CalArts MFA 2026

[featherless]

Hey Everyone!

Didn’t see a thread for CalArts so I’m making this one. Anyone else applying to CalArts this year? I didn’t know much about their program until recently, but now it’s one of my top choices. Going to try for the Film Directing program, which has some really cool faculty and classes.

Anyone applying by the Preferred Deadline? I was going to try but reality caught up to me and now I’m shooting for the Regular Deadline.

 

[jyotirmay]

Did you get in? How is the MFA Film Directing program? I heard that their equipment facility especially the camera accessories is not over the top and is pretty minimal, although they do have various 16mm film cameras.

 

[featherless]

Did you get in? How is the MFA Film Directing program? I heard that their equipment facility especially the camera accessories is not over the top and is pretty minimal, although they do have various 16mm film cameras.

haven’t heard back from the school about an interview yet. don’t know too much about their equipment, but my understanding is that their main goal is to teach students to work with minimal budgets and to direct actors.

 

[jyotirmay]

I think you will receive an interview call once they have selected your application. Yes the course is very intense with lots of assignments and classes. You even have to direct four short films in the first year. I think it’s one of the good film schools to learn film directing but yes when you make your thesis or any final-year project, you have to go through some limitations like they won’t have an ARRI or the latest RED or Sony cameras. Keep updating your status. Best of luck.

 

[featherless]

I think you will receive an interview call once they have selected your application. Yes the course is very intense with lots of assignments and classes. You even have to direct four short films in the first year. I think it’s one of the good film schools to learn film directing but yes when you make your thesis or any final-year project, you have to go through some limitations like they won’t have an ARRI or the latest RED or Sony cameras. Keep updating your status. Best of luck.

just received an interview invite! they have two options, virtual or on-campus, and i’ll probably go on-campus if i can get time off work. i’ll plan to ask about their equipment when i’m there. i hope their equipment selection isn’t subpar, would be a bummer.

 

[jyotirmay]

just received an interview invite! they have two options, virtual or on-campus, and i’ll probably go on-campus if i can get time off work. i’ll plan to ask about their equipment when i’m there. i hope their equipment selection isn’t subpar, would be a bummer.

Congratulations! Your portfolio clearly impressed them, which is why they invited you for an interview. I believe an off-campus interview would be a great opportunity! They have excellent facilities, including a directing studio, permanent sets, 16mm post-production facilities, a digital post-production lab, state-of-the-art sound equipment and a wide variety of 16mm film cameras and lenses.

The only drawback is their digital camera accessories and lenses. While these may be sufficient for first-year students, in your second or third year you might prefer to work with the state-of-the-art digital cameras that most top film schools offer, which they do not have. They mainly rely on mirrorless Sony and Canon cameras along with a couple of older Red Raven cameras. You can check the attached CalArts equipment list. Best of luck with your interviews! I hope you get in.

 

[Chris W]

We recently interviewed CalArts's dean Ranu Mukherjee about their film program. I hope it's helpful to people!

The Art School Approach to Film: A Guide to CalArts' Programs and Admissions (Part 1)

California Institute of the Arts, better known as CalArts, offers an artistic community where filmmakers are encouraged to experiment and explore their creative identities. Walt Disney founded the school in 1961, envisioning an institution where artists of every kind could learn from each other...

• Alexa P.
• Jun 19, 2026
• Comments: 1
• Category: Admissions Interviews