From directing to producing to editing and screenwriting, our mentor-based programs avoid the unnecessary costs and unrelated requirements of typical schools. Work directly with accomplished industry veteran filmmakers at one of our fully-equipped film production companies across the country.
You will study inside a real film production company in your city as you develop your movie idea with a legendary to filmmaker. Then you will fly to Los Angeles or New York to pitch your idea to an executive that could buy or get your movie idea made.
Director / Producer / Screenwriter DetailsThe screenwriter is the person who creates, takes, or adapts an idea and formulates a screenplay. Without the writer, there would be no movie. Period. He or she is the starting gate. He or she is the person that starts the ball rolling down the hill.
Screenwriting DetailsIn many ways the film editor is the most misunderstood of all film professionals. Often considered just a film technician, a good editor is, without doubt, much more than that. He or she is also a qualified storyteller of the highest order.
Film Editing DetailsThe cinematographer is literally the set ‘magician.’ DPs are responsible for the technological wizardry to help create the needed light, while at the same time also having the keen sensibility to shape the light for the greatest artistic effect.
Cinematography DetailsGet started with a tour of one of our Pennsylvania apprenticeship locations. Or call us for more information at (267) 713-3920
Learning filmmaking in the real world with the Film Connection mentoring approach makes building relationships in the film industry is a daily occurrence.
Knowing how to handle yourself on the set is a prerequisite to a successful career in filmmaking—your mentor will guide you through proper etiquette during real film shoots.
Film Connection mentors exist in the real world where the competition is fierce. Having the latest gear is essential to their success which gives you access to the latest hardware.
Isn’t the whole point of going to film school to learn how to make movies—especially YOUR movie? The Film Connection curriculum is designed around this concept from start to finish.
We get it. This isn’t your normal four-year college or trade school. We’re different, even innovative and you need to understand more before you apply. Here’s how you can get more info:
Why learn from teachers when you can learn from the professionals?
Greg Freeman is an award-winning Director of Photography with nearly two decades in news, sports, entertainment, special programming, documentaries, and commercials. Greg has directed projects for nearly every major television network including ABC, Discovery, ESPN, HBO, HGTV, NBC, PBS, and more.
Request an InvitationSteve is an award winning producer, director and writer of over 250 films, documentaries, television shows and home video properties, including specials from the Olympics, Super Bowls, World Series, NBA and NCAA Championships, and college football bowl games.
Request an InvitationAvery O. Williams works steadily in both the film and theater worlds. He is the co-writer of the feature film Directing Eddie starring Valerie Perrine and Jade Barrymore, directed by Lawrence Kaldor which premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival and was voted Best Comedy at the 2001 New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. He wrote and directed the industrial film for the City of Atalanta entitled Surviving Domestic Violence and he wrote and co-produced the film short The Willie Witch Projects, which was showcased at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival and is distributed by Trimark Pictures in their compilation entitled The Bogus Witch Project. Other short subject screenplays that have been made into films include Notes In A Minor Key, The Willie Witch Projects and The Chocolate Factory, Part 1.
Request an Invitation“The Film Connection Program uses real world people to mentor real world jobs.”
-Harry Findysz, Tucson, Arizona, Southern Arizona Video Productions
Producer of Live Television, Music Videos, Documentaries, Winner of Ashbury Best Music Documentary 2016 Linda Chorney The Cantina
Request an InvitationLogan is a lifelong filmmaker. With 8 years of experience in Event and Experiential Marketing, Logan has a passion for communicating the brand message and essence with artistic quality and creativity.
Request an InvitationThe Alphabet Killer, Love N’ Dancing, The Attic, Hero of the Underworld, Law & Order: SVU
Request an InvitationPast productions include LMN’s Monstresses; Investigation Discovery’s Cuff Me If You Can; America’s Most Haunted and UFO’s Crashed my Vacation; America’s Most Secret and I Faked My Own Death for Discovery; National Geographic’s 42 Ways to Kill Hitler and Don’t Try This At Home; Vampire Secrets and Ancient Ink for The History Channel; Las Vegas Bikers for truTV; Weather Channel’s Full Force Nature; True Confessions for WE-TV as well as Beyond Death and Investigative Reports for A&E.
