Producer of Mr. Holland’s Opus to Speak at Pitt

By Patricia Lomando White

Hollywood film producer Robert Cort, whose movies include Mr. Holland’s Opus, Runaway Bride, and Three Men and a Baby, will speak at the University of Pittsburgh at 7:30 p.m. March 31 in the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium. The event is free.

Cort recently wrote Action, a novel chronicling the past 50 years of the film industry that blends real characters with a fictional narrative. The book demystifies how the business works and what really goes on emotionally behind the scenes.

During his presentation, Cort will address the differences between writing fiction and screenplays and how literary properties are acquired in Hollywood. In addition, he will talk about his experiences in the entertainment industry, the process of filmmaking, and what makes a good screenplay. He also will answer audience questions.

Among Cort’s films are Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Save the Last Dance, Cocktail, Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Arachnophobia, Outrageous Fortune, The Out-of-Towners, The Odd Couple II, Jumanji, Body Language, Class Action, and Roommates, which was filmed in Pittsburgh and includes scenes shot on Pitt’s campus.

For more information, call Andrea Campbell at 412-624-6564, send an e-mail to acamp@pitt.edu, or visit www.pittinhollywood.org.