Get started with a virtual tour of an Illinois externship location. Or call us for more information at 800-600-6956.
* Not all programs are available in every state. Consult an Admissions Representative to learn more.
In the Film Connection for Film Production & Editing program, you will study directing, producing and screenwriting as you develop your movie idea with a professional filmmaker. Then, upon meeting the necessary requirements, you will be given the opportunity to fly to Los Angeles or New York and pitch your film idea to an executive who could buy or get your movie made.
Film Production & Editing DetailsIn the Film Connection for Cinematography program, you will learn the techniques involved in capturing a moving image and will start to develop “the eye of the DP.” The cinematographer is literally the set ‘magician.’ DPs are responsible for the technological wizardry required to get the needed shots and to shape light to achieve the director’s desired artistic effect.
Cinematography Details
Other students learn in classrooms...
OUR students learn in:
REAL Radio Stations
REAL Recording Studios
REAL Film Production Companies
Where jobs get filled.
When jobs become available, our students are often the first to know and get hired.
Other students learn in classrooms...
OUR students learn in the same places where jobs get filled.
REAL Radio Stations
REAL Recording Studios
REAL Film Production Companies
From directing to producing to editing and screenwriting, our mentor-taught programs avoid the unnecessary costs and unrelated requirements of ordinary film schools and programs. Work directly with an accomplished industry filmmaker at a film production company or receive direct one-on-one training online.
Film Connection’s mentor styled education is a cost-effective approach to real-world, curriculum backed education in film production and editing and cinematography.
Learn More About Tuition
**Total cost varies by program
*Average Accrued Interest Charges
Sources: Sallie Mae student loan calculator - Nerd Wallet - Best Value Schools - Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Learn filmmaking in the real world with the Film Connection’s mentored externship-based approach. We make building relationships an integral part of what we do.
Film Connection mentors work in the real world where the competition is fierce and having the right gear matters. As an extern you have access to the latest hardware and tools of the trade.
Knowing how to handle yourself on the set is a prerequisite for careers in the film industry. Your mentor will guide you through proper etiquette during real film shoots.
We believe the whole point of going to any film school or certificate program should be to learn how to make movies—especially YOUR movie. Our Film Production & Editing curriculum is designed around this concept, from start to finish.
We get it. This isn’t your normal four-year college requiring coursework not associated with your area of interest. We are a post-secondary institution or trade school that's different in its approach. Here's how you can get more info:
Why learn from teachers when you can learn from the professionals?
“Unlike the local University, Film Connection sends us committed and focused students. We have turned 1 student into full-time contractor – that says it all!”
Request an InvitationDream Team Directors is a prestigious directorial team founded by Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir. Their company motto, “Let our dream team manifest your dream”, symbolizes the expansion and positive attention they win for their celebrity and high-profile brand clients and collaborators such as Adidas, MTV, Coldplay, P. Diddy, Smashbox Cosmetics, Atlantic Records, Chrome Hearts, Oscar De La Renta, Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo, Golden Globe nominee Anthony Mackie, Matt Bennett of the “Big Bang Theory” and Lea Michele of Fox’s “Glee.”
Request an InvitationMichaluk has been creating award winning Film & TV productions for over 15 years. His Film Clients include Columbia Pictures, Indian PaintBrush, PBS, NBC, American Empirical Pictures and Fountainbrush Films. His Television clients include NBC, Television Academy / Emmy’s, MTV, Viacom, E! Entertainment, CBS, ABC, Travel Channel, Leftfield Pictures, PETA, and others.
Request an InvitationAlejandra Huerta specializes in On-Screen Promotions, Executive Presentation Tapes and Sizzle Reels. She started her career with Andromeda in Miami offering Production Services to MTV Latin America as an editor for on-air promotions. She then relocated to New York where she became a successful producer and editor for Viacom and NBC Universal. After her professional experience in NY she relocated to Florida where she continues to manage, produce and edit projects at Andromeda Productions.
Request an Invitation“The thing I admire most about the program is that it pairs you with people doing the job that you are aspiring to do. In doing that, I feel it gets rid of the “glamour” that people associate with this business, and helps them realize that it is, in fact, A JOB. It takes hard work, a lot of practice and a sincere courtesy towards one’s colleagues to get ahead and stay relevant; not that tired stereotype of the suffering artist that won’t settle for anything less than his vision of perfection! I don’t think they teach you that at traditional film schools.” — Joaquin Franco Palma
Joaquin Franco Palma was born and raised in Los Angeles and is a first-generation American. Having started his career as a production assistant, Joaquin has gone on to become an award winning writer and director of both independent features and TV; most notably, as a staff writer on the Emmy nominated HULU series, EAST LOS HIGH. Aside from writing for the screen, Joaquin is also a published author of fiction and is a youth writing volunteer for the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND and NOSOTROS ORGANIZATION programs.
