College students at the University of Texas at Austin offers a wide variety of degrees one can pursue. Law, architecture, nursing, education, engineering, geoscience and more. The college also has a Radio Television Film program in the communication field for those seeking a profession in the media world. Students interested in a career in the film industry at the school are getting more than they expected when enrolling in a film production course.
Last week, the University of Texas sent out a tweet to announce a special guest speaker for their course. That speaker? Matthew McConaughey. That’s right. Dazed and Confused, A Time to Kill, Contact, The Wedding Planner, Magic Mike, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Yeah, that Matthew McConaughey.
Meet Professor @McConaughey: pic.twitter.com/NauNsr3m6K
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) June 30, 2016
The 46-year old actor, a Texas native, is teaming with his Free State of Jones director Gary Ross to provide students an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the developmental process and production of their film. McConaughey and Ross will be featured in a pre-recorded video speaking on the process but at some point during the semester, the actor will be making at least one appearance in the semester to conduct a live lecture. Try not to swoon over his charm, ladies.
Here is the course description from the University of Texas (Austin) website:
Script to Screen takes students behind the scenes of the 2016 film Free State of Jones written and directed by Gary Ross (The Hunger Games) and starring Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey (Interstellar). By studying the movie’s source material, script, shot lists, storyboards, shooting schedule, VFX, final cut and even exclusive behind the scenes footage, students will garner insight into the production of a major Hollywood feature. This class also gives students practical instruction on producing their own projects including web series, shorts, commercials and indie features. From guidance on pitching to the ins and outs of founding a production company, Script to Screen is an essential “how-to” for students who are serious about a career in production.
Free State of Jones is currently in theaters and stars Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali and Keri Russell.
Synopsis for Free State of Jones:
In 1863, Mississippi farmer Newt Knight serves as a medic for the Confederate Army. Opposed to slavery, Knight would rather help the wounded than fight the Union. After his nephew dies in battle, Newt returns home to Jones County to safeguard his family but is soon branded an outlaw deserter. Forced to flee, he finds refuge with a group of runaway slaves hiding out in the swamps. Forging an alliance with the slaves and other farmers, Knight leads a rebellion that would forever change history.