Request an Invitation“All aspects of filmmaking are primarily experiential, so a program like this one gives the students what they need most- the opportunity to DO.” — Matthew Temple, Producer of “The Advocate” and Universal’s “Dragon Nest: Warriors’ Dawn”
Matthew Temple has long stood at the crossroads of art and social action–his work and passion split between telling stories and participating in the creation of new paradigms wherein new stories for the future can be created. As a storyteller, he works as a screenwriter, director, producer and actor. As a social entrepreneur, he is the founder and president of the non-profit WeStrive, where he is the executive director of the Wandering Reel Traveling Film Festival. Temple is currently VP of Production and Development for Mili Pictures Worldwide.
Request an InvitationNick is your basic military brat. Except for the fact that neither of his parents were actually in the military. But, like many military families, his family moved several times during his youth, living in Omaha, Chicago, and Minneapolis among other places. And although he wasn’t living on military bases, he developed a deep interest in History, and all things military. Ask him about the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, and you may just get an entire lesson on the Pacific Theater of World War II. When he’s not painting tanks for his war game simulations, Nick works here. He shoots video. He edits video. He talks about World War II. A lot. Anyone who comes into contact with Nick will become much better versed in the history of mankind and all the wars it has produced over the years. Nick provided 50% of the formula that founded Full Effect Productions over 18 years ago, and has played a vital role in its success. Nick is a 1987 graduate of the University of South Dakota, and his previous experience includes working at a local TV station as Commercial Videographer/Producer. Not taking a cue from his parents, Nick has decided to keep his family in one city, and has called Sioux City, Iowa home since 1988. He has a wife of 29 years and an adult son and daughter. In his free time, Nick can be found studiously painting small military ships, tanks and airplanes. He has amassed large numbers of these items that comprise entire military units used for battles at the MAGECON gaming convention. He’s a film buff who’s recently installed home theater has him positively giddy, and hardly ever seeing daylight.
Request an InvitationBecause of our unique brand of apprenticeship (externship) training, the Film Connection isn’t limited to one or a few campuses. We’ve got locations everywhere, including in Philadelphia! No need to move or to quit your day job. Your pathway to Hollywood starts right where you live!
Learn near where you live. Advantage: Film Connection.
The cost of education has been skyrocketing, and it’s a travesty. How can you launch a film career when you’re buried in student debt? It doesn’t have to be this way, and we have a system that proves it every day. Our tuition is so low that you can graduate with little or no debt and get on with your film career.
Other schools not only cost more, they have lots of add-on charges. Advantage: Film Connection.
At the Philadelphia Film Connection, we don’t believe in classrooms. You will have a structured curriculum, but you won’t spend a single day in a classroom with other students. Instead, we train you on-the-job by placing you as a working apprentice (extern) in a real film production company. It’s a more effective way to learn, and it’s a great way to get connected to the film industry.
Real-world experience, not useless theoretical classroom instruction. Advantage: Film Connection.
There’s no classroom with our program; there’s also no “class.” You’re the only student, paired with an established film professional with actual film credits and lots of connections. This seasoned pro will become your personal mentor, training you in all the aspects of your chosen film discipline one-on-one.
One teacher to one student. Advantage: Film Connection.
We’ve got so many endorsements from high-profile film professionals that they are too many to list here. These pros endorse us because they know our program does more to break people like you into the business than any other school.
More professional endorsements than any other film school. Advantage: Film Connection.
No informal “cold call” job lists from us. We don’t just clue you in on the latest job offerings—we bend over backwards to help you get hired. Our one-of-a-kind Stay Connected Program provides up to 12 months of active job placement assistance after you graduate. (You might not need it, though—play your cards right, and your mentor just might hire you! It happens all the time with the Film Connection.)
“Job placement” at other schools means handing you a cold-call lead list when you graduate. Advantage: Film Connection.
The biggest challenge to breaking into the film business is getting your foot in the door—getting noticed by busy people who don’t know you from Adam. With the Philadelphia Film Connection, we’ve got you covered in this area. From day one, you’re placed as a working apprentice (extern) INSIDE a real film production company, so you can build those relationships as you go. By the time you graduate, you’re already an industry insider.
The other guys are on the outside, looking in. Advantage: Film Connection.
