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 New York 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?
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 InvitationDo you see movies in your head every day? We do, too! That’s why we’ve created a program unlike any other at Utica Film Connection. We partner students with mentors that work in the film industry. If there’s a specific aspect of filmmaking that interests you, then our behind the scenes program is for you. If wearing a directors hat is more your thing, then our director track will tell you if you have what it takes to make it in Hollywood. Get it out of your head faster with Utica Film Connection.
To APPLY for our Utica Film School, click here.
Utica, New York is located in the central part of the state along the Mohawk River and the historic Erie Canal, home to roughly 58,000 people. Historically, Utica has been a haven for numerous groups of immigrants, particularly refugees from war-torn or oppressed nations–prompting Reader's Digest to give it the nickname "Second Chance City." For a city its size, Utica has a remarkable amount of artistic/cultural opportunities as well, including a performing arts center, theater, ballet, museums, a symphony orchestra, and even a unique residency organization for professional sculptors. It is also home to several production companies, and is located within driving distance of a wide range of natural scenery (i.e., mountains, lakes, forests) and several major cities including New York City–making Utica a great central hub for location filmmaking. If you desire to pursue a film career as a film director, film producer, film editor, or otherwise, you'll find a surprising amount of opportunity in Utica.
Movies, commercials, TV shows and documentaries are filmed througout New York State regularly, including in Utica and surrounding areas, making it ideal for aspiring filmmakers who would rather not relocate to the craziness of NYC or L.A. Some of the movies that have been filmed in Utica and surrounding regions of New York include The Death of Daniel Whately, Come Away with Me, Bleed, Naked Fear, Lonely Joe, and the classic film Slap Shot, to name a few.
FILM CONNECTION of Utica will give you a distinct advantage through out revolutionary mentor-apprentice (extern) approach. During our inexpensive, 6-month course, you'll be paired with a working film or television professional who serves as your personal instructor, giving you valuable hands-on training on real film and video shoots. The connections you'll make in the process are what usually lead to permanent employement in the industry. In fact, over 70 percent of our graduates get hired, many before they even finish the program! Our system works! Check out FILM CONNECTION of Utica, and let us get you started on a path toward a great career in film!
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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