Emerson College earned an accreditation with the ARRI Certified Film School Program, a global leader in the development of film equipment and technologies, that recognizes the college’s “state-of-the-art” facilities and “experienced” faculty, according to a statement released by Emerson Today.

Emerson is the first film program in New England to earn an ARRI partnership and the second of two institutions in the U.S. to do so. With this new relationship, the college gains access to ARRI’s industry-standard equipment and professional development resources, the release said.

This partnership will expand the college’s ability to offer students the opportunity to access professional equipment to prepare them for post-grad careers in an ever-evolving industry.

Shaun Clarke, chair of the VMA department, described the accreditation as a “landmark achievement” in a statement to Emerson Today: “It not only reflects our commitment to providing our students with professional resources but also affirms our position as a leader in preparing future filmmakers and media creators,” he said.

ARRI is a German-based manufacturer of high-end camera equipment founded in 1917. ARRI camera equipment has shot several critically acclaimed films, including “The Revenant,” “Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation,” and “Star Wars: Rogue One.” With this partnership, Emerson aims to solidify its reputation as a leader in film education, offering its students unparalleled access to top-tier resources and experience. 

“Through our ability to award students with this highly regarded professional credential, Emerson’s VMA department has demonstrated a commitment to cinematic excellence and technical expertise that will help empower the next generation of filmmakers,” David Reeder, a VMA-affiliated faculty member, told Emerson Today.