Learn film production alongside an industry insider in a working Grand Rapids film studio. Work directly with a film industry pro. We do things different, learn in the real world and build industry connections.
Call now to get started or fill out our online form and we’ll connect with the location nearest to you.
Way back when you had to go to L.A. or New York to get a good film education. Not anymore. We’ve brought the filmmaking experience to you. We’re Film Connection film school in Grand Rapids, MI and we’ve partnered up with local filmmakers to offer you what those other schools just can’t: industry exposure and a chance to interface with top Hollywood decision-makers. Our behind-the-scenes track is a thorough 6-month program that hooks you up with working professionals in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or Battle Creek. At the completion of your studies, you will not only have the real-world exposure that almost all film school grads don’t, but your very own industry contacts for future projects. If you’re brave enough to try our 8-month directors track, you’ll find yourself during your last week on a flight out to Los Angeles to meet with your dream mentor, someone who will prepare you for your own pitch meeting with an industry executive. Get connected today!
Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek are the three largest cities in southwestern Michigan, hosting a combined population area of over 300,000 people. With plenty of countrysides and lakeside scenery, plus major cities like Detroit and Chicago within driving distance, this area is prime for location filming. Add to that the generous tax incentive programs offered by the state of Michigan to attract filmmakers, and you have an area that is very favorable to the film industry. If you are considering a career in filmmaking as a film director, film producer, film editor, or cameraman, the Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek area is a surprising alternative to relocating to more typical filmmaking hubs like New York and L.A.
This area has seen a good amount of film productions in recent years. Some of the movies that have done location filming in the Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek area include Flirting With Disaster, Road to Perdition, Gran Torino, Into the Woods, Blue Collar, and The Lake Effect, just to name a few.
FILM CONNECTION Film School offers an inexpensive, six-month course that will hook you up with a working film or television professional in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids. This person will serve as your personal instructor-mentor, giving you valuable hands-on training while helping you make industry connections that can lead to permanent employment. In fact, many FILM CONNECTION graduates get hired before or shortly after graduation. Check out our film school alternative, and see what we can do for you!
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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