Common Questions
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
All Film Connection tracks have durations of six to nine months.
IS EVERYONE AUTOMATICALLY ACCEPTED INTO THE FILM CONNECTION FILM SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE?
Because your film course takes place in a real film production company, you must first be accepted by your mentor. All Film Connection candidates first go to a no-cost open-house interview and meet with their mentor at the film production company where learning will take place. If you are accepted by the mentor, we can then arrange a plan that is right for you and your family, but there is no obligation of any kind.
HOW LONG HAS FILM CONNECTION EXISTED?
Film Connection has been operating in the entertainment world since 1983 continuously offering its unique and proprietary mentor/apprentice (externship) model of education and job training to aspiring filmmakers, directors, producers, editors, writers, camera operators and other associated careers in film.
WHERE IS YOUR CAMPUS?
The Film Connection’s corporate headquarters are in Los Angeles, California.
Film Connection
6060 Center Drive, Suite 1000, 10th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310.456.9623
With the Film Connection, your “campus” is a real film set or film or video production facility located within 60 miles of your residence.
DO YOU HAVE A JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
As part of our Stay Connected Program, upon graduation of our 6-8 month filmmaking course, you will be assigned a Job Placement Coordinator to help you find employment in the film industry. Ongoing assistance is available to every graduate as long as they remain in good standing with the school. That said, many of our students have had paid work offered to them even before they graduated.
WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN EACH CLASS?
There’s just you! The class is the mentor and the extern. It’s that simple.
HOW DO I APPLY?
To apply to the Film Connection, simply fill out and submit the Apply Form at the bottom of this page, or any other page on this website. There is no cost to apply. You may also call 800-295-4433 or 310-496-9624 and ask for Admissions.
HOW MUCH FILMMAKING EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
No prior film experience is needed. All you need is passion, drive and a strong work ethic.
HOW DO YOU COMPARE WITH TRADITIONAL FILM SCHOOLS?
Our teachers (we call them mentors) are working professionals who make their living from the film or video business Now, today, even as they are instructing you. They open up their place of business (their production company) to you, and you use it as your classroom. Additionally, because of our low tuition costs, the graduating student is not saddled with a daunting amount student debt.
DO I NEED TO BUY BOOKS/SOFTWARE?
No. We give you everything. By that we mean:
Film Connection for Cinematography
Supplemented by Cinematography – An introduction by Tim Atkinson
Film Connection Course Curriculum eBook
Film Connection for Film Editing
One copy of Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere editing software [students choice] Final Cut Pro X 10.1 Apple Pro Training Series Textbook by Brendan Boykin (ISBN: 978-0-321-94956-1) or Adobe Premiere Elements 12 Classroom in a Book Textbook by Adobe Creative Team (ISBN: 978-0-321-94981-3)
Film Connection for Film Production & Editing
The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
Film Connection Course Curriculum eBook, by Brian Kraft, Tim Atkinson and Dave Baker
Film Connection for Screenwriting
Final Draft screenwriting software
Film Connection Coursebook for Screenwriting, by Tom Malloy
Film Connection Film Institute Introductory Course on Writing and Producing by Tim Atkinson, Dave Baker and Brian Kraft
The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler (Recommended)
All you need to do is enroll and have access to a computer with an Internet connection and Microsoft Office.
*Not all programs are available in every state. Consult an Admissions Representative to learn more.
Distance Education Technology Requirements
To participate in Film Radio Film & CASA Schools’ programs, prospective students must confirm by initial on the enrollment agreement that the requirements to have Internet access and Microsoft Office have been fulfilled.
IF I MOVE DURING MY TIME WITH FILM CONNECTION WILL I BE ABLE TO FIND A NEW MENTOR IN A NEW CITY?
Yes, we have mentors across the country. We do not encourage this, but if it is absolutely necessary for you to move, we will provide a new mentor for you.
ARE THERE AGE LIMITS/REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT?
Nope. None. All you have to be is excited about movies. That’s all.
HOW FLEXIBLE IS THE SCHEDULING?
Our film course scheduling is very flexible. We try to accomodate any schedule. Classes are also available nights and weekends. However, you will find the more time you can put into our course, the more you will get back from it.
WHAT ARE SOME REASONS I MIGHT NOT BE ACCEPTED INTO FILM CONNECTION?
We base our decision to accept or not accept students based solely on what we perceive as your work ethic, drive, and motivation to be successful. Nothing else.
With over 30 years of training film students one-on-one through the Film Connection’s original filmmaking mentor/apprentice (externship) program, we firmly believe in our approach to providing real world education to students looking to break into the film business. We welcome your interest and look forward to helping you attain your goals and dreams.