Second Annual “Behind the Screen: Media Careers 101” to be Held December 9

Montclair State University’s Film Program, in partnership with the Montclair Film Festival (MFF), will present a day of seminars entitled “Behind the Screen: Media Careers 101,” on Sunday, December 9, from 9:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Montclair State’s University Hall.  Admission is free to high school and college students who are interested in learning about jobs in the film, TV and media industries.

This is the second such event, following last year’s inaugural program, which was so successful that the number of seminars for this year has doubled. Each of the following 12 hour-long panels will be hosted by an industry professional. Here’s what’s scheduled (NOTE: subject to change):

• Documentary Storytelling with noted Producer/Director/Editor Julie Winokur
• Production: Wardrobe and Sets – Putting together the look of a film or TV show with Set Decorator Jackie Jacobson Scarfo
• Working as an Actor – How to get yourself in front of the camera with Casting Director Jill Greenberg Sands
• Online Content Creation – The who, what and how of successful online programming with Writer/Producer/Director and MSU faculty member, Susan Skoog
• Producing – Learn the role of the Producer with Mark Kamine (Ted, Silver Linings Playbook)
• Directing – Directors working in narrative filmmaking, Vince Misiano (Gossip Girl, Medium) and Gary Donatelli (One Life to Live, The Bold and the Beautiful), discuss their work and career paths
• Broadcast News – The Colbert Report‘s Managing Producer Jeff Cooperman and a panel of distinguished TV news professionals discuss the challenges of daily network journalism and job opportunities
• Production: Lighting and Camera – Director of Photography Tom Houghton, ASC (Rescue Me, 30 Rock) and Gaffer Dave Skutch (Girls, How to Make it in America) describe how they work together on a production
• Camera Demo – Camera rental company Arri CSC demonstrates a selection of the latest digital cameras including the Arri Alexa
• Editing – Longtime Ang Lee collaborator Tim Sqyres, ACE, discusses his career and craft
• Visual Effects – Chris Decker, SFX Producer Spontaneous, Jim Rider (Titanic) and Anthony Jacques (Moonrise Kingdom) discuss the art and science of special effects
• Animation –  Creator and Executive Producer Chris Gifford and members of the creative team behind Dora the Explorer, and Go, Diego, Go! discuss taking a project from script through final animation

“Last year, we had about 250 high school and college participants and based on their feedback, we’ve doubled the number of panels to showcase more of the media career options and paths available to them,” said event organizer Conrad Fink, President/Director of This is TV and a member of MFF’s Board of Directors. “There is something for everyone at Behind the Screen. No matter what area of the media industry you’re interested in, we have put together a panel of working experts to share what they do, their career paths and insights into today’s workplace.”

Montclair State University Film Program faculty member Susan Skoog added, “One of the most important aspects of our role as educators here at MSU’s new School of Communication and Media is to make sure our students are prepared for the workforce. And, in this industry, nothing is more crucial than hearing firsthand from working professionals what it takes to build a career. That’s why this is such an incredible event for our program to co-sponsor. It was an enormous success last year, particularly for our film majors, many of whom made valuable connections, which have led to internships and even jobs.”

Discounted parking for $5 available at Red Hawk Deck with validation.

The event is free to high school and college students. RSVPs are not required, but students are encouraged to RSVP to the seminars of their choice at www.montclairfilmfest.org so they will be given priority for seating, over walk-ins. For information about the event, visit here.