Master the art of film production alongside an industry insider in a working Rapid City studio. 1 mentor, just for you. Learn in the real world, build industry connections.
Call now to get started or fill out our online form and we’ll connect with the location nearest to you.
You don’t have to go to a big city and blow your life savings just to learn filmmaking. Launch your career with Film Connection film school in Rapid City, South Dakota. We provide more bang for your buck, by giving you more than just a degree. We provide mentorships with working film professionals who will be your first industry contacts. Choose our behind-the-scenes program to learn the technical side of filmmaking. Or select the directors program, which gives you several mentors to guide your project from idea to pitch. You’ll even be flown out to Los Angeles to pitch your idea before an industry executive.
Rapid City, South Dakota is located on the west side of the state just east of the Black Hills, hosting a population of over 67,000 people. It's currently a rapidly growing community, reflecting a growth rate of over 12 percent during the past decade. Rapid City is unique in that it has a ridge of mountains that divides the city east to west--just one example of the wide diversity of beautiful natural scenery to be found in this region. Mountains, plains, creeks, and badlands are all part of the surroundings, making Rapid City a great place for on-location filming. If you are considering a career as a film director, film producer, editor, lighting tech, or otherwise, you'll find a surprising amount of opportunity here--especially with FILM CONNECTION to help you.
Movies, commercials, TV shows, and documentaries are filmed throughout South Dakota regularly, including in and around the Rapid City area. Perhaps the most famous films that were shot in these parts are Kevin Costner's epic film Dances with Wolves and the classic western How the West Was Won, among others.
During our inexpensive, 6-month course, you'll be paired with a working film or television professional who serves as your personal instructor and mentor, guiding you through hands-on training on real film and video shoots. Along the way, you'll also make vital industry contacts that can lead to future jobs. The fruit of our revolutionary system is in our graduates; many of them get hired in the industry, many times before they even finish our program. You owe it to yourself to see what FILM CONNECTION of Rapid City can do for your career!
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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