This isn’t a boring Dayton film school classroom. This isn’t an overcrowded college laboratory. This is life. Real Life. YOUR LIFE.

Film Connection is an innovative film school that offers a unique and effective way for aspiring filmmakers to break into the industry. Unlike traditional film schools, which require students to commit to costly tuition fees and lengthy programs, Film Connection allows students to get a hands-on education in filmmaking in Dayton with one-on-one mentorship from a professional filmmaker.

Our program is designed to be flexible and affordable so that students can learn at their own pace, while still receiving the same quality education as any other film school. We don’t just teach our students the basics of filmmaking; we connect them with real-world professionals in production and post-production who can provide feedback throughout their journey.

Don’t Spend More on your Film Education if You Don’t Have to

Our mentors have years of industry experience, and they use this knowledge to help our students craft compelling stories and learn the tools necessary to succeed in filmmaking. Through our program, students gain access to production resources such as equipment rentals, casting directors, location scouting services, and post-production facilities.

At our cinematography school in Dayton, the Film Connection is proud to provide our students with mentors who not only have experience in an array of cinematography projects, such as short films, commercials, film videos, and full-length films, but can also move between mediums seamlessly. We know that being able to work effortlessly between film and digital and going from big screen productions to small is a key ingredient in running a successful production company – something which our mentors understand and bring to the table. As they take a vested interest in seeing the next generation of filmmakers succeed, we’re excited to offer such a unique learning opportunity!

Meet Our Mentors

Adam Weber

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Daniel Lir

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Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs

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Alejandra Huerta

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Daniela Larsen

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Get Real World Film Production Experience in Dayton

Hands-on education can give you an invaluable experience that cannot be replicated any other way. The sights (and sites), sounds, and even the smells of being on set or on location are hard to forget and will stay with you for years to come as you continue your career in filmmaking. You can also learn several different aspects of filmmaking, such as cinematography, lighting techniques, writing techniques, sound design, etc. We’re giving you that opportunity in Dayton, so there’s no reason to move to L.A., New York, or any other city.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs our way such as jobs, family needs, etc., which might make it difficult for us to attend classes in person. That’s why we offer our externs the chance to learn remotely; this gives them access to industry professionals and resources from any location. We have been offering remote learning for almost three decades now and have seen great success stories from externs who took advantage of this incredible opportunity.  

Our Dayton Film Industry Mentors Help you Build Real World Connections

At the Dayton Film Connection, we offer you invaluable insight into the film industry, with access to professional film producers who are hard at work in the real world. Your exposure to these experienced filmmakers may be just the “big break” you need to launch your career. And that’s not all—these film industry relationships can help open doors for crucial components of film production like securing crew members, finding funding, editing services, and more. Don’t underestimate the value of making these important connections—they could be key to fulfilling your film-making dreams!

Nearby locations

Hours: M-F 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Film Connection

1000 E Second Street Suite 2005
Dayton, OH 45402

(334) 209-4490 GET STARTED

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!

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Success stories

Since he started his extern program with Uptone Pictures in Raleigh, NC, Grant Gilbert has been taking…

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Please take the time to read the experiences of one of our own, Korey Hehn of Pineville, OR…

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The Film Connection program provided me with an opportunity to "see it and believe it"!…

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