Mentors have the experience of working on the job, are required to stay current on advances or changes within the industry, and can present in-the-moment learning opportunities. Professors or teachers just don\u2019t have those opportunities because they aren\u2019t in the field as often as mentors, if at all.<\/p>\n
Adaptability<\/h3>\n
Mentors also have more flexibility<\/strong> when it comes to working with their externs. A professor or teacher needs to stick to a syllabus or lesson plan because they\u2019re working with a larger number of students. What they teach will hopefully be relevant and at their students\u2019 levels of knowledge since they just aren\u2019t able to change their plans for each and every person in their class. Doing so would be impossible!<\/p>\n That\u2019s just not an issue in a mentoring situation. Yes, there are guidelines and a host of lessons Film Connection mentors have access to but if you have a lot of experience with film theory or setting up for various shots (close-up, wide shot, medium shot, etc.), you and your mentor can move on to other things like script supervising, line producing, and more.<\/p>\n When you interview with your potential mentor you will discuss strengths, weaknesses, and what you\u2019re hoping to get out of the program. Along with an Academic Facilitator, you\u2019ll be able to work the curriculum to meet your needs and your schedule. Imagine trying to do that with 20 or more students and one professor!<\/p>\n Film Connection believes the best way to learn about the film industry is from the inside. Because mentors are already in the field (in a manner of speaking), students are able to learn what it means to be on the set during active productions. Why be stuck in a classroom when you can be on location?<\/strong><\/p>\n This immersive environment isn\u2019t available to a traditional four-year university professor or trade-school instructor. Learning as part of a production crew also gives you a variety of situations to learn in and you won\u2019t be limited to real-world equipment based on a lab sign-in sheet.<\/p>\n Working with several different people during your time with a mentor is par for the course with many Film Connection students. You could be following a gaffer, helping with a boom, or working directly with the director, especially if your mentor is the director. And as for the classroom, you won\u2019t find one in our 6-9 month filmmaking programs.<\/p>\n Finally, a college classroom or lab just may not have the resources a real-world production company<\/strong> has to offer. Certainly, universities or colleges will differ on what they have access to, but mentors need to have the equipment, the tools of the trade to do their job. Remember\u2013it\u2019s their livelihood!<\/p>\n So instead of biding your time, waiting for your chance to play in the sandbox, the bulk of your time with a mentor will be spent getting your hands dirty. Every day is a new day to experience something new, to prove yourself to your mentor by working with equipment and adhering to the standards used in the industry today.<\/p>\n You don’t need to wait for a field trip, wait for a guest speaker, or wait to put what you\u2019ve learned into practice. And you won\u2019t be working with other students who may not be as driven as you are. Everyone on the set has already started their career. Do well and you can get the opportunity to learn from them as well.<\/p>\n The Film Connection has opportunities across the U.S.<\/a>, meaning you won\u2019t have to fly across the country to get the education you need to break into the film industry. Whether you\u2019re interested in directing, film production, editing<\/a>, or cinematography<\/a>, we\u2019ll match you with the mentor that best suits your needs.<\/p>\n![\"Film](\"http:\/\/filmconnection.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/FC_m_Sean_McCarthy_and_student_052716_banner.jpg\")
<\/a>Real-World Learning<\/h3>\n
Work With Updated Gear<\/h3>\n