The staff, students, and instructors at CreativeLive are a diverse group of people — and plenty of them, unsurprisingly, have had careers in show-business. For example, did you know that Heroic Public Speaking instructor Michael Port used to be an actor and was even in an episode of Sex and the City? It’s true.
But one of our newest faces, Rob Milazzo, is better known for his work behind the camera. As the new Head of Film here at CreativeLive, Rob will be in charge of programming great filmmaking classes — something he’s already pretty experienced doing. Rob, who started his career as an assistant to playwright, essayist, screenwriter, and film director David Mamet, and Academy Award-winning director Mike Nichols. More recently, Rob’s taught filmmaking at Stanford, Rutgers, Hofstra, The New School, and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, where he founded the school’s first-ever filmmaking program.
In addition to film, education is a passion of Rob’s. He founded the Modern School of Film, which helps students interested in film learn in a hands-on, small group, and exposes students to real-world film experience. The curriculum is designed to be both comprehensive and approachable.
“Remember: Filmmaking can be learned. And school is a thought, not a place,” reads the website’s description.
Here’s a quick interview with Rob to help you get to know him:
What are you doing here?
I’m the new Head of Film for CreativeLive
What were you doing before you were at CL?
Literally, I was driving — from New York to California. More roundly stated — I founded the Modern School of Film, wherein I created/taught filmmaking courses and in New York, LA, and internationally. The program also contained masterclasses co-taught by an amazing group of filmmakers, musicians, writers, actors, and cultural figures, to whom I’m eternally grateful.
What do you get up to in your spare time?
Imploring my dog to take a walk. Unsuccessfully.
When do you feel the most creative?
Alfred Hitchcock was once asked if he was working on a new film. Hitch said, “I’m always working on a new film. Everyday.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
My grandfather always told me, “You have to do want makes you happy, no matter what anyone else says.” Simple and truthful, as he was.
What else should we know about you?
I type loudly.