Ringling College of Art and Design was named the 16th best film school in the country on the Hollywood Reporter's annual list, moving up a spot from last year. 

Ringling's film program, which launched in 2007, has experienced massive growth in its brief in existence. In addition to continuously attracting talent like Dylan McDermott (who shot his web series here this summer) and Kevin Smith (who will shoot his next film here in November) through its Studio Lab, a partnership with David Shapiro's Semkhor Productions, Ringling will open its 30,000-square-foot post-production and soundstage facility in December. 

“We are absolutely delighted and honored that the The Hollywood Reporter recognized Ringling as one of the top film schools in the country," says Dr. Larry Thompson, Ringling College president. "Indeed, the magazine ranked Ringling College as No. 16 in the nation and the only film school in Florida, other than Florida State University [No. 24], to be ranked."

"Ringling provides state-of-the-art instruction, technology and experiences that puts our students ahead of the curve as they pursue their filmmaking dreams," Thompson continues. "And our soundstage and post-production complex will bring talented professional filmmakers to Sarasota to work hand-in-hand with our students and graduates. All of this benefits not just Ringling College, but the entire Sarasota area."