I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about this program www.film-connection.com or if any one has been threw it. Any information is much appreciated.
thanks
Ben
film-connection
Started by
benspo111
, Sep 26 2004 08:34 AM
72 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_Frank Gossimier_*
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Posted 06 January 2005 - 07:29 PM
No offense Average Joe but didn't Career Connection look like an obvious scam?
When I first saw it on the web I laughed out loud it was such an obvious scam.
I even phoned them and got that Jimmy idiot to call me. Boy was he ticked when he knew I was on to him. He just hung up.
Their only question to me was, "How will you be paying." If that doesn't set off alarm bells in some ones head nothing will.
I'm sorry you lost the 5K. Face it the money is gone forever.
People should learn to stick with traditional film programs from recognized and established institutions. There are no short cuts. Even Full Sail is often referred to as Full Scam.
If you want quick training then the best option is the summer courses at USC film school.
Frank
When I first saw it on the web I laughed out loud it was such an obvious scam.
I even phoned them and got that Jimmy idiot to call me. Boy was he ticked when he knew I was on to him. He just hung up.
Their only question to me was, "How will you be paying." If that doesn't set off alarm bells in some ones head nothing will.
I'm sorry you lost the 5K. Face it the money is gone forever.
People should learn to stick with traditional film programs from recognized and established institutions. There are no short cuts. Even Full Sail is often referred to as Full Scam.
If you want quick training then the best option is the summer courses at USC film school.
Frank
#3
Bart Primus
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Posted 11 March 2005 - 03:28 PM
My experience with Film-connection was good. I signed up in New York City originally -- within 10 days or so I got my books, and three days after that I was working on film sets in the Camera Dept. Then I decided to move out to LA when my wife got a job out here, I called up Jimi Petulla and he transferred my education out to L.A. -- I got a new mentor and I was working on film sets in the camera dept. within two weeks. In the program I worked with a bunch of different camera depts. on smaller budgeted and major budgeted movies. They really worked for me and put me in contat with about 60 different cinematographers. Now I'm working as a 2nd AC for pay, and I just shot my first short as a DP.
I didn't have any negative experience with them. The reality for me is that this program gets you the contacts while you're learning, where as regular film school teaches you but when you get out you have no contacts.
Just one man's opinion.
Bart
I didn't have any negative experience with them. The reality for me is that this program gets you the contacts while you're learning, where as regular film school teaches you but when you get out you have no contacts.
Just one man's opinion.
Bart
#4
Richard Boddington
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Posted 11 March 2005 - 03:44 PM
You're lucky.
Your story is the first and ONLY positive experience I've heard about Film-connection.
They have a long list of very angry people behind them.
Richard
Your story is the first and ONLY positive experience I've heard about Film-connection.
They have a long list of very angry people behind them.
Richard
#5
Phil Rhodes
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Posted 12 March 2005 - 02:21 AM
Hi,
I suspect we're being lied to here. Mr. "Primus'" post has so many of the attributes of advertising copy that I'm surprised that whoever wrote it didn't notice!
Repeated phrasology within the text, repetition of wording used in other promotional material, memetic reinforcement, unqualified support, appeal to idealism, etc.
Care to mention a few places you've worked, "Bart"?
Phil
I suspect we're being lied to here. Mr. "Primus'" post has so many of the attributes of advertising copy that I'm surprised that whoever wrote it didn't notice!
Repeated phrasology within the text, repetition of wording used in other promotional material, memetic reinforcement, unqualified support, appeal to idealism, etc.
Care to mention a few places you've worked, "Bart"?
Phil
#6
Richard Boddington
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Posted 12 March 2005 - 07:55 AM
Hmmmmm interesting theory Phil.
Of course some one would have to be very smart to write some thing that meets these qualifications....
"Repeated phrasology within the text, repetition of wording used in other promotional material, memetic reinforcement, unqualified support, appeal to idealism, etc."
First I have to figure what they all mean/are?????
Would Jimmy Petula be that diabolical?
Richard.
Of course some one would have to be very smart to write some thing that meets these qualifications....
"Repeated phrasology within the text, repetition of wording used in other promotional material, memetic reinforcement, unqualified support, appeal to idealism, etc."
First I have to figure what they all mean/are?????
Would Jimmy Petula be that diabolical?
Richard.
Edited by Richard Boddington, 12 March 2005 - 07:57 AM.
#7
Josh Bass
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Posted 12 March 2005 - 08:11 AM
Please note also that that was his first post.
