Though Feirstein initially aimed to open for the fall 2013 semester, the school accepted its inaugural class for the 2015-2016 academic year.
The Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema was developed between Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and Steiner Studios.
Douglas Steiner and founding director Jonathan Wacks wished to promote diversification of the film industry.
[1][2][3] Development was first referenced by Michael Bloomberg in his January 2011 State of the City address[4] and was officially announced the same month.
[7] Brooklyn College alumnus Barry Feirstein donated $5 million to development, and the school is named in his honor.
[a][b] The school accepted its first cohort for the 2015-2016 academic year and was officially opened by Mayor Bill de Blasio in October 2015.
[19] Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh is on the advisory council to the school and described it to Worth magazine as "by any standard one of the best facilities I have ever walked in to.
[5][3] Digital animation and visual effects, media scoring, and sonic arts tracks were offered beginning in the 2016-2017 academic year.