Film Production School in Bakersfield

We know you’re a few hours from L.A, but wouldn’t it be cool to be able to hang out with all your old friends, not spend a fortune on film school, and still learn everything you need to know about movie-making? Now you can. We’ve brought the Film Connection film school alternative to Bakersfield. That’s right, cats, it’s all there for the taking. We put you in touch with a working moviemaker and they show you the ropes. No joke. Cool, right? We’re Film Connection. Totally fresh. Redefining film school.

Bakersfield, California is located just over 100 miles from Los Angeles, at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. Central to mountains, deserts, forests and urban areas, Bakersfield is uniquely positioned for diversity in filmmaking locations. While most area film schools are found in the nearby L.A. area, plenty of film and television production takes place right here in Bakersfield. In fact, the Kern County Film Commission refers to the area as Hollywood’s “extended back lot,” and Bakersfield now even has its own film festival. For those considering a career in filmmaking as a film director, film producer, film editor, or cameraman, Bakersfield can provide an excellent alternative for people who would rather not live in the craziness of “La-La Land.”

The list of well-known movies that have been filmed in and around Bakersfield is understandably long, and includes Thelma & Louise, Wag the Dog, The Cell, the latest re-make of Star Trek (2009), and even such classic films as Hitchock’s Psycho and North by Northwest. Additionally, television production is no stranger to Bakersfield, as the recent TV series Jericho was shot here.

Professional commercials, TV shows and Feature Films are shot in and around Bakersfield every year. Its location near Los Angeles–as well as being a short jaunt from San Francisco, Las Vegas and other locations–makes it ideal for both film students and filmmaking professionals. Many FILM CONNECTION graduates find employment in the film and television industry, often before they even graduate. You owe it to yourself to see what our Bakersfield Film School alternative can do for you.

Learn the skills you need to take your idea from paper to the big screen.

Real world film education by filmmakers for filmmakers, optimized for today!

GET STARTED

FAQs

The Film Connection program offers numerous benefits over traditional college courses. Not only are tuition fees much lower than what one would pay at a four-year university, but it also allows for greater customization since each student receives individual attention from their assigned mentor throughout the program. And because mentors teach topics relevant to what is currently happening in the industry, students leave feeling prepared and confident due to their up-to-date knowledge and skillset.

Our mentors are industry professionals — all of whom have extensive experience at the top of their fields. Some have worked in the same recording studios with film’s greatest talents, including Jay-Z and Lady Gaga. Our program is elite. Students can look forward to collaborating with their mentors at a high level.

Most programs take six months.