Master the art of film production alongside an industry insider in a working Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill studio. 1 mentor, just for you. Learn in the real world, build industry connections.
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Have you heard about the area’s film school alternative? We’re The Film Connection and we’ve partnered with local Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill filmmakers to provide a real taste of what it takes to work in film. Our 6-month Cinematography Program gets you training with a professional filmmaker in the area who will mentor you in their studio or production house. By program’s end, you will not only have the experience which, sadly, many film school graduates lack, you'll have your own industry contacts for any future projects that you can go on to develop. Want to learn as much as possible? Then look into our Film Production and Editing Program which pairs you with a local filmmaking mentor and a screenwriting mentor with whom you'll get your screenplay written, polished, and ready to picth. Do well in the Film Production & Editing program and you can even come out to Los Angeles to pitch your idea to an industry executive! If you want industry exposure, actual filmmaking knowhow, and local connections who can help you get going in your television, film, or new media career, definitely take the time to learn more about our no-frills, in-the-industry approach to film education.
In the Raleigh-Durham area, APPLY to Film Connection's alternative to film school, click here.
Located in central North Carolina, the Raleigh-Durham DMA also includes the nearby Fayetteville metro area, covering a total population of over 2.7 million people. This area also comprises the "Research Triangle", the home of several major universities. Numerous film and television production companies make their home in this area, and with great natural locations such as mountains and the coast within driving range (not to mention easy access to several major cities), the Raleigh-Durham area is a great central spot for finding filming locations. If you are dreaming of a career in film, whether as a film director, film producer, film editor or otherwise, the Raleigh-Durham area provides an excellent alternative to relocation to the ultra-competitive environments of Los Angeles or New York.
Numerous movies, commercials, TV shows and documentaries are filmed all over North Carolina on a regular basis, including here in the Raleigh-Durham area. Just a sampling of the films that have done shooting in Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville include Immortal, Bull Durham, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Kiss the Girls, Billy Bathgate, The Handmaid's Tale, and the 2008 documentary Religulous. Television production is no stranger to this area, either; episodes of WWF Raw, The Biggest Loser, Dawson's Creek and other shows have done location shooting here.
The secret to FILM CONNECTION's success is our mentored-externship approach. During our inexpensive, 6-month course, you'll be hooked up with a working film or television professional who gives you one-on-one instruction on real-life video shoots and enables you to make vital industry contacts for the future. Many of our graduates have gone on to build exciting, rewarding careers in the world of film, television, and new media. If you're in the Raleigh-Durham area, or anywhere in the state, you owe it to yourself to see what you can do for your future and your career with FILM CONNECTION.
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
I had a great experience with Film Connection and my mentor, Donny Baker, from ES Studios. He taught me everything I needed to know about being a director/producer and the importance of always being prepared for the shoot
Jorge Fuentes Quiroz
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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