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The Film Industry
in Kansas
Would you be surprised to learn that your pathway to Hollywood can begin in Kansas? It’s true, thanks to the unique opportunities offered by the Kansas Film Connection. We’re hands-down the best film school in the state, because we put you in direct contact with the film industry from the first day of your training. Instead of studying in a classroom, you’ll study on-the-job and on-the set. We place you as a working student extern inside a real film production company, where a seasoned film industry pro will train you one-on-one. Whether your dream is to become a cinematographer, a producer, a film editor or director—whether your passion lies in local production projects, indie films or even making movies in Hollywood—the Kansas Film Connection gets you closer to the action than any other film school can.
The best part is, you don’t have to relocate to Los Angeles to get started in a film industry career, because we can teach you right where you live! Do you doubt us? You’d be surprised at how many major motion pictures have been filmed in Kansas over the years.
Here are just a few of them:
- Dances With Wolves (1990)
- Terms of Endearment (1983)
- Paper Moon (1973)
- Picnic (1955)
- Mars Attacks! (1996)
- Twister (1989)
- Friday Night Lights (2004)
Schedule a Tour
Visit a Film Production Company
In Your Area
* Not all programs are available in every state. Consult an Admissions Representative to learn more.
Programs
In the Film Connection for Film Production & Editing program, you will study directing, producing and screenwriting inside a real film production company in your city 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 DetailsWorkshops
The 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 who gets the ball rolling down the hill.
In the Film Connection for Screenwriting workshop, you will learn the elements that make for a “Killer Script” by developing and writing your own feature length screenplay under the direction and mentorship of a working professional screenwriter.
In many ways the film editor is the most misunderstood of all film professionals. Often considered just a film technician, a good editor is so much more than that. He or she is also a qualified storyteller of the highest order.
In the Film Connection for Film Editing workshop, you will develop your knowledge of storytelling and screenplay structure as the foundational blueprint of a film. You will also develop your technical understanding of editing as an extern to a professional editor in a post-production facility.
Meet our Mentors
Why learn from teachers when you can learn from the professionals?
John Lafia Film Connection Mentor
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John Lafia Film Connection Mentor
Background
John 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 InvitationBrian Dryden Film Connection Mentor
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Brian Dryden Film Connection Mentor
Background
Clients: The North Face, Cherokee Sports, LSU Request an InvitationPeter Foldy Film Connection Mentor
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Peter Foldy Film Connection Mentor
Background
“For a fraction of the price of a university course, students of the Radio, Record and Film Connection receive one-on-one consultation and mentoring from a seasoned film professional. It is an opportunity for an exchange of meaningful ideas and for some, even a chance to network, an essential requirement to make an in-road in the film business.” Request an InvitationEric Abrams Film Connection Mentor
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Eric Abrams Film Connection Mentor
Background
“Unlike many programs that stress theory over doing, our goal is for our students to have completed a 1st draft of a screenplay or be well on their way in 10 sessions.” Credits I’m proud of: “Married…With Children,” “Gary & Mike,” ‘Live & Maddie,” and an unaired Muppet pilot. Request an InvitationMonty Mickelson Film Connection Mentor
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Monty Mickelson Film Connection Mentor
Background
Freelance Journalist, Financial Writer, Corporate Communications Copywriter, Writer of Corporate Training and Life Skills Videoscripts, Public Relations Account Manager, Special Events Promotion and Media Wrangling, Award-Winning Published Novelist, and Feature Film Screenwriter. Request an InvitationDaniela Larsen Film Connection Mentor
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Daniela Larsen Film Connection Mentor
Background
Daniela Larsen is the former CEO of Creative Media Education. She created and expanded education & certifications in Digital Media, Film, Cyber Security, Leadership and Technology. She also developed strategic partnerships in the private and public sector to make this education and training accessible to the public. Finally, she used digital media, documentaries and non profit experience to create opportunities for cause marketing, tell the stories that have real impact and increase the reach of online education to the remotest places in the world. She is currently the Executive Director & Founder of Small Candles Education & Economic Development, the CEO of the Navanas Institute and a Certified Partner for Infusionsoft. Request an InvitationRyan E. Heppe Film Connection Mentor
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Ryan E. Heppe Film Connection Mentor
Background
