One of the great benefits of studying at the Tisch School of the Arts is the School's location in the cultural capital of the world. Tisch takes advantage of the steady stream of artists and industry professionals visiting New York through a variety of programs intended to introduce students to prominent figures in their intended fields. One of these programs, Dean's Roundtable, brings small groups of students and distinguished visitors together for lunch and conversation in the Dean's Office. Recent Dean's Roundtable guests include the following:
Lorne Michaels Lorne Michaels is the creator and executive producer of Saturday Night Live, the longest-running and highest-rated late night television program in history. He has received over 80 nominations and 18 awards and launched dozens of film & TV careers. Students from Dramatic Writing, Undergrad Film & TV, and Undergrad Drama heard the history of SNL from genesis to today. One of his many comments: "Comedy is serious - and only works if it resonates."
Kristi Zea Zea began as a photo stylist and worked her way into prominence as a master production designer on such films as Fame, Silverado, Terms of Endearment, and Married to the Mob. Students listened as Zea shared her journey, treating them to an anthology of film clips. "Good production design crosses all lines and helps tell the story," Zea said. She joins the Department of Design faculty in September '04.
Oliver Stone 1971 Kanbar Institute of Film & Television
Stone's career has taken many bold leaps and he spoke candidly about his journey from delivery boy to Academy Award winning film director of Platoon, Wall Street, Born on the Fourth of July, JFK, Nixon and Alexander. He shared sage advice with Dramatic Writing and Film & TV students, saying, "Stay positive, be intense, and make sure you have a savings account. Hold on to your idea - if it's really good, it'll hold up years later."
