Film Connection

This review is tricky to write, but it is from my person experience. Hopefully you can take something from it. Finding the right mentor is essential if you choose this program. I came in specifically wanting to learn how to edit. I was crystal clear about this and discussed it at length. We found a mentor that was an editor before, but because of distance I had to switch. The new mentor... also great, but he wasn't an editor. I knew going in, but figured there has to be other ways to sit with an editor through the program/mentor or else why even set me up with him when I was so clear about the editing portion. Well, the first couple days into it my mentor introduces me to an editor, but when he asked if I could shadow, the guy basically said "No, I work better on my own". That was the last time I spoke with an editor. The rest of the time the focus seemed to always be on writing a script. I only saw my mentor a few times (maybe 6) the entire program, and the only reason I allowed this, was because he couldn't help me anyway. He was amazing when it comes to writing ideas, but that isn't why I signed up and I realized I wouldn't have any editing help but was already too far in so I just went on my own mostly. I found ways to edit pre existing footage and practiced through Youtube tutorials, but there was never anybody to give me feedback or tell me better ways to go about things. Nobody to tell me ways I could improve, just "good job" if I sent it in. The quiz that I would fill out after each unit was never graded or discussed with me either. I felt rather alone the entire time. I will say that my advisor (Elliot) was great. He helped with anything I needed, like finding the footage to practice on (which was a huge) and if I ever had questions about something he was there. Elliot gets 5 stars. My mentor was also great when we got together, but it wasn't often. He is in distribution so there wasn't an editor around. I don't really see it as his fault for not setting up more meetings or anything when there wasn't much we could do. Now I am done and have no idea where I am at in terms of skill level, but I am confident in myself and feel I good enough to move on and learn on the job. All and all I feel like the program is better than 2 stars, but I can't go any higher, because it was 2 stars for me.

I had a great experience working with my mentor and the school. They helped me to learn quickly, and to push me in the direction I needed to go.

My experience with rrfc was amazing. Elliot was beyond helpful throughout the entire process. My mentors taught me so much and helped me get to where I can confidently say I can be on set anywhere. With the help of rrfc I was able to confidently confirm that this is the career path I want to take and feel that i am now on my way to be a successful filmmaker!

Working with both Elliot & Ron has been an amazing experience that has completely transformed my approach to writing, and has given me the skills and confidence in which to move forward on a new career path. I couldn't be happier with the course, the people, and the experience. Thank you so much to Film Connection, and the amazing people who work there!

For the most part, this school has taught me a lot about the art of cinematography. It’s impacted the way I look at films and TV and I plan to use these skills in the future. I’ve even learned a lot from my mentor, and not about the techniques of the film camera. Through the 20 weeks I’ve spent with my mentor, I learned about how the atmosphere functions in a film/video studio. There are times where I’ve had a creative mental block on some of the bigger assignments, but I was able to push past them through the support of my loved ones and the people I met during the in person sessions. Film Connection has taught me the value of finding something you’re passionate about, and find that itch to focus on improvements and success. I found that through my newfound talent of creative writing, especially with completing the written assignments in my screenwriting workshop. I’m glad I was able to learn what would’ve been 4 years worth of content in as little as 6 months. Thank you!