MTA 444, Professional Perspectives: L.A. Field Trip with Professor Paul Monaco


An MTA 444 class hosted by distinguished members (seated) of the American
Society of Cinematographers at their historic clubhouse.

This course constitutes a intensive overview of the motion picture and television industries in Hollywood, culminating with a week of visit to, and meetings with, professionals in the industry who are at various stages in their careers and who provide different perspectives on these industries and entry into them.  We also may visit select production facilities, studios,
post-production houses, and labs.

Montana State alumni who have been hosts and presenters for the L.A. Trip include, John Dahl (Screenwriter/Director); John Johnson (Sound Editor, Oscar Recipient, 2000); Scott Chestnut (editor); Maureen Farley (Property Master); Jeff Meyer (Sit-com Director); T.J. Lynch (Screenwriter); Grant Axton (Line Producer); Scott Seiffert (Dreanworks, SKG); Linda Borgeson
(Miramax); John Logsdon (Blind Vision Film),; Cassidy Lashaway (Digital Kitchen).

Student looks through the viewfinder of an Arri while touring Clairmont Camera in North Hollywood.

In addition, a great many industry professionals, without any prior connection to Montana Sate University, generously provide their time and insights to our group. MTA 444 is offered for Spring Semester registration, requiring group meetings each week to prepare for the trip, which occurs for the week immediately following graduation in May.

Enrollment is limited to a maximum of twelve students, restricted to Film
majors in the School of Film & Photography. For additional information,
contact Paul Monaco by e-mail (monaco@montana.edu).

Some glimpses from previous trips.