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University News

Hollywood East Comes to Montclair State University

New School of Communication and Media facility is nation’s most technologically advanced university media production facility

Posted in: Communication and Media

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Since offering its first courses in fall 2012, the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University has established a national reputation for preparing students for career success in rapidly evolving industries. With the September 26 opening of its new home – the most technologically advanced broadcast and media production facility in any university in the nation – students, faculty and professionals in the state and the metropolitan region gain access to the latest production capabilities.

“Hollywood East has arrived on the campus of Montclair State,” said University President Susan A. Cole. “Our School of Communication and Media’s new state-of-the-art home has radically changed the New York metropolitan area production landscape. Our students will be able to enter the workforce with the confidence that comes from knowing they have received outstanding pre-professional training on the latest technology in up-to-the-minute facilities, while regional filmmakers and media professionals will be able to realize their creative vision in our extraordinary new studio and production spaces.”

Exceeding Industry Standards

By linking Morehead Hall with Life Hall, the new 105,000-square-foot facility creates a high-tech, multimedia home for the School that reflects the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving communication and media industry.

“Our students will gain the competitive advantage of mastering technology that not only meets industry standards but that in many instances goes well beyond,” said College of the Arts Dean Daniel Gurskis. “This dynamic working environment is the perfect complement to the School’s rigorous, trans-disciplinary curriculum that allows students to pursue majors in communication, television and digital media, filmmaking, journalism, and public and organizational relations.”

Sony Alliance

Through a new strategic alliance between the University and Sony Electronics, the new facility provides unprecedented access to Sony’s professional-grade 4K television and production equipment. “We’re well established with the Hollywood filmmaking community and we were looking to have a similar presence on the East Coast,” said Theresa Alesso, vice president of Sony’s Solution Services group.  “This collaboration with Montclair State was the perfect opportunity to combine our production expertise and commitment to education to create a unique experience for students and faculty.”

Successful journalism, film, television and radio productions are the result of intensely collaborative teamwork. The new School of Communication and Media home’s integrative and innovative design fosters increased opportunities for creative, multimedia collaborations by bringing faculty, Sony and other industry professionals, academic programs and students together for the first time under one roof.

Immediate Access to Hollywood Resources

“Our world-class facility strengthens the School’s reputation as a national leader by offering students and the New York metropolitan area film and media community unprecedented educational and professional opportunities,” said School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler.”

Area filmmakers and media professionals wishing to produce and polish projects in the University’s conveniently located North Jersey facility will be able to access features such as a motion picture stage; an advanced audio suite; and broadcast-ready HD and 4K studio and control rooms. Powered by Sony Digital Camera Projection and 7.1 Surround Sound, both the 187-seat presentation hall and the 40-seat screening room deliver immersive viewing experiences.

According to Strudler, students will also get real-world, hands-on training in a contemporary, broadcast-ready newsroom, interactive collaborative learning spaces and high-tech multimedia labs. Inviting public spaces, informal learning spaces and team rooms are configured to foster creative teamwork.

“Montclair State has a well-established reputation for preparing excellent professionals for the communication and media industries,” said Gurskis. “With the new facility, we’re building on that tradition and taking another major step forward.”

Beginning with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, the School of Communication and Media invites the community to join its opening week celebrations.