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Visit a Film Production Company
In Your Area
* Not all programs are available in every state. Consult an Admissions Representative to learn more.
Visit a Film Production Company
The Film Industry
in Michigan
Welcome to the only film school in Michigan that will actually connect you to the film industry! The Film Connection in Michigan creates opportunities that no other film school can offer. Instead of placing you in a college or trade school classroom with a bunch of other students, we put you in the heart of the action, in a real film production company, where you will learn one-on-one from a real film professional. Your classes occur on-the-job and on the set, giving you the chance to connect to the film industry while the other film school students are still sitting in those classrooms. Whether you want to work in film as a cinematographer, editor, producer or screenwriter, or whether you want to go all the way to Hollywood to pitch your own film, the Michigan Film Connection is the place to start!
If you think Michigan offers no opportunities to connect to the film industry, think again. Thanks in part to generous incentives offered by the state, major film productions come to film on location in Michigan on a regular basis!
Here are just a few examples:
- Gran Torino (2008)
- 8 Mile (2002)
- Road to Perdition (2002)
- The Ides of March (2011)
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
- Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
- The Five Year Engagement (2012)
- Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
- Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
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?
Michael Van Orden Film Connection Mentor
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Michael Van Orden Film Connection Mentor
Background
Credits: Being Doug, Called to Serve, The Washing, Spit Request an InvitationAlbert Dabah Film Connection Mentor
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Albert Dabah Film Connection Mentor
Background
Albert has been in the video production business for thirty-three years, owning and running Simba Productions in New York City. Clients: CNN, HBO, Apple Request an InvitationBob Kelley Film Connection Mentor
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Bob Kelley Film Connection Mentor
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Clients: Discovery Canada, PBS, UCDavis, Associated Press, Fox News, Blackstone Media, NBC Universal Request an InvitationMarc Silber Film Connection Mentor
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Marc Silber Film Connection Mentor
Background
With a background in visual media, director Marc Silber has interviewed scores of entrepreneurs, CEOs and creative professionals over the years. His interview series has received hearty praise and has helped countless business leaders and artists tell their story. Request an InvitationCraig Roessler Film Connection Mentor
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Craig Roessler Film Connection Mentor
Background
A film and television studio executive and producer for over twenty years, Craig has directly overseen, managed, and/or produced 25 films and seven network series with budgets totaling over $500 million. Craig is known for his project-management skills, having close working relationships with talent and directors, producing big looking, studio-quality content on tight budgets, quickly providing workable solutions for development and production issues, and completing projects on time, on budget. As Senior Vice President of Production, Programming and Creative Affairs for MGM Television Worldwide Inc., Craig had direct oversight of all content development, and oversaw pre-production, production, post-production, while working with business & legal affairs, marketing, and promotion. His MGM product was nominated for 10 Emmy awards and numerous others including DGA, Golden Globes, PGA and SAG awards. He oversaw studio projects such as the series Stargate SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Stargate: Universe, Dead Like Me, and The L Word, as well as Showtime Movies Inherit the Wind, Twelve Angry Men, In the Time of the Butterflies, That Championship Season, and Rocky Marciano, which opened the Monte Carlo Film Festival. Craig has worked with a wide range of talent, from well-established actors and directors to breaking new talent. Craig grew up in Los Angeles and Colorado, working summers on ranches breaking and training western saddle horses. He attended Columbia University, working his way through school as an actor on NBC’s soap opera “Another World,” while learning production work skills for quick, quality content. Request an InvitationKel Thompson Film Connection Mentor
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Kel Thompson Film Connection Mentor
Background
America’s Production Company was established in 2005 by Kel Thompson who has degrees in photography & advertising from Texas State University. Kel is also a graduate of the Palm Beach Film School. Kel was first published in photography at 17 years old in TX. Kel worked for News24Houston as their first helicopter videographer, before being hired by a major event production company in Florida. Two years later he established America’s Production Company after learning the ropes in photo, video, audio and event production. Request an InvitationZef Cota Film Connection Mentor
