Learn film production in Illinois directly from an industry pro, in the real world, not a classroom. One-on-one mentorship. Build Industry Connections and Gain Real Experience.
If you have dreams of a career in the film industry, your path to Hollywood begins at the Illinois Film Connection. We are the best film school in the state, and we put you closer to the action than any other film school can. With our unique training approach, you won’t waste a single day sitting in some college or trade school classroom. Instead, we’ll place you as a working extern inside a real film production company, and we’ll pair you with an experienced film professional who will show you the ropes one-on-one. In other words, you’ll learn on-the-job, and “on the set.” And in so doing, you’ll be making lots of career-advancing industry connections while those other film students are still sitting in those classrooms.
What do you want to do in film? Do you want to write scripts, or edit films? Do you want to be a cinematographer? A producer? A director? Do you want to go all the way to making your own movies in Hollywood? We’ll pair you with an industry pro who specializes in your field of interest, and tailor our curriculum to fit your needs—including, if you so choose, helping you develop your own film idea and then pitching that film to REAL HOLLYWOOD EXECUTIVES.
The great thing is, you don’t have to move to L.A. in order to get started. Thanks in part to generous incentives offered by the state, there are many major film and television productions that come to Illinois regularly to shoot on location.
Major productions like these frequently rely on local talent, so you can see there are plenty of opportunities to connect to the film industry right here in Illinois. By placing you as a working extern in a real production company, the Illinois Film Connection can help you make the most of these opportunities where other schools can’t.
Our one-of-a-kind training program has the endorsement of hundreds of major players in the film industry, many of whom teach for us. We have been around for nearly 30 years, and we’re not going anywhere. Our program works because this is an industry that revolves around experience and connections, not college degrees or film school diplomas. You’ll get a certificate of completion from us, but the real value of our program comes with the real-world experience and the connections you’ll make by learning on-the-job—experience and connections that can even lead to jobs in Hollywood itself. Yes, we have connections there, too, and we can help you connect there, as well.
One thing that could stop your dreams dead in their tracks is being overwhelmed by student debt—so we’ve taken steps to protect you from that, as well. While other film schools charge huge tuition rates that practically force you into debt, we’ve managed our costs to offer you this on-the-job education for up to 75% LESS than our competition. This allows you to focus on your new career, not on how you’re going to pay your tuition bill.
Whether you live in Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, Peoria or some other town in Illinois, we have film professionals near where you live who are eager to train you! If you’re ready to get on the inside track to the film industry, we’re ready to help. APPLY NOW FOR FREE to get started.
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
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
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
“Working through the second act was tough, but my mentor really helped me unlock the emotional arc of the story.”
Kayla M.
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
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