During his tenure at CCH, Heppe was hired by legendary producer David Foster (The Getaway, Short Circuit, The Mask of Zorro) and quickly climbed to the position of Head of Development where he became involved with Foster’s productions: Collateral Damage starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hart’s War starring Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell, and The Core starring Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank. As a hyphenate Producer/Director/Writer/Actor, some of Heppe’s work includes: Production of the docu-drama The Magic Was In The Music, a remake of Short Circuit, adaptations of the 80’s television mini-series V and cop series T.J. Hooker, among others. As an actor, he’s starred in such stage productions as You Can’t Take It With You, Life On The Bowery, Dracula and Picnic at Hanging Rock – several of which he directed. In the world of VO, he’s lent his voice to numerous commercials, both national and regional, and performs several characters on the animated series DaGeDar. Request an InvitationWade Marshall Film Connection Mentor
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Wade Marshall Film Connection Mentor
Background
Since 2007, Millennium Studios has been servicing productions in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana. Credits: True Blood, The Expendables 3, Olympus Has Fallen Request an InvitationJon Reiss Film Connection Mentor
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Jon Reiss Film Connection Mentor
Background
Named one of “10 Digital Directors to Watch” by Daily Variety, Jon Reiss is also critically acclaimed filmmaker whose experience releasing his feature Bomb It with a hybrid strategy was the inspiration for writing Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing in the Digital Era (TOTBO), the first step-by-step guide for filmmakers to distribute and market their films. He also co-wrote Selling Your Film Without Selling Your Soul and Selling Your Film Outside the US. He also teaches at the Film Directing Program at Cal Arts. Request an InvitationRick Dahl Film Connection Mentor
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Rick Dahl Film Connection Mentor
Background
I’ve written for many of the major studios and networks. My first movie, “Red Rock West,” was nominated for Best Screenplay by the Independent Spirit Awards. I think this program is fantastic. I get to spend an hour a week, one-on-one with my students. We read over their material carefully. It affords me the opportunity to dig deep and get into the details of screenwriting – a deceptively complicated craft. We can cover various aspects of formatting, different styles of writing and how they impact the reader – which ultimately determines the filmic outcome and audience sees on screen. The time allows me to get know my students so that I’m able to help them put some part of themselves into their stories. Once you get past the basics, screenwriting is about story. And we all have one to tell. The more personal that is, the more impact it will have. The terrific thing I get to experience with Film Connection, because of the one-on-one time I have with my students, is the growth they achieve in their writing Request an InvitationJana Sue Memel Film Connection Mentor
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Jana Sue Memel Film Connection Mentor
Background
“Students at the Film Connection receive the extraordinary benefit of a one-on-one mentoring relationship with highly experienced industry professionals. What an amazing way to learn your craft. Nothing could be better.” — Jana Sue Memel, Films Jana have produced have been nominated for eleven Oscars and won three. They have also won Emmy’s, Director and Writer Guild Awards and numerous film festival awards. Credits: So I Married An Axe Murderer, Tough Guys, Down Came A Blackbird, Duke of Groove Request an InvitationLawrence Hilton-Jacobs Film Connection Mentor
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Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs Film Connection Mentor
Background
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs has been one of the most consistent actors in Hollywood and his amazing work has won millions of hearts all over the world. He was born in the year 1953 on 4th of September and this makes his age 61 at this time. At this age he has already been a legendary actor and he will be always remembered for his contributions. He was born in a place called New York City, which lies in New York of United States of America. He belongs to the ethnicity black and nationality American. He is very humble and always carries a smile on his face. He is an extremely tall man as he has a very impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches, which is around 1.87 meters. He went to the university called Wilkes University for his degree. A lot of information on him and his interesting biography can be grabbed from wiki sites like Wikipedia and IMDb. He has been very motivated in his career and to make the scenes look real he has given many shirtless scenes as well. He has been living a king’s life and all thanks to his hard work and dedication. He has poured perfection in almost all of his work. He has been earning good money also and has his net worth in millions of dollars. He has a net worth of 1 million dollars and this speaks his success story. Videos related to him are absolutely loved in YouTube. It does not seem like he is much into social networking sites like Twitter and Instagram and does not like to upload his pictures in those sites to share them. After being so popular he has managed to keep his personal life very low profile. It does not seem like he is gay but, as he has not revealed his sexual preference nothing can be said with assurance. He has never talked about his wife and children but he looks like married. If he is not married also he has never revealed the person he is dating right now or his girlfriend. He has never talked about his current affair also if he is having any. It seems like he has not been through divorce. He has played great roles in TV shows and movies and this has made him who he is today. He played the role of Charles in a movie called Claudine in the year 1974. He played the role of Cochise in a movie called Cooley High in the year 1975. He played the role of Floyd in a movie called The Annihilators in the year 1985. In the year 2004 he played the role of Anthony in a movie called 30 Miles. Other movies to his credits are Nocturnal Agony, Otis, Tamales and Gumbo, Indecent Behavior, L.A Vice, Chance and Youngblood. He has been superb with his roles in TV shows and series as well. He appeared in a TV show called Welcome Back, Kotter from the year 1975 to the year 1979. Other TV series to his credits are Pointman, Ellen, Moesha and The Jacksons: An American Dream. Request an InvitationJim Fogarty Film Connection Mentor
