Thin continuous films of zeolite ZSM-5 were synthesized on quartz substrates. The substrates were first surface modified and covered by a monolayer of colloidal silicalite-1 seed crystals. These crystals were grown into continuous films with thicknesses in the range 230-3500 nm by hydrothermal treatment in a synthesis gel free from organic templates. The preferential orientation of the crystals constituting the film was initially one with thec-axis close to parallel to the substrate surface. During the course of crystallization this orientation changed to one with most of the crystals having the c-axes directed approximately 35° from perpendicular to the substrate surface. A mechanism explaining this behavior is proposed. The final thickness of the film was controlled by the synthesis time but also by the addition of seed crystals to the synthesis gel. Films prepared according to this method may be of great value for the development of zeolite based membranes.