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There’s no other film school in Texas that can afford you a more direct connection to the film industry than the Texas Film Connection. Why? Because no other film school puts you in the heart of the action like we can! With our unique program, you won’t spend a single day in a college or trade school classroom. Instead, you’ll be on-the-job and on the set from day one, studying as an apprentice (extern) one-on-one with a seasoned film industry professional. While those other film students are wasting time in the classrooms, you’ll be gaining valuable work experience and making lots of connections. By the time those students come around knocking on the doors, you’ll already be inside the door!
Whether you plan on becoming a cinematographer, film director, editor, producer or screenwriter, we’ve got a mentor that can help you focus on your interests. Whether you live in Amarillo, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Lubbock, Corpus Christi or anywhere in between, your path to Hollywood starts in Texas!
The best part is that you don’t have to leave Texas to start making connections to the film industry. Not only does Texas have its own thriving local, regional and independent film scenes, but lots of major motion picture and TV productions take advantage of Texas’ wide range of scenery and generous incentives to come on location to film.
Here are just a few examples of major productions that have been filmed in the great state of Texas:- Armageddon (1998)
- Robocop (1987)
- What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
- True Grit (2010)
- Friday the 13th (2009)
- Friday Night Lights (2004)
- Dallas (TV Series, 1978-1991)
- Dallas (TV Series, remake, 2012-present)
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
- Bernie (2011)
- Prison Break (TV Series, 2005-2009)
- Chef (2014)
- Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
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Programs
You will study inside a real film production company in your city as you develop your movie idea with a legendary to filmmaker. Then you will fly to Los Angeles or New York to pitch your idea to an executive that could buy or get your movie idea made.
Director / Producer / Screenwriter DetailsThe 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 that starts the ball rolling down the hill.
Screenwriting DetailsIn many ways the film editor is the most misunderstood of all film professionals. Often considered just a film technician, a good editor is, without doubt, much more than that. He or she is also a qualified storyteller of the highest order.
Film Editing DetailsThe cinematographer is literally the set ‘magician.’ DPs are responsible for the technological wizardry to help create the needed light, while at the same time also having the keen sensibility to shape the light for the greatest artistic effect.
Cinematography DetailsMeet our Faculty
Why learn from teachers when you can learn from the professionals?
Jim Fogarty Film Connection Mentor
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ricky Lapkin Film Connection Mentor
Background
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
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
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
Paul Guay Film Connection Mentor
Background
Credits: Liar Liar, The Little Rascals, Shrinking Violet Request an InvitationSteve Rausch Film Connection Mentor
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
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
Mike Domgard Film Connection Mentor
Background
Credits: Blur Parties, Lincoln Promo Video, Inner Thoughts Request an InvitationAimee Schoof Film Connection Mentor
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
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
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
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
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 InvitationJohn Boros Film Connection Mentor
John Boros Film Connection Mentor
Background
“The captain and anchor of our ship, guiding his crew with a father’s compassion and an uncle’s knack for mischief.” Credits; The Fly, EMI Orientation Request an InvitationEdward Isin Film Connection Mentor
Edward Isin Film Connection Mentor
Background
FightZone Presents, Sacred Waters, The Wishing Stone, Dawg Fight Request an InvitationTina Miller Film Connection Mentor
Tina Miller Film Connection Mentor
Background
Storytelling through video, aided by full-service in house production and post capabilities. Many of our pieces use documentary technique or a high-energy concept or brand approach. Request an InvitationDennis James Lee Film Connection Mentor
Dennis James Lee Film Connection Mentor
Background
Credits: Hawaii Five-0, Behind Enemy Lines II: Axis of Evil, Dragon Wars: D-War, Soap Girl, Secret of the Five Fingers Request an InvitationErik Angra Film Connection Mentor
Erik Angra Film Connection Mentor
Background
UFC 111 fight – Cinematographer, Animal Planet – Most Outrageous – 3 documentaries – EA Sports international commercials Kyrie Irving – NBC – HBO – Full flight features – Very astute cinematographer – Worked on film “21” – Edited TV series “Folk Lorist” – Extreme Makeover – AD Bo Burnham – International campaigns for Coca Cola Request an InvitationSteven Schott Film Connection Mentor
Steven Schott Film Connection Mentor
Background
Credits: Jeff Foxworthy Show, The Lost Calendar, The Final Season Request an InvitationDaniel Sollinger Film Connection Mentor
Daniel Sollinger Film Connection Mentor
Background
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
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
John Lux Film Connection Mentor
Background
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
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
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
Jason Hewitt Film Connection Mentor
Background
Odd Thomas, 13 Sins, Blood Out, Left Behind, Season of the Witch, Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever, The Outsider Request an Invitation
Brett Wilson, San Diego, CA Majored in Editing / Production
Tuition
Comparison
Film Connection’s unique mentor-style education is far more cost-effective than trade schools or traditional colleges and on average, requires less financing (based on national averages). Compare the true costs of education.
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Sources: Sallie Mae student loan calculator - Nerd Wallet - Best Value Schools - Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
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With the right experience and connections, you can jumpstart your career in film.