Pitt to Feature Hollywood's Creature Creators 'In the Flesh' Oct. 26

PITTSBURGH-Ever wonder what it might be like to work with Hollywood directors Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, M. Night Shyamalan, and Sam Raimi? Hollywood special effects wizard and Pittsburgh native Greg Nicotero knows.

Just in time for the Halloween season, Pitt in Hollywood will present Nicotero and his longtime friend and original mentor Tom Savini, actor/special effects artist ("Grindhouse," 2007, and "Land of the Dead," 2005), who will talk about their craft and showcase some of their amazing Hollywood creatures "in the flesh," at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 in Room 324 in the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

The presentation will be followed by a screening of R.L. Stine's "The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It" (2007), which was filmed in Pittsburgh, at 7 p.m. in the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, Schenley Drive, Oakland.

Because of limited seating for the free public events, it is advised that attendees arrive early to both venues. RSVP to cait@steeltown.org or 412-622-1325.

A multiple award-winning special effects artist, Nicotero has worked on more than 100 films. His company, KNB Efx Group, won the Academy Award in 2006 for the creations in "The Chronicles of Narnia." Nicotero will talk about his career, beginning with his work in Pittsburgh on George Romero films to his work on some of the biggest films of the last 20 years, including "Spiderman 3" (2007), "Pulp Fiction" (1994), "Kill Bill" (2003), "Sin City" (2005), "Scream" (1996), "Transformers" (2007), "Dances With Wolves" (1990), "Minority Report" (2002), "Ray" (2004), "Boogie Nights" (1997), and many others.

In 2005, Nicotero came to Pittsburgh for Steeltown's "Land of the Dead" premiere, bringing with him directors Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez ("Spy Kids," 2001). Nicotero helped guide the R.L. Stine film to his hometown in 2006, where he would create the "Evil Thing" monster for "Don't Think About It" and direct the second unit for the movie.

The film stars Hannah Montana, Emily Osment, Cody Linley, and Tobin Bell ("Saw," 2004.) The PG-rated "Don't Think About It" was produced by Universal Family Studios and The Hatchery in association with the Steeltown Entertainment Project and Creata. The movie premiered on Cartoon Network to the highest ratings for boys 9-14 on basic cable during that time slot and the second-highest ratings for kids 9-14 overall.

The presentation and film are cosponsored by Steeltown Entertainment Project and Pitt in Hollywood.

Pitt in Hollywood is a student-run organization at the University of Pittsburgh that aims to demystify how the entertainment industry works by bringing in guest speakers who work in the television and film business and providing students with mentoring, networking, and internship opportunities in the industry. Former guest speakers include Pitt alumni and producer/executive John Dellaverson (Lion's Gate Entertainment), writer/producer Jenji Kohan (creator of "Weeds"), producer Bernie Goldmann ("300"), and many others. Pitt in Hollywood also has helped facilitate students with internships both locally and with studios and production companies in Los Angeles and New York.

Steeltown Entertainment Project is a nonprofit 501(c)3 whose missions is to nurture promising talent and to incubate meaningful and commercially viable entertainment projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania by connecting former Pittsburghers who are working in the entertainment industry with the region's human, cultural, educational, and economic resources.

For further information, visit www.steeltown.org and www.pittinhollywood.org.

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