Some UNLV students in the College of Fine Arts got the opportunity to hear about the world of Hollywood and movie-making from one of the industry's newest headliners.
Actor and Academy-award winning screenwriter Matt Damon visited the UNLV campus recently to speak to students about his experiences as an actor and to pass on some advice from some of Hollywood's well-known veterans.
"I really just wanted to share what I've learned and give some of the answers that I've been given from other more experienced actors," Damon said.
Nate Bynum, an associate professor in the department of theatre, became friends with Damon while they worked on the film The Rainmaker. Bynum invited Damon to speak to his class of theater, film, and screenwriting majors.
Damon didn't give a formal speech; instead, he allowed the students to ask him about whatever was on their minds, which included how entertainers are preparing for a possible writers' and actors strike.
"Everyone's preparing by just working and working and working," he responded. "Everyone's just powering through until July 1."
Damon's career took off when he and his childhood friend, Ben Affleck, won an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting, a screenplay that took them six years to write. He has since earned accolades for other roles in such films as The Talented Mr. Ripley, Saving Private Ryan, and Rounders.
Along with Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt, Damon is currently in Las Vegas filming the movie, Oceans Eleven.
Damon described to students how he got into show business and how much value he places on education.
After high school, I ended up at Harvard, and I chose liberal arts, and I'm glad I did," he said. "I had some great professors there, and I participated in several plays. I don't think studying acting helps you become an actor as much as studying a bunch of other stuff. As an English major, I figured I would cover a lot of the literature I needed."
Damon's appearance at UNLV is part of the newly-created Celebrity Speaker Series that brings professional entertainers to campus to share their perspectives on show business with students.
"I think it's always great to have professionals come in and talk to students," said Jeffrey Koep, dean of the College of Fine Arts.
"Sometimes it wipes out some myths and allows them to see what it's really like. Having Matthew here was great. He was very honest and answered their questions from his perspective." As part of the series, Blues singer Bo Diddley and Academy Award-winning director George Sidney spoke recently. Singer Phyllis McGuire, a Las Vegas resident, is an instrumental part of the success of the program.
"Ms. McGuire has contacts and is happy to use them to help students," said Koep. "She has contacted all types of celebrities for the series. We have a great group of celebrities here in Las Vegas, and they are interested in helping UNLV and the students. Having these professionals come in adds a lot to our program."