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Zef Cota Film Connection Mentor
Background
Alphabet City Films is a film production company based in New York City, NY. We are a collective of writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, and other talented filmmakers. We have created many short films, and recently produced our first feature length film: The Trouble. Request an InvitationJim DeGroot Film Connection Mentor
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Jim DeGroot Film Connection Mentor
Background
Clients: Green Bay Packers, Disney, National Guard, Doritos, ABC World News, Good Morning America, St. Joseph’s Medical Centers, Homeland Security Request an InvitationEero Johnson Film Connection Mentor
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Eero Johnson Film Connection Mentor
Background
“I’m Eero Johnson. I’m a film and video producer living in Bellingham, Washington. For over ten years I’ve been creating commercials, corporate videos, web videos, sales DVD’s, music videos … whatever it takes to get your message to your audience. I have a great group of clients and I love what I do.” Request an InvitationChris Varner Film Connection Mentor
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Chris Varner Film Connection Mentor
Background
In a career spanning nearly 20 years, Chris has worked in almost every facet of video production, from lens to post. His credits include EPK work on “Sleepy Hollow”, “Under The Dome”, “The Longest Ride”, “We’re The Millers”, “Iron Man 3”, “One Tree Hill” and more. Request an InvitationJohn Raffo Film Connection Mentor
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John Raffo Film Connection Mentor
Background
John Raffo started as a photographer in New York before turning his attention to screenwriting. Over the last twenty years he’s worked on a variety of credited and uncredited projects (including, DRAGON, THE BRUCE LEE STORY, THE RELIC, and THE INTERPRETER”). His original screenplay RENKO VEGA AND THE JENNIFER NINE appeared on the 2011 Black List. THE 7TH SWORD is his first story written directly as a graphic novel. Request an InvitationShawn Hamer Film Connection Mentor
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Shawn Hamer Film Connection Mentor
Background
17 time Emmy award winning DP/Camera Operator, Producer and Director with over 20 years of experience in the Film, Television and Audio business. Extensive professional experience for top clients across the country from Miami to Anchorage, from New York to San Francisco. International production experience in South & Central America as well as China for both documentary and commercial production. Well versed in handling both low and high budget production ($1k to $3.5m). Professional still shooter as well with full ProFoto strobe lighting and speedlight kits. Lots of contacts in the Detroit metro area and in major cities across the globe for every type and size production – full cinema production, 3D production, aerial shoots, camera car, crane/jib, etc. I also have shot, explored, camped and lived all over Michigan – I know the state EXTREMELY well, particularly it’s remotest regions. Request an InvitationSebastian Triscari Film Connection Mentor
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Sebastian Triscari Film Connection Mentor
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“Young people are the future of this industry. Mentorship programs like The Film Connection are the most efficient and effective ways for anyone who has a passion to gain the information and experience necessary to be successful!” Request an InvitationMitch Kaufman Film Connection Mentor
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Mitch Kaufman Film Connection Mentor
Background
A native of Atlantic Beach, Mitch Kaufmann has been offering video services to area businesses and residents since 1984. He started Atlantic Video Productions by shooting weddings, business seminars, and sporting events. Request an InvitationHoracio Jones Film Connection Mentor
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Horacio Jones Film Connection Mentor
Background
Award winning director, Horacio Jones is a multi-faceted Video Producer, Director, and Editor. He has turned CinemaViva into one of the leading video production studios in San Diego. In addition to making outstanding corporate video productions, he is committed to making socially conscious and inspiring films and documentaries that bring magic into peoples lives in fun and colorful ways. Request an InvitationDeen Olatunji Film Connection Mentor
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Deen Olatunji Film Connection Mentor
Background
Deen’s most recent film is “Warfare”, which was screened at the heart of Dallas and several other cities across the United States. Deen has also worked on several feature, short films and other content, which include “Kanaani” (Popular TV Series”), “The Call”, “King Sacrifice”, “Who Am I” , and “Dancing With The Docs-Texas”. (TV Series). He is currently working on his next projects “The Alarm Clock” (Short Film) and “Eze Back To School” (Feature Film) all coming up in fall and winter 2016. Deen believes the RRFC program is great because it’s one of the few reputable schools that teach you on the field which he states is a great way of learning. Request an InvitationRex Piano Film Connection Mentor
