Master the art of film production alongside an industry insider in a working Ottumwa studio. 1 mentor, just for you. Learn in the real world, build industry connections.
Call now to get started or fill out our online form and we’ll connect with the location nearest to you.
The rumors are true, there’s a film school in Ottumwa, Iowa. And not just any old film school. The coolest most inventive way to get hands-on experience working with industry pros. A program like no other. Eight months of a film intensive leaves you with unbelievable connections and know-how. We get you to the finish line faster and more affordable than anyone else. Film Connection. The alternative. The solution.
Located in southeast Iowa not far from the Missouri and Illinois state lines, Ottumwa, Iowa is a small town with a population of around 25,000 people. Despite its small size, this area sees plenty of media attention; thanks to the famed Iowa Caucuses, Ottumwa receives regular visits from presidential candidates during election years. Additionally, numerous major cities are conveniently within driving range of Ottumwa, including Des Moines, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Chicago--making it a good centralized hub for location filmmaking. If you desire a career as a film director, film producer, film editor, or cameraman, but would rather not relocate to the craziness of L.A., Ottumwa can be a surprisingly pleasant alternative.
Numerous films have been shot in Ottumwa and the surrounding regions, including The Bag Man, Through the Night, Legend Has It, The Crazies, The Bridges of Madison County, and Twister, just to name a few.
FILM CONNECTION Film School of Ottumwa offers an inexpensive, six-month course that will pair you with a working film or television professional who serves as your personal instructor. While you gain real-life experience on film and video shoots, you'll also make vital industry contacts that can lead to permanent employment. In fact, many FILM CONNECTION graduates get hired before or shortly after graduation. Make no mistake, no one in Ottumwa can help you make these connections better than FILM CONNECTION. Check us out!
Some of our graduates have gone on to become film directors, script writers, and production company owners. Others are creating and producing their own films across genres like documentary, drama, comedy, action, and animation
“Working through the second act was tough, but my mentor really helped me unlock the emotional arc of the story.”
Kayla M.
After working in media for a couple of years, I decided to take my skills to the next level in filmmaking. I was fortunate to have joined Film Connection; they supported me from day one with my registration and all the necessary paperwork
Noah Gonzalez
Film Connection does a fantastic job placing you on REAL sets with EXPERIENCED directors, opening doors to build meaningful connections with your mentor and ensuring ongoing learning. You truly get out of the program what you put in.
Octavio Preciado
I got great movie recommendations that gave me many creative influences. My mentor gave constructive feedback on my script. I learned about how to work on a film set and collaborate with other art departments. I enjoyed my experience with Film Connection.
Josh Chacko – Arlington, Washington
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