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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 Montana
Whether you live in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls or anywhere else in Montana, the Montana Film Connection is your gateway to the film industry. We’re hands-down the best film school in the state because instead of sticking you in a crowded classroom, we put you in the heart of the action, in a real film production company, to work as an apprentice (extern) one-on-one with a seasoned film professional. All of your classes occur on-the-job and on the set, where you’ll gain valuable work experience on real productions and make lots of industry connections, both of which are CRITICAL to your future career.
No matter what your prior experience in film, and whether you want to be a cinematographer, film editor, producer, director or screenwriter, our program can help you get where you want to go—even if you want to go all the way to Hollywood! And the best part is that you don’t have to move to L.A. to get started: we can connect you to the industry right here in Montana!
Do you doubt? To prove our point, here is a partial list of major motion pictures that were filmed on location in Montana:
- Far and Away (1992)
- The Horse Whisperer (1998)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- The Shining (1980)
- Nebraska (2013)
- Broken Arrow (1996)
- The Untouchables (1987)
- A River Runs Through It (1992)
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 apprentice (extern) to a professional editor in a post-production facility.
Meet our Mentors
Why learn from teachers when you can learn from the professionals?
Steven Schott Film Connection Mentor
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Steven Schott Film Connection Mentor
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Credits: Jeff Foxworthy Show, The Lost Calendar, The Final Season Request an InvitationDaniel Sollinger Film Connection Mentor
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Daniel Sollinger Film Connection Mentor
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Producer: The Alphabet Killer, Six Ways to Sunday, Alone in the Dark II, In My Sleep, Girls Against Boys, Deadliest Warrior, Age of Kali Request an InvitationJoe Van Wie Film Connection Mentor
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Joe Van Wie Film Connection Mentor
Background
Following a spirited and notorious adolescence in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Joe did a stretch at New York University and ended up spending nearly a decade as an accomplished part of the New York City’s lively film and TV industry. During this time, he racked up credits ranging from producing feature films premiering at international film festivals to directing and producing content for a variety of national cable television networks. His most recent film is the locally-shot award-winning feature Forged. Joe is an active board member on the boards of Dress for Success, The Scranton Club and the American Advertising Federation of NEPA. Joe is also a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the American Association of Political Consultants, and two time Pollie award winner. Request an InvitationJohn Lux Film Connection Mentor
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John Lux Film Connection Mentor
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John Lux is the Chief Operating Officer for the IDEAS media and experience design company, which employs film program graduates nationwide. The projects his company handles stretch from Florida, to Europe, and as far as Shangai, China. Request an InvitationRebecca Ramon Film Connection Mentor
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Rebecca Ramon Film Connection Mentor
Background
Rebecca Ramon hails from Battle Creek, MI and is a proud Midwestern girl. She believes that’s exactly what keeps her down to earth and youthful. With a BA in Broadcasting & Cable production from Western Michigan University, and an MFA in Film Production from Chapman University, one of the top ten film schools in the nation, she’s definitely standing on her own two feet. Not only does Rebecca have a formal education, her mentor for post production was Paul Seydor, a member of ACE; the honorary society of motion picture editors. Paul edited movies such as “White Men Can’t Jump” and “This Christmas”. In other words, she has learned from the best, and has over ten years of experience, which ranges from pre-production to post-production in several mediums. Most importantly, she has the passion to share her knowledge as a mentor. Request an InvitationTabitha Hartbauer Film Connection Mentor
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Tabitha Hartbauer Film Connection Mentor
Background
The BSP editing facility sets the standard for editing in Colorado. Three video edit suites utilize “Premiere Pro CS6”, “Final Cut Pro” and “DaVinci” and project Panasonic High Definition 1080p images on to 110” Stewart Screens. Request an InvitationJason Hewitt Film Connection Mentor
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Jason Hewitt Film Connection Mentor
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Odd Thomas, 13 Sins, Blood Out, Left Behind, Season of the Witch, Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever, The Outsider Request an InvitationSteve Riach Film Connection Mentor
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Steve Riach Film Connection Mentor
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Steve 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 Williams Film Connection Mentor
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Avery Williams Film Connection Mentor
Background
Avery 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 InvitationHarry Findysz Film Connection Mentor
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Harry Findysz Film Connection Mentor
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“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 InvitationGreg Freeman Film Connection Mentor
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Greg Freeman Film Connection Mentor
