Master the art of film production alongside an industry insider in a working Youngstown studio. 1 mentor, just for you. Learn in the real world, build industry connections.
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Film Connection Film School in Youngstown, Ohio specializes in pairing our students with professional filmmakers who give them real-world experience at their own studios, on-location, and at production companies across the Youngstown area.
Film Connection for Cinematography is suited for aspiring DPs i.e. Cinematographers. Film professionals in this role are the director’s partner and are charged with planning the shots, running the crew, and achieving the desired visual aesthetic. As an extern cinematographer, we pair you with a working DP who can show you the tricks of the trade and help you develop the keen “eye of the DP,” which is something best learned by doing and that’s what we’re all about!
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. Our curriculum covers numerous aspects of professional filmmaking including: shot-blocking, working with actors, lighting, grip and electric, interviewing, and how to “make your day.” Story development and writing are also part of our film school alternative including everything from how to develop a story idea, to writing a pitch and pitching professionally, to writing a treatment. Budgeting, financing, deal-making, standard contracts, permits, and licensing are also covered.
Did you know Youngstown, Ohio is a city of around 72,000 people located on the east side of the state near the Pennsylvania border? Like Pittsburgh, its neighbor about an hour to the southeast, Youngstown is located within the “Rust Belt” and grew up around the steel industry. Despite its seemingly small size and relatively remote location, Youngstown actually has deep ties to the film industry, being the old stomping grounds of legendary movie moguls the Warner Brothers. Other entertainment pros hailing from the area include producer Paula Wagner, director Chris Columbus (The Goonies, Home Alone), and actors Victor Slezak, Catherine Bach, and Michael Pataki, to name a few. Youngstown is conveniently located within a range of major cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland, as well as plenty of interesting natural and industrial backdrops which make for a wide range of filming locations. Additionally, Ohio offers generous tax incentive packages which attract many filmmakers to the region. If you are planning a career in filmmaking as a film director, film producer, film editor, or cameraman, you’ll find Youngstown to be a surprising alternative to relocating elsewhere.
Major movies, commercials, TV shows, and documentaries are filmed throughout Ohio regularly, including in and around Youngstown. A few of the movies that have done filming in this area include Diary of a Hitman, Uninvited Guest, Horrors of War, Turn of Faith, The Quiet Arrangement, and film classic The Deer Hunter, to name a few.
With its proximity to major cities and plenty of great filming locations–and with the numerous production companies coming into the area for film projects–Youngstown is a great connection point for film students and filmmaking professionals. FILM CONNECTION’s unique mentor-extern approach puts you into the center of the action, giving you valuable experience and vital industry contacts as you work on real-life film and video shoots. Come and find out why many of our graduates get hired, many times even before they finish our program! Let us get you started now!
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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