolio work a catalyst for their success.
ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES
VFS alumni are consistently working at the highest levels of the entertainment industry. Graduates have gone on to win awards, screen films at international festivals, and contribute to blockbuster productions in film and television. In 2025, a case study determined that 903 VFS alumni had worked within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, for a total of 1876 credits.
These achievements reflect the proven success of VFS’s training model and is as much a reflection of what students learn at VFS as it is what they accomplish once they graduate.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS YOUR FILM CAREER
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a career in the entertainment industry, VFS’s School of Film & Television offers 5 distinct programs: Film Production, Writing for Film, Television & Games, Acting for Film & Television, Makeup Design, and Sound Design.
Visit www.vfs.edu to explore these programs in more detail, or book an appointment with a VFS Admissions Advisor to get your application started.