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 Minnesota apprenticeship locations. Or call us for more information at 800-295-4433
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?
In 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 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 InvitationJohn Lafia is a director and writer, known for Child’s Play (1988), Child’s Play 2 (1990), Man’s Best Friend(1993) and 10.5 (2004)
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 InvitationA film school in Rochester, Minnesota? You bet! Meet FILM CONNECTION, an innovative concept in film schools. We're the only school in Rochester that gets you working as a film student apprentice (extern) inside an actual Rochester film production company, where you will learn directing, producing, editing, camera, screenwriting or general production as you work with the pros and make valuable connections. In Rochester, Minnesota, the smartest way to break into the film business is to work inside a Rochester film production company as a film apprentice (extern).
You could spend in excess of 50 thousand dollars, not counting relocation expenses, to go to film school at a film trade school, or you could go to film school in a real Rochester production company for a tiny fraction of that amount. The choice is obvious; our revolutionary film school alternative is the smartest, most cost efficient way on the market today to get a quality film school education.
To APPLY for our Rochester, Minnesota Film School, click here.
Located in southeast Minnesota and the home of the famed Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota is a town of roughly 100,000 people, about a 90-minute drive from the Twin Cities and about 3 hours from Chicago. Although film schools are scarce in these parts (except for ours, of course), there are several film or television production companies in Rochester, and numerous major movies and television shows have been shot in the area. If you are considering a career in filmmaking as a film director, film producer, film editor, or cameraman–but DON'T want to relocate to New York or Los Angeles–consider Rochester, Minnesota as a great alternative. FILM CONNECTION makes it possible.
Movies filmed in and around the Rochester, Minnesota area include IceBreaker, Terror Overload, D3: The Mighty Ducks and the 1988 documentary You Don't Have to Die, filmed in Rochester's own Mayo Clinic. Other major films like Fargo, A Serious Man and A Prairie Home Companion were also shot not far from Rochester, as well as television shows like Mystery Science Theater 3000.
FILM CONNECTION's innovative approach to film school education is to place you in a real Rochester production company, where you will work under a working professional who serves as your instructor/mentor. You'll gain valuable hands-on experience working on real film and video shoots, making vital industry connections along the way. This is the heart of the FILM CONNECTION approach, and it works. Over 70 percent of our graduates get permanent jobs. Come see what our Rochester, Minnesota film school can do for you!
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.
With the right experience and connections, you can jumpstart your career in film.
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