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Jim Fogarty Film Connection Mentor
Background
Jim Fogarty is a writer and producer, known for Waxing Gibbous (2001), Coffee & Donuts (2007) and A Legacy Reborn: The Rebirth of the W.D. Packard Music Hall (2014). Request an InvitationDale DeToni Film Connection Mentor
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Dale DeToni Film Connection Mentor
Background
Owner/Producer, Dale DeToni, began his career thirty years ago when he brought his experience and education from some of Chicago’s largest recording studios to Springfield, with the dream of starting his own media production company. Request an InvitationDamon Crump Film Connection Mentor
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Damon Crump Film Connection Mentor
Background
The Millionaire Matchmaker, Risen, Broke Sky, Aliens on the Moon, Endings, Assault on Waco, Telling Stories: The Comic Book Creators, Big Rich Texas Request an InvitationMark Gibson Film Connection Mentor
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Mark Gibson Film Connection Mentor
Background
“As a screenwriting mentor I know that every student like every writer is different. The Film Connection screenwriting program allows me to work one on one with my students, customizing the curriculum, allowing me to focus on each student’s needs by helping them raise the level of their writing whether it’s their first script or their fiftieth.” As for credits, I think my two Disney films SNOW DOGS and THE WILD are certainly the most well known. Request an InvitationConrad Denke Film Connection Mentor
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Conrad Denke Film Connection Mentor
Background
“There is no replacement for actual hands-on experience, and The Film Connection provides opportunities to work closely with our production team and learn what it takes to make it in the production business.” — Conrad Denke Conrad Denke, film producer/director and CEO/owner of Victory Studios has been in the film and video business for over 30 years. He was co-executive producer and director on the PBS series “National Desk.” Denke has worked on feature films including “Assassins” with Sylvester Stallone, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” with Antonio Banderas and Johnny Depp, “Santa Who?” with Leslie Nielson, “Boycott” for HBO, “Alone with Her” with Colin Hanks, “Cover” directed by Bill Duke, and “Mr. Warmth: Don Rickels” directed by John Landis. He is currently producing the television series “Band in Seattle” and has several projects in development including “Music for Young People” and “Daredevils and Disasters.” Request an InvitationSeth Wood Film Connection Mentor
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Seth Wood Film Connection Mentor
Background
Seth has been working in production since 1998 and has a wide range of refined marketing skills. With abilities in media marketing and advertising, he is an asset to almost any organization. Seth works with companies and agencies all over the US to produce “brand” friendly marketing pieces that actually generate results. Because of his extreme expertise and experience in graphics, photography, video production, and other media marketing solutions, you can get all your products produced at one boutique advertising location… Seth’s office! Brands promoted with video projects over the past years include: Microsoft, Avaya Telecommunications, Susan G Koman, Texas Instruments, CAE, Evatran, Oster and many more. Check out the full list of production credits on his new leads generating website. www.SwoodMedia.com “I work hard, am deadline savvy, and ready to get YOUR job done right.” Request an InvitationRicky Lapkin Film Connection Mentor
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Ricky Lapkin Film Connection Mentor
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Ricky Lapkin full-service production company offering cinematic shorts and films, corporate audio visual services, and analog recording transfers to all digital formats. Request an InvitationMark Roos Film Connection Mentor
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Mark Roos Film Connection Mentor
Background
“I create music that connects people. It’s what I love to do and I’ve been doing it for over 25 years. I’ve worked with some if the best directors around on a variety amazing of projects in just about every medium there is, including computer games, full-feature and documentary films, websites, radio, television shows, commercials and custom music production.” Clients: Discovery Channel, MSNBC, History Channel Request an InvitationRichard Brandes Film Connection Mentor
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Richard Brandes Film Connection Mentor
Background
Richard Brandes is an accomplished writer, director, and producer of over two dozen feature films, which have been released through such well known companies as Alliance/Atlantis, Screen Gems, Sony, HBO, CBS, NBC/Universal, and Lionsgate, to name just a few. Known in the industry for creating highly commercial, profitable films, Richard has an impeccable reputation for completing his projects on schedule and on budget. Request an InvitationPaul Guay Film Connection Mentor