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Rex Piano Film Connection Mentor
Background
“The Film Connection allows aspiring writers to work with professionals. The students not only learn theory, but practical applications to screenwriting. I wish it was around when I was a student.” — Rex Piano, Producer/Director, Impact Earth, Fall of Hyperion, Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire, Murder Dot Com, Hope Ranch, The Month of August Request an InvitationMatt Kaczkowski Film Connection Mentor
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Matt Kaczkowski Film Connection Mentor
Background
Matt Kaczkowski graduated from Winona State University with a BA in Mass Communications Broadcasting. He spent three years as a DJ and produced an award-winning radio production. Prior to starting SilverWater Productions, Matt was an event planner and A/V services coordinator for 4 years. Matt’s passion for film and video is a catalyst for SilverWater’s success. Request an InvitationIvan Alzuro Film Connection Mentor
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Ivan Alzuro Film Connection Mentor
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“Unlike the local University, Film Connection sends us committed and focused students. We have turned 1 student into full-time contractor – that says it all!” Request an InvitationDaniel Lir Film Connection Mentor
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Daniel Lir Film Connection Mentor
Background
Dream Team Directors is a prestigious directorial team founded by Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir. Their company motto, “Let our dream team manifest your dream”, symbolizes the expansion and positive attention they win for their celebrity and high-profile brand clients and collaborators such as Adidas, MTV, Coldplay, P. Diddy, Smashbox Cosmetics, Atlantic Records, Chrome Hearts, Oscar De La Renta, Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo, Golden Globe nominee Anthony Mackie, Matt Bennett of the “Big Bang Theory” and Lea Michele of Fox’s “Glee.” Request an InvitationRocco Michaluk Film Connection Mentor
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Rocco Michaluk Film Connection Mentor
Background
Michaluk 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 Film Connection Mentor
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Alejandra Huerta Film Connection Mentor
Background
Alejandra 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 InvitationJoaquin Palma Film Connection Mentor
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Joaquin Palma Film Connection Mentor
Background
“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 InvitationDrew Mason Film Connection Mentor
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Drew Mason Film Connection Mentor
Background
I 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 InvitationDavid McClain Film Connection Mentor
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David McClain Film Connection Mentor
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Credits: Coca Cola, Google, Dateline, Travel Channel, NBC Request an InvitationDemetria Kalodimos Film Connection Mentor
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Demetria Kalodimos Film Connection Mentor
Background
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 InvitationGrant Salisbury Film Connection Mentor
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Grant Salisbury Film Connection Mentor
Background
Over 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 Film Connection Mentor
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Jae Macallan Film Connection Mentor
Background
Jae 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 InvitationRon Osborn Film Connection Mentor
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Ron Osborn Film Connection Mentor
Background
“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 InvitationSam Borowski Film Connection Mentor
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Sam Borowski Film Connection Mentor
Background
“The Recording Radio and Film Connection is such an effective program, because it takes the student out of the classroom and puts them in the very field they seek to be a part of. With mentors that actually work in the student’s respective field, they get first-hand knowledge of how everything works and just what to do. I think it’s the best way to get hands-on experience and the lessons learned are very valuable. I also think that the interview process helps to match a student with a mentor that will be right for them.” – Sam Borowski Directed and produced the feature film, Night Club starring Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine, Natasha Lyonne and Paul Sorvino. Wrote and produced the feature-length documentary Creature Feature: 60 Years of the Gill-Man with Oscar-Winner Benicio Del Toro and narrated by 2-time Emmy-Winner Keith David. Also directed and produced the film Maniac. 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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Trade
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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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