Professor Michael Stinson has been a full-time faculty member in the department of Film and Media Studies at SBCC for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he has directed seven international study programs and taught courses in screenwriting, film production, cinematography, directing, editing, and film history. Professor Stinson was awarded a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television from U.C.L.A. and worked as a screenwriter for Warner Brothers, Paramount and Universal Studios. He was the Co-Director of the Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2018. Prior to film school, he lived and worked abroad for ten years as a photojournalist and was based in Japan for over six years. I fell in love with Rome when he lived there in his 20s and he's still in love with the city.
Luckily for him, he's currently supporting SBCC students in developing knowledge of, and hopefully also a love for Rome, as he's leading the current fall program in Paris and Rome.
Here's a recent interview we had with Professor Stinson:
What is a "must-see" in this destination?
The film festival on Isola Tiburtina, Cine Citta, the holiday markets in Piazza Navona, farmers market in Campo dei Fiori, the Trasteve neighborhood, the Gianicolo.
Are there any local experiences you would recommend students outside of the tourist spots?
A day trip to the gardens of Tivoli.
What do you like most about this destination?
The Roman people, the food, the weather, the architecture, and the art of living.
What is something unexpected you learned about this destination?
In spite of eating vast quantities of wonderful food, most Italians are thin and healthy.
Wondering if Rome is really that amazing? SBCC often visits Rome for a semester in the spring and fall. Check out the current program offers to see if you get a chance to go to Rome soon.
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