Background
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 InvitationTom Malloy Film Connection Mentor
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Tom Malloy Film Connection Mentor
Background
The Alphabet Killer, Love N’ Dancing, The Attic, Hero of the Underworld, Law & Order: SVU Request an InvitationJason Jackson Film Connection Mentor
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Jason Jackson Film Connection Mentor
Background
Past 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 InvitationMatthew Temple Film Connection Mentor
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Matthew Temple Film Connection Mentor
Background
“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 Kielhold Film Connection Mentor
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Nick Kielhold Film Connection Mentor
Background
Nick 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 InvitationLogan Hale Film Connection Mentor
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Logan Hale Film Connection Mentor
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Logan 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 InvitationMegan Kennedy Film Connection Mentor
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Megan Kennedy Film Connection Mentor
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Megan is an award-winning photographer and videographer with over 10 years of video production experience, from directing and editing national PSA campaigns to producing feature-length documentaries. Request an InvitationCalix Lewis Reneau Film Connection Mentor
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Calix Lewis Reneau Film Connection Mentor
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Calix Lewis Reneau is a producer and writer, known for An Even Worse Joke (2013), Canyon Road (2013) and My Cousin’s Ghetto Wedding (2016). Request an InvitationSandy Stern Film Connection Mentor
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Sandy Stern Film Connection Mentor
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Producer, Being John Malcovich, Saved!, Velvet Goldmine, Pump Up the Volume, Thirteen Conversations about One Thing, Equinox, Red Hot Request an InvitationRob Helmstetter Film Connection Mentor
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Rob Helmstetter Film Connection Mentor
Background
Rob has experience with major corporate ad agencies Publicis, Medicus, Digitas based in New York and Chicago. He has always been on the bleeding edge of technology and believes that services should be simple for the viewers. Request an InvitationRyan Kindahl Film Connection Mentor
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Ryan Kindahl Film Connection Mentor
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Documentaries, Music Videos, Commercials Request an InvitationDerek Koen Film Connection Mentor
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Derek Koen Film Connection Mentor
Background
Washington Koen Media Productions is a full-service media production company specializing in video productions, streaming video solutions, presentations and audio/visual support for organizations both large and small. Whether corporate video presentations, documentaries, live streaming of meetings, or web streaming solutions, our highly-skilled and creative team- with over 20 years of combined experience – using today's latest tools and technology, can produce quality results for your company Request an InvitationBrian Glazen Film Connection Mentor
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Brian Glazen Film Connection Mentor
Background
In 2013, Brian Glazen co-produced an independent film called Fishing Without Nets. This film went on to win for Best Direction at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and recently sold to Twentieth Century Fox for distribution to theaters nation wide. Request an InvitationLaura Scheiner Film Connection Mentor
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Laura Scheiner Film Connection Mentor
Background
Seasoned film development executive, writer and script consultant with exceptional story development and script analysis skills. As a development executive I’m particularly adept at pinpointing the problems in a script and coming up with creative solutions. I’m a passionate collaborator who creates a fertile environment where writers can bloom and scripts can meet their potential. As a writer for hire I pride myself as bringing my story sense, knowledge, talent and unbridled imagination to the table in order to bring the producer’s vision to life. As a storyteller I always aim to entertain, engage, surprise, move and provoke. Request an InvitationCraig Constant Film Connection Mentor
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Craig Constant Film Connection Mentor
Background
Craig Constant is an Executive Producer at Constant66 Films. After leaving the Marine Corps, he worked as a Photojournalist/Editor for the Fox News Channel for close to seven years. Since then, he’s worked as a Sound Technician, Production Sound Mixer, Camera Operator and Director of Photography. Request an InvitationMichael Van Orden Film Connection Mentor
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Michael Van Orden Film Connection Mentor
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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 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.
Learn More About Tuition
$12,200
Tuition
$0*
Loan Interest
Trade
School
$44,000
Tuition
$61,000
Loan Interest
2-Year
Junior College
$22,000
Tuition
$20,500
Loan Interest
4-Year
Traditional College
$88,000
Tuition
$122,000
Loan Interest
Average Accrued Interest Charges
Sources: Sallie Mae student loan calculator - Nerd Wallet - Best Value Schools - Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
What is the Next Step?
We get it. This isn’t your normal four-year college or trade school program. We’re different, even innovative and you need to understand more before you apply. Here’s how you can get more info:
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