#8
Bart Primus
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Posted 13 March 2005 - 09:15 PM
No guys, I'm real. Just playng around in these forums and saw "film-connection" so I registered to offer a positive opinion for a program that worked for me.
Anyway, whatever, blah blah blah. My experience with them was a positive one. It's not brain surgery, they say they are gonna get you out on film sets and for me atleast they did. A bunch.
Who did film connection hook me up with:
Verizon Wireless comm. (camere dept.)
Minnie's First Time (camera dept. -- this is an Alec Baldwin film)
Ludacris music video directed by Spike Jonze (grip dept. -- cos' I wanted the exp. in different dept.
Deathride (a low budget horror movie directed by a famous Japaneese director named Suzuki)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (this was when I was in NYC, before I transfered to L.A.)
True Religion jeans comm.
etc. etc.
What can I say? They told me I was gonna get on film sets and they put me there. For me it worked cos' it was 5,000 as opposed to 100,000 for NYU or USC -- I learned what I needed to know, but I worked hard. They opened the doors, I walked through and kicked ass. Made connections. My mentor knows a lot of people and he introduced to me to everyone he knew. You're paying to get in the door and learn hands on. Which is cool, my buddy just graduated from NYU and he's now a PA on sets. I'm actually ahead of him minus the 95,000 tab. Honestly, he even admits he doesn't know more than me, and I'm already a 1st and a 2nd AC and getting paid.
peace
bp
Anyway, whatever, blah blah blah. My experience with them was a positive one. It's not brain surgery, they say they are gonna get you out on film sets and for me atleast they did. A bunch.
Who did film connection hook me up with:
Verizon Wireless comm. (camere dept.)
Minnie's First Time (camera dept. -- this is an Alec Baldwin film)
Ludacris music video directed by Spike Jonze (grip dept. -- cos' I wanted the exp. in different dept.
Deathride (a low budget horror movie directed by a famous Japaneese director named Suzuki)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (this was when I was in NYC, before I transfered to L.A.)
True Religion jeans comm.
etc. etc.
What can I say? They told me I was gonna get on film sets and they put me there. For me it worked cos' it was 5,000 as opposed to 100,000 for NYU or USC -- I learned what I needed to know, but I worked hard. They opened the doors, I walked through and kicked ass. Made connections. My mentor knows a lot of people and he introduced to me to everyone he knew. You're paying to get in the door and learn hands on. Which is cool, my buddy just graduated from NYU and he's now a PA on sets. I'm actually ahead of him minus the 95,000 tab. Honestly, he even admits he doesn't know more than me, and I'm already a 1st and a 2nd AC and getting paid.
peace
bp
#9
Carey Tonkins
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Posted 15 March 2005 - 01:39 PM
As far as a long list of unhappy Film-connection students, i have an even longer list of unhappy students from AFI or LAFilm, or UCLA, etc.
A friend of mine, his name is Rhett Bear -- a working DP (check out his website if you don't believe me rhettbear.com) who went to Pasadena Art Center told me everything he learned at traditional film school that he uses on the job he could have learned on the job for a lot less money.
If this Film-connection gets you on the job and helps you make all those connections like Bart says then it sounds like a program at least worth checking into.
The truth is most people fail and are bitter about it. But that doesn't necessarily have to do with the programs. The film world is filled with misanthropes, failures, naysayers, n'er do wells, and unhappy misfits. Lets face it people, most humans enjoy failing then pointing the finger. Film programs work if the person is willing make it work for him. I've read all your posts, I'm gonna check this Film-Connection out atleast.
Carey Tonkins
A friend of mine, his name is Rhett Bear -- a working DP (check out his website if you don't believe me rhettbear.com) who went to Pasadena Art Center told me everything he learned at traditional film school that he uses on the job he could have learned on the job for a lot less money.
If this Film-connection gets you on the job and helps you make all those connections like Bart says then it sounds like a program at least worth checking into.
The truth is most people fail and are bitter about it. But that doesn't necessarily have to do with the programs. The film world is filled with misanthropes, failures, naysayers, n'er do wells, and unhappy misfits. Lets face it people, most humans enjoy failing then pointing the finger. Film programs work if the person is willing make it work for him. I've read all your posts, I'm gonna check this Film-Connection out atleast.
Carey Tonkins
#10
Richard Boddington
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Posted 15 March 2005 - 06:38 PM
Carey,
Give them a call. Do you find it odd that they keep asking you, "How will you be paying?" "Will you pay the entire $5000.00 plus up front?"
There are other posts on the forum where people got ripped off by these snakes and are looking for other Film Connection people to join in a class action law suit.
