Learn film production alongside an industry insider in a working Cleveland film studio. Work directly with a film industry pro. We do things different, learn in the real world and build industry connections.
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The Film Connection for Film Production & Editing program enables you to study inside a real film production company in your city as you develop your movie idea under the instruction of a professional filmmaker. For those interested in directing, our curriculum covers numerous aspects of professional filmmaking including: shot blocking, working with actors, lighting, grip, electric, what it means to “make your day” and how to do it.
As a director, you are responsible for almost every aspect of the movie-making process. That includes the people you hire to help you make the film. While you may have the final say in the final cut, being able to trust who you hire is a necessity. And if that’s a luxury you aren’t afforded, you need to be able to explain your vision. During the one-on-one instruction with an industry professional, you’ll learn to do just that. During your training, you could be on the set, on-location, and in the editing room. Pay attention, ask questions, and be prepared to lend a hand. The connections you make during this process could prove invaluable down the road.
Story development and writing are part of the six-month screenwriting workshop. You will have private lessons with a Film Connection mentor of writing for the screen. Rather than read about the craft of writing books, you get to discuss your idea, your future script with a professional who’s going to take you under their wing and show you how it’s done. Whether you’re a writer who’s been at it for years, or you’ve never written film before, everything from how to develop a story idea well, to how to structure your acts and craft interesting characters will be the bulk of your education in screenwriting. Because Film Connection is all about enabling people to learn in the industry and build relevant, usable skills, you’ll even learn how to pitch that script once it’s completed. Working remotely with a mentor - a screenwriting professional - you’ll develop these skills with an eye towards writing a Killer Script.
Have you dreamed of turning your favorite book into a movie? Or do you want to create a completely original work but don’t know where to start? Either way, a Killer Script has well-developed acts, believable dialogue, and compels the audience to want to know what’s next.
You’ll also learn the importance of stepping away from the work, getting it read by another pair of eyes, and how to integrate notes and change your material in order to produce a polished script. Formatting, outlines, treatments. First drafts, re-writes, polishing. Securing an agent, becoming a member of the Writers Guild of America, selling your script. Becoming a screenwriter is about much more than making up stuff in your head. It’s a constant dance between creativity and structure, imagining and honing, as well as knowing more and saying more with less. Writing well for the screen takes work, discipline, and planning. Your Film Connection mentor can help you learn the way it’s done and in a number of months, you can have that movie down in final form, ready to be sold and made.
To apply for Film Connection at one of our externship location studios, click here.
Did you know CLEVELAND, OHIO is the 17th largest DMA in the U.S? It is home to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame in nearby Canton. One-time Cleveland DJ Alan Freed is widely credited with coining the phrase "rock and roll" to describe the new form of film that was taking over the airwaves. Cleveland was the location of the first rock and roll concert, the Moondog Coronation Ball in 1952. Fittingly, the authorities shut it down after the first song.
Superman creators Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel grew up in Cleveland, where together they contrived the idea for the man of steel. Cleveland has served as the location for many feature films, including The Fortune Cookie, Deer Hunter, Antwone Fisher and the holiday favorite A Christmas Story. Many scenes for Spider-Man 3 were filmed in Cleveland. The city was also the setting for the popular sitcom, The Drew Carey Show. Altogether there are more than 215 feature films, TV series or specials made in Cleveland. Besides Drew Carey, other famous Celebrities born in Cleveland include Halle Berry, Arsenio Hall, Andy Warhol and Debra Winger.
Fittingly, Film Connection offers Cleveland students award-winning courses in both TV and Film. Whether you plan on being a director, producer, writer, DP, camera operator, editor, etcetera, Film Connection's mentored-externship programs and workshops are designed to suit your needs. Within approximately six to nine months, a you can have the opportunity to make real industry connections in Cleveland while you acquire real-world, on-the-job experience. Are you ready?
To apply for our Cleveland film school alternative, click here.
Some of our graduates have gone on to become film directors, script writers, and production company owners. Others are creating and producing their own films across genres like documentary, drama, comedy, action, and animation
“Working through the second act was tough, but my mentor really helped me unlock the emotional arc of the story.”
Kayla M.
After working in media for a couple of years, I decided to take my skills to the next level in filmmaking. I was fortunate to have joined Film Connection; they supported me from day one with my registration and all the necessary paperwork
Noah Gonzalez
Film Connection does a fantastic job placing you on REAL sets with EXPERIENCED directors, opening doors to build meaningful connections with your mentor and ensuring ongoing learning. You truly get out of the program what you put in.
Octavio Preciado
I got great movie recommendations that gave me many creative influences. My mentor gave constructive feedback on my script. I learned about how to work on a film set and collaborate with other art departments. I enjoyed my experience with Film Connection.
Josh Chacko – Arlington, Washington
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