This isn’t a boring Chicago film school classroom. This isn’t an overcrowded college laboratory. This is life. Real Life. YOUR LIFE.

If you’re considering a career in film, you may be wondering what your best option is. Do you go to a traditional film school program or seek out an alternative? Traditional film schools require two years of general education courses before you can begin studying the specifics of filmmaking. However, Chicago Film Connection offers an alternative that allows you to jump right into the action and get an inside view of how movies, TV shows, and videos are made. 

Film Connection offers hands-on experience from day one by pairing each student with a mentor who is already working in the film industry. This provides students with invaluable insight and guidance on how to break into Hollywood. You’ll receive real-world guidance from experienced professionals and have access to valuable resources that would otherwise be unavailable to those who attend a traditional college or university. 

Don’t Spend More on your Film Education if You Don’t Have to

Chicago Film Connection also offers affordable tuition rates when compared to traditional college programs. You don’t have to pay $50,000 (or more!) or go into massive student loan debt just so you can pursue your dream career in filmmaking. You also won’t need to spend money on unnecessary classes or moving costs because we’re in the town you live in!

Our programs can be completed in nine months or less, too. So while other students that have moved across the country to attend “name” film schools are starting their second year of school, you could be working on professional sets. With the Film Connection Film School in Chicago, you’ll save time and money.

Meet Our Mentors

Adam Weber

About This Mentor

Daniel Lir

About This Mentor

Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs

About This Mentor

Alejandra Huerta

About This Mentor

Daniela Larsen

About This Mentor

Get Real World Film Production Experience in Chicago

With Film Connection, students learn everything they need to break into the film industry—from directing and producing, editing, camera work, screenwriting, and more. It’s not just about learning about making movies; it’s about gaining valuable skills that will help them succeed in their chosen field. Plus, because this program is geared specifically towards aspiring filmmakers and doesn’t require any prior experience in filmmaking, there’s no prerequisite coursework needed before starting the program!

Our Chicago Film Industry Mentors Help you Build Real World Connections

If you’re considering a Chicago film school, you’ve probably looked at your options and wondered what makes the Chicago Film Connection different. After all, there are a lot of schools out there vying for your attention. So what sets us apart? In short, it’s our connections. Because we work directly with Chicago-based filmmakers and production companies, we can tap into the local infrastructure in ways that most educational institutions can’t. This may be the most invaluable part of our programs.

Our mentors are already established in Chicago, so they’ve worked with many of the key players in the industry. And while we won’t say it’s impossible to break into the biz without a little help, filmmakers are very particular with who they work with. They prefer known entities over inexperienced ones. That’s where our programs give you a leg up. You’ll graduate from our program with not only a strong reel and portfolio, but also with the connections you need to get your foot in the door.

Nearby locations

Hours: M-F 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Film Connection

155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250
Chicago, IL 60606

(312) 878-4470 GET STARTED
Film Connection

F84 233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

(312) 283-1611 GET STARTED

Learn the skills you need to take your idea from paper to the big screen.

Real world film education by filmmakers for filmmakers, optimized for today!

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Success stories

Since he started his extern program with Uptone Pictures in Raleigh, NC, Grant Gilbert has been taking…

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Please take the time to read the experiences of one of our own, Korey Hehn of Pineville, OR…

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The Film Connection program provided me with an opportunity to "see it and believe it"!…

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