There are a number of highly questionable Google ads on this site for "rip off" film schools.
At least with UCLA or NYU, USC, etc, you walk away with a degree. Which will be useful when you are no longer working in the film industry. Which is what happens to the bulk of film school grads, that is true.
Richard
Give them a call. Do you find it odd that they keep asking you, "How will you be paying?" "Will you pay the entire $5000.00 plus up front?"
There are other posts on the forum where people got ripped off by these snakes and are looking for other Film Connection people to join in a class action law suit.
There are a number of highly questionable Google ads on this site for "rip off" film schools.
At least with UCLA or NYU, USC, etc, you walk away with a degree. Which will be useful when you are no longer working in the film industry. Which is what happens to the bulk of film school grads, that is true.
Richard
#11
Robert Edge
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Posted 18 March 2005 - 02:05 PM
This is an interesting situation.
I gather that the owner(s) of cinematography.com are raising revenue by enrolling in an advertising program run by Google and that they have thereby relinquished any control over a good deal of the advertising that appears on the site.
One of the advertisers is something called "Career Connection" (referred to in this post as "film connection"). Career Conection apparently runs an "apprenticeship" program for people interested in film, television, radio or music production under which the "apprentice" pays US$6,000. Apparently, the fee is split between Career Connection and the "mentor".
The Career Connection site contains material from reputable sources that the company says endorses its program. This includes an article from Newsweek that in fact says nothing about Career Connection. There is also an "article" from Billboard. This "article" is not an article at all, but an advertisement, sometimes known as an advertorial. There is also a letter from Hugh Downs of 20/20 fame. In this letter, Mr. Downs acknowledges receipt of a letter from the owner of Career Connections and says that he does indeed remember going hunting with his grandfather 50 years ago. There is also a link which is supposed to take one to a video clip endorsement from George Lucas, but I, at least, was unable to get the link to work. There are indeed some positive letters from various people who have used Career Connection "apprentices", except that one must realize that these come from people who have been paid to take these people on. One of the letters talks about how good the "apprentice" was at picking up a celebrity at the airport.
What is most disturbing is that Career Connection promotional material is heavily geared to selling the idea that higher education is a complete and utter waste of time. Much of their website content constitutes some of the most anti-intellectual drivel that I have seen in a long time.
Personally, I would rather pay a subscription fee for cinematography.com, or make a donation, than see the site used this way. At the very least, I'd like to suggest that the owner(s)/moderator(s) distance themselves from advertising over which they apparently have no control. It is very easy for a young, impressionable person to conclude that the undoubted quality of this site says something about the quality of the advertisers. At the same time, it seems to me that the existence of questionable advertising can do nothing but raise questions about all of the ads, including those by companies that are legitimate sponsors.
I gather that the owner(s) of cinematography.com are raising revenue by enrolling in an advertising program run by Google and that they have thereby relinquished any control over a good deal of the advertising that appears on the site.
One of the advertisers is something called "Career Connection" (referred to in this post as "film connection"). Career Conection apparently runs an "apprenticeship" program for people interested in film, television, radio or music production under which the "apprentice" pays US$6,000. Apparently, the fee is split between Career Connection and the "mentor".
The Career Connection site contains material from reputable sources that the company says endorses its program. This includes an article from Newsweek that in fact says nothing about Career Connection. There is also an "article" from Billboard. This "article" is not an article at all, but an advertisement, sometimes known as an advertorial. There is also a letter from Hugh Downs of 20/20 fame. In this letter, Mr. Downs acknowledges receipt of a letter from the owner of Career Connections and says that he does indeed remember going hunting with his grandfather 50 years ago. There is also a link which is supposed to take one to a video clip endorsement from George Lucas, but I, at least, was unable to get the link to work. There are indeed some positive letters from various people who have used Career Connection "apprentices", except that one must realize that these come from people who have been paid to take these people on. One of the letters talks about how good the "apprentice" was at picking up a celebrity at the airport.
What is most disturbing is that Career Connection promotional material is heavily geared to selling the idea that higher education is a complete and utter waste of time. Much of their website content constitutes some of the most anti-intellectual drivel that I have seen in a long time.
Personally, I would rather pay a subscription fee for cinematography.com, or make a donation, than see the site used this way. At the very least, I'd like to suggest that the owner(s)/moderator(s) distance themselves from advertising over which they apparently have no control. It is very easy for a young, impressionable person to conclude that the undoubted quality of this site says something about the quality of the advertisers. At the same time, it seems to me that the existence of questionable advertising can do nothing but raise questions about all of the ads, including those by companies that are legitimate sponsors.
