Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television Continues to Shape the Future of Storytelling

Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television (SFTV), a top 10 film school in Los Angeles, continues to be recognized among the nation's leading film schools, earning a number seven ranking in The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of the top film schools in the United States. For the sixth straight year, SFTV has been recognized as a top 10 film school, reflecting SFTV's continued excellence in preparing students for careers in a rapidly evolving entertainment industry and highlighting the achievements of its students, alumni, faculty, and creative community.

"SFTV's continued recognition among the nation's top film schools is a testament to the talent, dedication, and creativity of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni," said Father Edward Siebert, S.J., dean of the School of Film and Television. "I've spent years moving between Hollywood and Jesuit life - and honestly, they're not as incompatible as people think. Both require imagination, discipline, and a willingness to tackle the messy parts of being human. At SFTV, our students bring that same energy. They're not afraid of complexity; they run toward it. That's what makes this place special, and that's why I'm excited about where we're headed."

Dean Edward (Eddie) Siebert, S.J., brings a rare blend of industry experience, Jesuit mission, and creative ambition to his leadership of the School of Film and Television. As founder and president of Loyola Productions, Inc., he has spent more than two decades producing films and series that explore the human condition - from the award-winning shorts The Real Deal and Rocked to international projects like Blood of the Martyrs, the documentary series Faith and Science, and the popular Who Cares about the Saints? Siebert recently co-produced the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary Teilhard: Visionary Scientist. Most recently, Loyola Productions co-produced The Pope's Exorcist, the Russell Crowe-led feature inspired by the memoirs of Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's longtime chief exorcist. Known to New York Times readers as "The Jesuit in Hollywood," he continues to navigate the creative tension between mission-driven storytelling and mainstream entertainment - a perspective that shapes his vision for SFTV's next chapter.

SFTV's programs - including film production, screenwriting, animation, and recording arts - are taught by faculty who are active creators in today's entertainment industry. The school's success is also driven by its faculty, many of whom are working professionals who continue to create, produce, write, direct, and lead within the entertainment industry. Bringing current industry experience into the classroom, SFTV faculty members mentor students while actively contributing to the creative fields they teach.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, SFTV offers students direct access to the entertainment industry through hands-on learning and meaningful professional connections. Throughout the academic year, the School welcomes accomplished filmmakers, producers, writers, executives, and other industry leaders to campus for guest lectures, mentorship opportunities, Q&A sessions, workshops, and conversations that connect students with professionals actively shaping film and television today. Recent campus guests have included Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, producer Betsy Beers, and acclaimed filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who have shared their creative processes, industry insights, and experiences with SFTV students.

SFTV's impact extends well beyond the classroom. SFTV graduates work across major studios, streaming platforms, and production companies throughout Los Angeles and beyond, contributing to feature films, television series, animation, documentary, and emerging media. Alumni and members of the broader LMU storytelling community continue to make their mark across the entertainment landscape, including Hannah McMechan '18 and Danya Jimenez '18, writers of Netflix's record-breaking animated feature KPop Demon Hunters. SFTV alumni include director and producer Francis Lawrence '91, whose credits include The Hunger Games franchise, I Am Legend, and Water for Elephants, as well as graduates working across major studio productions, television series, documentary filmmaking, and entertainment leadership. LMU's creative community also includes Oscar-winning cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw '02, who completed SFTV coursework before earning the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for Sinners.