ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It might be early in the school year, but students are already creating magic. They’re in the animation program at the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

It includes students like sophomore Nicky Champlin, who is starting on a semester-long project. It’s a hands-on experience that led Champlin to choose RIT’s School of Film and Animation over others.

“I like the community of it. I like that we’re magicians, we’re making something move even if it’s not," said Champlin. 

Associate professor Mari Jaye Blanchard says that while all students accepted into RIT are talented, there’s something special about this group.  

“They’re talented, they’re driven and they’re collaborative," said Blanchard. “So many things happening with this generation of students that this will not be the first time that we’re on that top 25 list."  

Over the summer, The Hollywood Reporter ranked RIT’s School of Film and Animation one of the top 25 film schools in the country. The magazine highlights the programs use of new technology. 

School director Shanti Thakur says this recognition shows RIT is becoming a top player in the film industry. 

“Both film and animation students are learning film language together. Whether they’re choosing animation or film production, at least they understand the language of each other," said Thakur. 

Recently, an RIT in Los Angelos program was launched, giving students a chance to work in Hollywood and network with those in the industry. The school has alumni working at companies like Disney and Neflix. 

“They want to they want to help folks who are in the same place, you know, just a few years ago. So, it's exciting to see those relationships build," said Thakur. 

National recognition and new programs are great, but for instructors like Blanchard, it all comes down to the students. 

“I don’t have kids, but I have 60 kids a semester where I'm watching each one of them develop and grow," said Blanchard.