Request an InvitationI started getting serious about making videos during summer backpacking trips with my friends between college semesters at Central Michigan University. Shortly after graduating, I was asked to produce a local TV show. I jumped at the opportunity and never looked back. Since then, I’ve produced videos for documentaries, national ad campaigns, and commercials for multinational companies. Recently I was part of a team that produced videos for Lansing’s Silver Bells in the City, and we received an Emmy Award for special event coverage.
My introduction to the business wasn’t with videography; I was a wedding DJ for nearly 8 years. Through this experience, I discovered that weddings are not only among my favorite things to be a part of, but also to film. I love capturing the excitement, love, and energy surrounding them.
When I’m not editing videos – haha, funny joke – I like to make music. In fact, I serenaded my wife Amanda with my ukulele for our first kiss. True story! I also try to get out to the backcountry wilderness with just a backpack from time to time, especially in beautiful northern Michigan.
Request an InvitationIn 2000, Demetria established Genuine Human Productions, writing, directing, shooting and editing true stories about real people…genuine humans. Demetria Kalodimos has anchored and reported television news for more than 30 years. She’s won some of journalism’s most prestigious awards including 15 regional Emmys, 2 National Headliners and 2 Investigative Reporters and Editors Awards.
Request an InvitationOver fifteen years post production experience in Orlando—Grant has provided video editorial, 2D & 3D animations, and motion graphics for a multitude of media clients through his post production company, GFX Creative.
Short & Long Format Video Editorial, Event & Theme Park Animations, Infomercials, Broadcast Commercials, Corporate Communications and Interactive Media for The Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Sea World, Lockheed-Martin, AAA Insurance, 3M, Siemens, Honda, A&D Medical, Toyota, FedEx and others.
Request an InvitationJae Macallan is the owner, producer, and lead editor for Yoyostring Creative in Seattle, WA., with satalite offices in Portland, OR and San Diego, CA. Yoyostring produces traditional video as well as animation, 360 VR, live video switching and video mapping.
Request an Invitation“Simply put, there is no better or more effective way to teach anything than one-on-one, mentor to student. This is what the Film Connection does.” — Ron Osborn
A writer/producer in television for 35 years, Ron has been nominated for 7 Emmys, 3 Cable Ace Awards, and 2 Writers Guild Awards on shows like MOONLIGHTING, THE WEST WING, and the adult animated DUCKMAN. He has written pilots for every primetime network, numerous cable networks, as well as movies like MEET JOE BLACK; and has developed feature projects with Steven Speilberg, Ron Howard, and George Lucas, among others. .
Request an InvitationClear a space for all those filmmaking awards you’ll win with Peoria-Bloomington Film Connection. We’ve partnered up with various production companies in both Peoria and Bloomington to get your career started through mentorships.
Our 6-month behind the scenes program gives you the chance to work with mentors who are filmmaking professionals in the Peoria-Bloomington area. You will go to their studios or production houses and gain invaluable experience that will put you ahead of any other film-school graduates who have nothing to show for their time but lectures and a student film.
For those that want the fully immersive filmmaking experience, we also offer the 8-month directors track. This comprehensive program pairs you up with many mentors as you write, direct, and edit your own project. No other program in the world offers its students a chance to pitch to Hollywood insiders like we do.
To APPLY for our Peoria-Bloomington Film School, click here.
Located in central Illinois, the cities of Peoria and Bloomington, Illinois host populations of about 115,000 and 75,000 people, respectively. This area is home to many historical buildings, beautiful countryside, and rests within driving distance of major cities such as Chicago and St. Louis–making the Peoria-Bloomington area a good central area for location filming. These cities benefit from Illinois' generous tax incentives for filmmakers (up to 30 percent tax credit), and several production companies can be found in the area. For people considering a career as a film producer, film producer, film editor or related professions, the Peoria-Bloomington area can be a great alternative to relocation, thanks to FILM CONNECTION's unique system.
Just a few of the productions that have seen location filming in Peoria-Bloomington and the surrounding region of Illinois include movies like The Only Way, Jo Jo Dancer Your Life Is Calling, The Dark Knight and Eagle Eye; television shows such as WWF Raw; and documentaries such as Capitalism: A Love Story and Elvis in East Peoria.
FILM CONNECTION’s Mentor Apprentice Programs in both Film and TV have been placing students in film and TV jobs for over two decades. Through our inexpensive 6-month program, we can place you with a working professional who will be your instructor and mentor, giving you valuable connections and hands-on experience with real film and video shoots. Many of our graduates get hired, often by the very companies in which they do their schooling. Can we help launch your career in Peoria or Bloomington? You bet we can.
The Film Connection film school alternative is endorsed by filmmakers who are making movies, maybe even the movies you love.
Professionals in the film business—including famous producers, screenwriters and directors—endorse Film Connection’s programs for one simple reason: they know our real-world method works.
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