I love libraries and I think I have lectured at almost a hundred across central and north Jersey. I also speak at schools, senior centers, retirement communities, and more.

Sharing scenes from classic films and anecdotes about the making of them, I try to dissect the work of the masters with wit and insight into the craft of filmmaking. I offer nine different lectures (see below). Each is approximately 90 minutes long and ends with a fun Q&A.

Hitchcock

"The Master of Suspense"

Sir Alfred Hitchcock directed over 60 films spanning more than half a century. With a distinctive style, both in front and behind the camera, his movies have influenced generations of filmmakers. Watching classic scenes from "Rear Window", "North by Northwest", "Psycho" and "The Birds" we discover what made Hitchcock, "the master of suspense".

Chaplin and Keaton

"The Little Tramp vs. the Great Stone Face"

In a debate almost as old as cinema, the audience has asked the question, "Who do you like better?". Charles Chaplin's "little tramp" was the most famous and recognized character the world over. Buster Keaton's "great stone face" and his unparalleled talent for stunts amazed audiences young and old. The two greatest stars of the silent era, the legacy of their films ("The Kid", "The General", "Steamboat Bill, Jr." and "City Lights"), and the debate about who we love more, lives on.

Film Noir

"The Stuff that Dreams are Made Of"

During Hollywood's Golden Age, at the height of the studio system, a new breed of crime drama began to emerge. These dark tales with an equally stark look told the stories of men and women living in the shadows and the underbelly of society. Classic stories like "The Maltese Falcon", "Double Indemnity", "The Killers", and "Night and the City" changed filmmaking forever with characters who risked everything for "the stuff that dreams are made of".

Frankenstein

"From James Whale to Guillermo del Toro"

There are over 500 representations of Frankenstein's monster in film. This creature has haunted us, scared us, and even made us laugh for almost 100 years. Meanwhile, Hollywood continues to find new aspects of this story to tell and bring to the next generation. Come explore the history, as we discover why the monster is still alive.

Zombies

A History of Zombies in Films and Video Games

What is it about the undead? Why do we love this creature that only wants to eat our brains? No other monster has appeared in more independent films and video games than the zombie. Find out how it all began and where it's all going as we follow the trail of blood from its source to the modern era with a few laughs along the way.

Short Films

"The Magic and Mystery of the Short"

In the age of independent cinema, most directors learn the craft of filmmaking by creating short films. These tiny works of art are beautiful, exciting, haunting, hysterical, and inspiring. Watch a selection of award-winning short films and get some insight into how these mini modern classics are created.

The Strange Dark

"Screening and Q&A with the Director"

A mind-bending sci-fi thriller unfolds over the course of one unsettling night in a house - where nothing is quite what it seems. The Strange Dark feels like a modern episode of The Twilight Zone: eerie, intimate, and full of unnerving twists. Watch the film that played at over 25 Film Festivals worldwide. Then stay afterwards for an insightful and funny Q&A with the director.

Screenwriting

"Get Started Writing Your First Screenplay"

Do you have an idea for a movie stuck in your head? Do you need a jump-start to begin writing your first script? This easy lecture is designed to give you the basics of the craft. I'll even teach you how to use free software to get started and make your script look like the pros. Don't wait any longer. Sooner than you think, you can go from Fade In to Fade Out on your first screenplay.

Filmmaking

"Shooting Your First Short Film for Teens"

Making your first film can be daunting. Where do you even begin? This 10-step guide will walk you through everything you need to do to make your first film a big success. Even better, you don't need expensive equipment to get started, just a good story to tell and some friends to shoot it with.