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 \u2013 the most technologically advanced broadcast and media production facility in any university in the nation \u2013 students, faculty and professionals in the state and the metropolitan region gain access to the latest production capabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cHollywood East has arrived on the campus of Montclair State,\u201d said University President Susan A. Cole. \u201cOur School of Communication and Media\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Exceeding Industry Standards<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving communication and media industry.<\/p>\n \u201cOur students will gain the competitive advantage of mastering technology that not only meets industry standards but that in many instances goes well beyond,\u201d said College of the Arts Dean Daniel Gurskis. \u201cThis dynamic working environment is the perfect complement to the School\u2019s rigorous, trans-disciplinary curriculum that allows students to pursue majors in communication, television and digital media, filmmaking, journalism, and public and organizational relations.\u201d<\/p>\n Sony Alliance<\/strong><\/p>\n Through a new strategic alliance between the University and Sony Electronics, the new facility provides unprecedented access to Sony\u2019s professional-grade 4K television and production equipment. \u201cWe\u2019re well established with the Hollywood filmmaking community and we were looking to have a similar presence on the East Coast,\u201d said Theresa Alesso, vice president of Sony\u2019s Solution Services group.\u00a0 \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Successful journalism, film, television and radio productions are the result of intensely collaborative teamwork. The new School of Communication and Media home\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Immediate Access to Hollywood Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOur world-class facility strengthens the School\u2019s reputation as a national leader by offering students and the New York metropolitan area film and media community unprecedented educational and professional opportunities,\u201d said School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler.\u201d<\/p>\n Area filmmakers and media professionals wishing to produce and polish projects in the University\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cMontclair State has a well-established reputation for preparing excellent professionals for the communication and media industries,\u201d said Gurskis. \u201cWith the new facility, we\u2019re building on that tradition and taking another major step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Beginning with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, the School of Communication and Media invites the community to join its\u00a0opening week celebrations<\/a>.<\/p>\n