Edited by R. Edge, 18 March 2005 - 02:08 PM.
#12
Robert Edge
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Posted 18 March 2005 - 04:37 PM
Since writing the above, I managed to get the George Lucas clip to run on a different computer. Like the Newsweek article, the clip says nothing whatever about Career Connection. Of course, that doesn't matter. The whole point is to associate Newsweek, Billboard, Hugh Downs and George Lucas with the product, however unrelated.
One of the interesting things about this company is the letter from the president. He says that the demand for qualified personnel in the film and television industries exceeds the supply. This is patent nonsense, and great news for prospective clients of Career Connection, but of course it raises a basic question. Why would someone pay Career Connections a wack of money to get a foot in the door? Turns out that the answer is simple. You've got a multitude of people who want into this demand-driven business, but most of them don't know nothing except book learnin', and what the industry wants is people who have experience - such as the experience that a kid with a high school education can get by paying Career Connection US$6,000 to act as a broker, and to piece off the employer, in getting him or her a job working as an unpaid cab driver for celebrities.
I'm relatively new to this site, and I don't mean to be smart, but it really does bother me that cinematography.com allows companies like this to use this site to bolster their own legitimacy. To be blunt, I really don't think that David Mullen would take cash from Career Connection to take on some kid who is naive or desperate enough to give the company $6,000, and Mullen whatever his percentage would be. Maybe I'm naive, but I would actually like to believe that no legitimate person in the film industry would co-operate in this.
An earlier poster suggested that some people are talking about a class action suit against Career Connections. Well, it won't happen. Class action suits are launched against companies with assets. It is pretty much a certainty that this company doesn't have any.
One of the interesting things about this company is the letter from the president. He says that the demand for qualified personnel in the film and television industries exceeds the supply. This is patent nonsense, and great news for prospective clients of Career Connection, but of course it raises a basic question. Why would someone pay Career Connections a wack of money to get a foot in the door? Turns out that the answer is simple. You've got a multitude of people who want into this demand-driven business, but most of them don't know nothing except book learnin', and what the industry wants is people who have experience - such as the experience that a kid with a high school education can get by paying Career Connection US$6,000 to act as a broker, and to piece off the employer, in getting him or her a job working as an unpaid cab driver for celebrities.
I'm relatively new to this site, and I don't mean to be smart, but it really does bother me that cinematography.com allows companies like this to use this site to bolster their own legitimacy. To be blunt, I really don't think that David Mullen would take cash from Career Connection to take on some kid who is naive or desperate enough to give the company $6,000, and Mullen whatever his percentage would be. Maybe I'm naive, but I would actually like to believe that no legitimate person in the film industry would co-operate in this.
An earlier poster suggested that some people are talking about a class action suit against Career Connections. Well, it won't happen. Class action suits are launched against companies with assets. It is pretty much a certainty that this company doesn't have any.
Edited by R. Edge, 18 March 2005 - 04:42 PM.
#13
Richard Boddington
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Posted 18 March 2005 - 05:35 PM
"There is also a link which is supposed to take one to a video clip endorsement from George Lucas"
I watched this clip on their site, it is the biggest JOKE on the planet. Lucas says absolutely nothing about Career Connection, he talks only about mentoring education vs school based education. I suppose this is the weak tie in Jimi Petula is trying to make.
I'm sure that they are using this clip with out Lucas' permission. If GL knew this clip was on their web site, I'm sure his lawyers would demand that it be removed.
Unfortunately the sharks at Career Connection are going to bite some more people before they finally get shut down. They are no different than all of those "pay up front" modelling schools out there.
Richard
I watched this clip on their site, it is the biggest JOKE on the planet. Lucas says absolutely nothing about Career Connection, he talks only about mentoring education vs school based education. I suppose this is the weak tie in Jimi Petula is trying to make.
I'm sure that they are using this clip with out Lucas' permission. If GL knew this clip was on their web site, I'm sure his lawyers would demand that it be removed.
Unfortunately the sharks at Career Connection are going to bite some more people before they finally get shut down. They are no different than all of those "pay up front" modelling schools out there.
Richard
#14
wade wilson
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Posted 20 March 2005 - 04:50 PM
HI,
Just want to say that film-connection probably differs based on personal experience. As for myself, I had an ok experience, though I didn't have the means to pay. I did go through the interview process. I went to a couple companies most of which I did not like, but one based in Santa Monica I did like, he said he would teahc me anything I wanted to know, and come there as often as I like, and put me on as a pa aswell for pay, until there was an opening somehwre. He was really nice and helpful, where as most of the other companies said I might not have one on one time with the camera op (wanted to learn camera operation), that I would just be treated as an intern liek everyone else. I wasnt going to pay thousands of dollars for that!
