My favorite teacher at NYU Graduate Film School was not as famous and flashy as other teachers, yet Ian Maitland was my biggest cheerleader. Ian taught me how to edit the seductive shooting range scene in Escape to the Elkhorn, where Hunky rifle instructor, Matt, shows bored socialite Mona Garrish (Patti Astor) how to hold the rifle by wrapping his arms around her. As Matt pulls the trigger, the camera cuts to the target before and after I poke holes in the bullseye. We added a few sound effects and the result was campy and kitschy and worked! Below is an unsolicited letter on Ian's NYU stationary that he wrote to my parents, which gave me confidence in a very competitive career I was about to embark on.
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January 14, 1981
Dear Mr. Rosenberg,
It is a rare occasion that I write to the parents of my students. I do however feel obliged to contact you with regard to your daughter. In over twelve years of teaching, I have not found a student so organized and willing to learn as Anita. I am not convinced I know in what direction she will end up in the film industry, however, I am certain that given the opportunity, this young woman will benefit any motion picture company that has the foresight to employ her.
One other most important point I would like to state is that this letter was in no way solicited. Should you have the opportunity to visit New York, I would very much like to meet with you. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me by phone regarding Anita's progress.
Sincerely,
Ian Maitland
New York University School of the Arts Institute of Film and Television Graduate Program