If you’re having trouble with your assignments and your mentor isn’t available to ask—ask us! We offer free, unlimited tutoring to all our students to ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Unlimited free tutoring. Advantage: Film Connection.
The Film industry is centered around connections. You could be the best cinematographer, director, producer, screenwriter or film editor on the planet, but if no one knows you—good luck with that. The greatest advantage with the Film Connection is that all your classes take place in the heart of the industry—on-the-job and on the set—where you can meet and connect with hundreds of established pros. These are the people of influence you’d never meet in a classroom—the people who can one day hire you.
Real world film industry connections. Big Advantage: Film Connection.
You might be perfectly content to work in the thriving Philadelphia film scene, but if you want more…we’ve got more. Your curriculum is structured to guide you through the steps of developing your own film idea. When your apprenticeship (externship) is complete, we’ll arrange a meeting in Los Angeles with actual Hollywood film industry professionals, and you’ll have the chance to pitch your movie to them! Can you think of one other film school that does this? We think not…
A real chance to break into Hollywood. Big Advantage: Film Connection. NO OTHER FILM SCHOOL DOES THIS.
Among Philadelphia Film Schools, only one actually gets you inside a real Philadelphia film production company to work as a film student apprentice (extern), learning the arts of directing, producing, editing, camera, screenwriting or general production from the pros. Hands down, the smartest way to break into the film business in Philadelphia is to apprentice (extern) inside a Philadelphia film production company–and the FILM CONNECTION is the film school that puts you there.
Don’t make the mistake of spending 10-50 thousand dollars to go to film school at a college or film trade school when you can get your film school education in a real production company for far less money. Be smart, get on the inside track, learn from the pros and make vital industry contacts while you learn in a real-world environment! Our film school alternative is the smartest, most cost efficient film school you’ll find anywhere.
To APPLY for our Philadelphia Film School, click here.
Home to more than 1.5 million people (and anchoring a metro of nearly 4 million), PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA is the 4th largest DMA in the United States. A city rich in history, music, art, culture and sports fans (with SIX major teams calling Philly home), the “City of Brotherly Love” is bustling with things to see and do. This city’s legacy in the entertainment industries can’t be understated, either. Entertainment icon Dick Clark first launched his star-making dance/music show American Bandstand at a Philadelphia television station in the early 1950s. Other major entertainers and film professionals with Philadelphia roots include Peter Boyle, David Brenner, Bill Cosby, Bradley Cooper, Tina Fey, Grace Kelly, Irvin Kershner, Will Smith, Holly Robinson Peete, Boyz II Men, Frankie Avalon, M. Night Shyamalan, Kevin Bacon, and John, Ethel and Lionel Barrymore, just to name a few.
Since the late 1980s, Philadelphia has been home to an emerging film industry as well, thanks in part to generous incentives and the support of the Philadelphia Film Office. MovieMaker Magazine once named Philadelphia as the second best location to make a film. Today, local soundstages, great local talent and diverse locations make Philly a popular site for film and TV productions. Here are just a few noteworthy films and shows that have done location shooting here:
You can see that there are plenty of opportunities in Philadelphia to connect to the film industry, and the FILM CONNECTION’s mentor-apprentice (extern) approach can get you closer to the action than any other film school can. Whether you desire to be a director, producer, editor, camera operator, lighting director, special effects master or any film professional, the FILM CONNECTION has a tailored course curriculum for you.
You will study one-on-one with your mentor who will be a film professional in your field of study. Your classroom will be on-the-job and on the set in Philadelphia. Upon graduation, you will have gained the on-the-job, real world experience and industry connections that you need to succeed in a career in the film industry—and if you choose it, when you’ve completed your apprenticeship (externship), we can even arrange for you to pitch your OWN FILM to REAL INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES in Los Angeles! You owe it to yourself to see what we can do for your film career.
The Film Connection film school is endorsed by filmmakers who are making the movies you love.
Professionals in the film business—including many of the famous producers, screenwriters and directors who’ve worked on the films that inspire you—endorse Film Connection’s programs for one simple reason: they know our immersive hands-on method works.
Philadelphia Film Connection Film Institute
155 North Wacker Drive--4250
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 713-3920
Email: [email protected]
Hours: M - F 12:00PM to 9:00PM
With the right experience and connections, you can jumpstart your career in film.
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