Anyways, i was all set up to go with the one guy, but just din't have the cash, so the Jim dude gave me back my 350 and I was on about my buissness.
I am sure that many people probably had bad experiences, and probably many had good experiences, just like anything else. It really is a good "idea" if it works for YOU. I'll probably do it when I get the cash,cause I see no way for me personally to get to do what I have dreamed of almost all my life.
I wish I could skip the whole thing and just pay some honest professional directly to teach me the ropes and hook me up with contacts ect, but I don't even know one who I could ask.
I rather die then not do what I love. I'd die right now if I knew the future and it didn't have me work in this field.
BTW, nice to meet you all.
ps. about google ads, the owners of this site have zero control over what is advertised. The whole google advertisement issue is really hot now because of this, and because of the questionable material within those ads at times.
Just want to say that film-connection probably differs based on personal experience. As for myself, I had an ok experience, though I didn't have the means to pay. I did go through the interview process. I went to a couple companies most of which I did not like, but one based in Santa Monica I did like, he said he would teahc me anything I wanted to know, and come there as often as I like, and put me on as a pa aswell for pay, until there was an opening somehwre. He was really nice and helpful, where as most of the other companies said I might not have one on one time with the camera op (wanted to learn camera operation), that I would just be treated as an intern liek everyone else. I wasnt going to pay thousands of dollars for that!
Anyways, i was all set up to go with the one guy, but just din't have the cash, so the Jim dude gave me back my 350 and I was on about my buissness.
I am sure that many people probably had bad experiences, and probably many had good experiences, just like anything else. It really is a good "idea" if it works for YOU. I'll probably do it when I get the cash,cause I see no way for me personally to get to do what I have dreamed of almost all my life.
I wish I could skip the whole thing and just pay some honest professional directly to teach me the ropes and hook me up with contacts ect, but I don't even know one who I could ask.
I rather die then not do what I love. I'd die right now if I knew the future and it didn't have me work in this field.
BTW, nice to meet you all.
ps. about google ads, the owners of this site have zero control over what is advertised. The whole google advertisement issue is really hot now because of this, and because of the questionable material within those ads at times.
Edited by wade wilson, 20 March 2005 - 04:55 PM.
#15
Gergely Kozma
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Posted 02 September 2005 - 03:39 AM
Dear People,
Have anyone ever heard about Victoria Motion Picture School in Canada? Is it a good school? What are your opinions?
Thank you very much.
Gregory
Have anyone ever heard about Victoria Motion Picture School in Canada? Is it a good school? What are your opinions?
Thank you very much.
Gregory
#16
Jesse Anthony
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Posted 30 April 2007 - 09:30 AM
I spoke with one of there guys on the phone today and he didn't once ask about how I was going to pay and the conversation was really informative about the program.
I asked him about payment and he said you don't pay anything untill you and your mentor have both agreed to work together, then you pay them the fees. Im kind of skeptical about the film-connection but if your in a good area of production like LA or NY then I think it might be worth giving it a shot.
I asked him about payment and he said you don't pay anything untill you and your mentor have both agreed to work together, then you pay them the fees. Im kind of skeptical about the film-connection but if your in a good area of production like LA or NY then I think it might be worth giving it a shot.
#17
Jesse Anthony
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Posted 30 April 2007 - 10:12 AM
"Prophet" and "fuji", please update your Display Name (go to My Controls) to a real first and last name, as per the forum rules. Thanks.
k name is changed.
David have your heard anything good about this program?
#18
Richard Boddington
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Posted 30 April 2007 - 03:09 PM
Click here to see actual footage of Career Connection staff moving in to explain their program to a group of potential clients:
http://homepage.mac....Theater101.html
R,
http://homepage.mac....Theater101.html
R,
#19
Jesse Anthony
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Posted 30 April 2007 - 07:53 PM
haha thanks for the video Richard. but I tried googling around and this site was the only one with any sort of feedback that came up so if theres negative or positive stuff you heard about it can you provide links to forums etc.. or did you go through the program yourself?
Im not sayin I want to go to it yet but just doing some research before I make a final decision on a yay or nah.
Im not sayin I want to go to it yet but just doing some research before I make a final decision on a yay or nah.
#20
Adam Butterworth
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Posted 02 May 2007 - 06:48 AM
for a moment i was about to be surprised. And then the video loaded 
