By Rose Sopko

Lights, camera, action! Many people love movies. The films and those who make the magic happen provide entertainment for millions of people everyday. There are so many people involved in helping these movies come to life on the big screen and because of his current co-op, Michael Morotta is now one of them. Morotta, a junior communications major, is in the middle of his second co-op at Allied Advertising, a public relations firm that is responsible for promoting movies that are nationally released. Morotta took some time to share his story with The News.

The Northeastern News: What are some tasks that you are responsible for at Allied Advertising?

Michael Morotta: Every morning I am required to look through the Boston newspapers and cut out and send every mention of any movie to every major movie studio, so they are aware of reactions to movies in the city. I have a part in the running of many advanced screenings and sneak previews. I deal with the entertainment press. I sometimes go on publicity tours. I basically just make sure everything runs smoothly.

The News: What are some of the perks of your job?

Morotta: I get free passes for so many movies. I haven’t paid for a movie in three months. I get tons of free DVDs, movie soundtracks, T-shirts, posters and other promotional merchandise. I’m everyone’s best friend because of my job.

The News: What are some difficulties of your job, if any?

Morotta: The whole experience has been good, but tough. Over the summer, I would have to cover a large number of movies by myself because summer is the time when most movies come out. There were so many studios to deal with.

The News: What is one of your best experiences at the firm so far?

Morotta: Recently, I got to spend an entire day with Jack Black for publicity for his movie “School of Rock.” He’s just like he is in the movies, very funny and down to earth. I got to hang out with him all day and watch his publicist work.

The News: What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Morotta: Most definitely all the connections I have made. Just by making so many phone calls I’ve gotten so many connections in so many places. I have connections in Hollywood if I ever want to go out there and work. I made a connection with Jack Black’s publicist when I worked with him as well. I jumped into it quickly, and I feel so lucky. Everyday I look around and I ask myself how I got here and I’m amazed. I come here everyday with a smile, and I love it. It doesn’t even feel like a job anymore.