The Film Industry
in Pennsylvania

Whether you live in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Harrisburg or anywhere in between, your path to the Hollywood film industry begins at the Pennsylvania Film Connection.  We offer an opportunity that no other film school in the state can offer: the chance to get connected directly to the film industry while you are still a student.  From day one of your training, we place you as a working apprentice (extern) inside a real film production company, where you will learn the ropes of filmmaking on-the-job and on the set of real productions.  You’ll receive one-on-one instruction from a real film professional, you’ll gain valuable work experience, AND you’ll make vital industry connections that can advance your career—all while the other film students are stuck in their college and trade school classrooms. If you want to be a cinematographer, film editor, producer, screenwriter or director, the best way to learn these skills is by getting into the heart of the action and learning from the people who do these things for a living! That’s what makes our film school stand out among the others.  We don’t stick you in a classroom with other students like the other schools do; we pair you with an actual filmmaker who trains you one-on-one in the workplace, so you can learn the ropes by actually getting involved with the film industry! The best part is, you don’t have to start by moving to Los Angeles and trying to compete with all the other wannabe filmmakers for the attention of the industry.  You can start making those industry connections as an apprentice (extern) right here in Pennsylvania.  Due to diverse landscapes and generous incentives offered by the state, Pennsylvania sees more than its fair share of filming activity, from a vibrant independent film scene to a regular inflow of major studio productions that come to the state for location filming.

Take a look at this partial list of major film productions that have been filmed in Pennsylvania:

• Rocky (1976)
• National Treasure (2004)
• Girl, Interrupted (1999)
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
• Jack Reacher (2012)
• Blue Valentine (2010)
• The Sixth Sense (1999)
• Robocop (1987)

With all the film activity taking place on a regular basis throughout Pennsylvania, there are plenty of opportunities to connect to the industry—IF you have a way to get your foot in the door.  By placing you as a working film apprentice (extern), the Pennsylvania Film Connection gets you in the doors that other film schools can’t. With our film apprenticeship (externship) program, we guarantee you won’t spend a single day in a classroom. You’ll have a structured curriculum, and even homework to do, but you training occurs on-the-job in a real production facility.  We’ll pair you with a mentor who specializes in your field of interest, whether screenwriting, editing, cinematography, etc.  And if your goal is to make your own films in Hollywood, your curriculum will be tailored to help you through the steps of developing your own film idea from concept to completion—and then we’ll set up a meeting in Hollywood for you to PITCH your film to ACTUAL FILM EXECUTIVES!  Can you name any other film school that does this? What about the cost? That’s perhaps the most surprising part.  While other schools charge such high tuition rates that you’re almost guaranteed to be buried in debt, the Pennsylvania Film Connection charges about 75% LESS than the competition!  We know you can’t launch a film career if you’re overwhelmed with debt, so we keep your costs manageable so you can focus on your career. Don’t be a student in a crowded classroom—be an apprentice (extern) in a real film studio, and become an industry insider while you’re learning the ropes!  If you’re ready to take real steps toward a film career, APPLY FOR FREE today, and we’ll give you the details.