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Paul Guay Film Connection Mentor
Background
Credits: Liar Liar, The Little Rascals, Shrinking Violet Request an InvitationSteve Rausch Film Connection Mentor
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Steve Rausch Film Connection Mentor
Background
Steve Rausch is owner and operator of focused motion. Focused Motion produces and shoot video content for commercials, industrial videos, surgeries and live sporting events. My company has worked on documentaries, programming for Discovery Networks and reality TV shows. Request an InvitationAdam Weber Film Connection Mentor
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Adam Weber Film Connection Mentor
Background
Adam Weber is a multi-purpose media production addict who has specialized in copywriting, video production, audio production, front-end web development, digital advertising, media planning, and any other role you can think of in regards to making intangible things using software. He also likes to be creative by writing songs with his band Integrow and making delectable craft home brews in his free time. Request an InvitationMike Domgard Film Connection Mentor
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Mike Domgard Film Connection Mentor
Background
Credits: Blur Parties, Lincoln Promo Video, Inner Thoughts Request an InvitationAimee Schoof Film Connection Mentor
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Aimee Schoof Film Connection Mentor
Background
Aimee Schoof is an entertainment executive, producer, and co-founder of Intrinsic Value Films with Isen Robbins. She has produced more than 30 feature films that have premiered either at Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW, Toronto, Venice, New Directors/New Films, and Berlin. Request an InvitationDean Baker Film Connection Mentor
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Dean Baker Film Connection Mentor
Background
Projects range from Multi-camera Live Webcasting to National TV Ads for Good Neighbor Pharmacies, Regulator Boats, and Product launches airing on Lifetime, The Learning Channel and The Golf Channel. Request an InvitationRyan Heppe Film Connection Mentor
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Ryan Heppe Film Connection Mentor
Background
During his tenure at CCH, Heppe was hired by legendary producer David Foster (The Getaway, Short Circuit, The Mask of Zorro) and quickly climbed to the position of Head of Development where he became involved with Foster’s productions: Collateral Damage starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hart’s War starring Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell, and The Core starring Aaron Eckhart and Hilary Swank. As a hyphenate Producer/Director/Writer/Actor, some of Heppe’s work includes: Production of the docu-drama The Magic Was In The Music, a remake of Short Circuit, adaptations of the 80’s television mini-series V and cop series T.J. Hooker, among others. As an actor, he’s starred in such stage productions as You Can’t Take It With You, Life On The Bowery, Dracula and Picnic at Hanging Rock – several of which he directed. Request an InvitationKarl Koelling Film Connection Mentor
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Karl Koelling Film Connection Mentor
Background
I began TAPROOT with a passion to create inspiring film and video content that would move people and maybe even make the world a little bit better place. There are projects that TAPROOT pursues and develops based on our interests, but I’m a firm believer that we all have our callings, and that collectively we can have the biggest impact. As a result, TAPROOT partners with businesses, agencies, and other organizations that are doing important work, helping them tell their stories and share their ideas through cinematic filmmaking. Our team has a multi-disciplinary background that enables us to understand and compellingly translate your messages and ideas to the visual medium of film and video, and we create and execute projects of varying scale from start to finish. I run TAPROOT and provide direction on all our projects, which include: story-based branded content, television commercials, web based video of all sorts, and film series. If you care about how you’re presenting your work to the world and want to do so in an honest, inspiring manner – we’d make a good match. Request an InvitationKeith Golinski Film Connection Mentor
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Keith Golinski Film Connection Mentor
Background
Keith Golinski of Fulvew Productions is a Director of Photography, editor and producer. He’s best known for his work on America’s Most Haunted (2013), Talking Dead (2005), and An Ordinary Killer (2003). Request an Invitation
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“I learned more about the history of film today and how people used to film videos and movies and clips with still photography. I met some more filmmakers and editors who were really nice and fun to be around”
Brett Wilson, San Diego, CA Majored in Editing / Production
Tuition
Comparison
Film Connection’s mentor styled education is a cost-effective approach to hands-on, curriculum backed education in film production and editing and cinematography.
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$12,200
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$44,000
Tuition
$61,000
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$22,000
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$20,500
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$88,000
Tuition
$122,000
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