The top industry publication, Variety Magazine, included Biola University’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts on its 2025 Education Impact Report, recognizing the school as one that “offers students an impressive array of educators, facilities and lessons to be learned.” Biola is one of 27 schools included in the publication’s report — “.”

The schools on the list are described as “ones providing eager students with the knowledge and experience to create stories and get jobs in the entertainment business. Countless alumni from these programs have become legendary names in the industry, creating award-winning films and television series.”

The Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts boasts all the elements necessary to fit the criteria described and more. The article notes that students in the Snyder School have cameras and equipment available to them from the moment they step on campus throughout their entire time as students. It also highlighted the current construction of the three-floor 45,463-square-foot studio facility, which is set to be completed in May 2026 and will rival some of the best educational facilities in the nation for media training — serving the needs of students as they prepare for careers in the film, television, digital media and game industries.

Beyond offering extensive equipment and opportunities to Snyder School students, Variety recognizes Biola’s commitment to developing excellence in craft and character in its students.

“We want to send the best of both into this industry, students that are highly skilled but also are reliable, that follow through on assignments, that are team players,” said Tom Halleen, the founding dean of the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts.

He also added that the school has placed 170 internships with such companies as DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Studios during the current school year. With the assistance of an in-house career team, internships are prioritized with 100% of students securing one or more during their time at Biola University. Other internships have been at Disney, Sony, PBS, Marvel Animation, the Television Academy Foundation, United Talent Agency, The Chosen, among many others.

The Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts, which is named in honor of Esther L. Snyder, the co-founder of In-N-Out Burger®, aims to place its students into the industry prepared to be leaders who are excellent in their craft and character. Earlier this year, alumnus Nate Norell (’18) produced a winning Super Bowl commercial for the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl contest, earning him $1 million and an ad spot during the first quarter of the football game.

Norell is among many other Biola alumni using their skills in the industry. Social media personality and filmmaker Zach King (’12), who delivered Biola’s commencement address in 2024, writer/producer/director Scott Derrickson (’89, “Doctor Strange,” “The Gorge”), producer John Mabry (’03, “Blue Bloods”), visual effects artist Garret Wycoff (’11, “Avengers,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”), and sound editor Angela Ang (’12, “Tenet,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”) are just a handful of the many who were educated at Biola.

Before even entering the industry, Snyder School students are provided with equipment, guidance and resources to make their visions come to life. This year the student film “A Lovely Ending,” a comedic, musical, love story set in 1959, was nominated for a Television Academy Foundation’s College Television Award in the comedy series category. Another student film, “One of My Own,” performed very well in the film festival circuit and was selected as a finalist in the 25th season of Fine Cut, the long-running student film showcase hosted by PBS SoCal. Students participate in more than 800 independent productions every school year.

At Biola University’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts, students receive the technical training, mentorship and hands-on experience they will need to succeed in the entertainment industry as well as receive the support and education they need to broaden their horizons and grow as a storyteller.

Along with this accolade, Biola has been ranked and commended by publications such as The Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap.

Learn more about Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts and apply now.

For more information and press inquiries, contact Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist, at media.relations@biola.edu.