Trevor Stephney won awards for his videos as a student at Morristown High School. Now, he can’t wait to see what he can do at Hollywood East.
That’s what Montclair State University has dubbed its new $55.8 million School of Communication and Media Building, which celebrated its official opening this week.
“Everyday I walk in the building, I become even more antsy and excited to pursue my passions as a filmmaker,” said Stephney, a freshman with a scholarship from MSU.
Partnering with Sony, the university has created a 105,000-square-foot facility that includes 4K broadcast studios and a 187-seat theater, where NJTV will host next month’s lieutenant governor election debate.
There are spacious multimedia labs, a news lab, an audio production center and top-notch internet radio studios, too.
Daniel Gursksis, dean of MSU’s College of Arts, called the building the most advanced broadcast studio in North America. “Better than state of the art,” said Katsunori Yamanouchi, president of Sony Professional Solutions Americas.
Great technology is nice, of course. But what counts is how you use it, MSU President Susan Cole reminded her guests.
“A vital democracy craves proof,” Cole said. “This building, as magnificent as it is, is just the toolbox.”
While everything is shiny and neat and brand new, Keith Strudler, new director of the School of Communication and Media, said homes are meant to be lived in. He looks forward to “orchestrated chaos…that will truly change lives, industry, and perhaps, change the world for the better.”
That’s where Trevor Stephney comes in.
