Mr. Katz Stories

Page 1

As its been echoed throughout this site, Mr. Katz wasn't just a teacher. He was a mentor, a friend and the reason why many of us are screenwriters, or journalists or other things in the field Mr Katz excelled in, communications. I can still picture him today stroking his goatee just sitting and listening intently about where I see myself in the future. "Jason, what are you doing this weekend? Why don't I take you out for lunch at Paesano's on Saturday. We'll talk some more then." I find myself wondering at times, what would Mr. Katz think? Then I remember all I have to do is ask. I may not get an answer, but I know he'll always lead me in the right direction. -Jason Matisoff (CMS 2000-2002)

Mr. Katz was and still is a great inspiration to me. His class was never about film or tv or writing or media or any combination of those things as it probably should have been. Rather, it was about you and what you wanted from
the class. It was about him and his ideas, his small town window to the big city, his comfortably odd mannerisms, his childish passion for stories, hisrare and genuine desire to teach and promote the dreams of the kids who chose to dive (head first) into his own state of oblivion. Not like a sam beckett character, nor the sort that molds on ignorance-- a fantastic new oblivion. A life of the mind. I made screen-writing my class that year. I never stopped.
I don't want to let him down. -Bradley Parrett  (1 of 3 cabalerros) '99-'00

I was a student in Mr. Katz's class in 99-00 and considered him to be a great motivator, teacher, and friend. I attempted to contact him in the fall (with no knowledge of his illness) but to no avail. Last night I found out he had passed away from another former student and it was a punch in the
gut. He was humble, goofy, and very very much a New Yorker. He nicknamed me "Pink" and would constantly remind a handful of us about how he was expecting his $100 lunch from us at some fancy pants Hollywood restaurant once we made it big (which I'm sure is a tradition he continued with most of his students). I would meet up with him once every now and then since
graduating high school and he'd always say, "Pink, you know what, you're crazy" and remind me that I needed to get my ass in gear so he could one day cash in his $100 lunch voucher. It was a good motivation to be productive that I'll forever miss and regret for not having been able to fulfill before his untimely passing. Mr. Katz, I still owe you that lunch so save your appetite and name the time and place. I'll make the reservation. - Alan Aryanpur

I think if u ask any one who was lucky enough to take his class, or people who even heard about it, would say it was the best class ever. He was the kinda guy who just wanted to get to know you and what was going on with you in ur life. My biggest regret is that i would leave early, I wish I had of stayed just so i can take in some words of wisdom that he had to say. He was the best teacher i ever had and i miss him dearly as well as any one who was lucky enough to come in contact with him.. Love ya Mr. Katz -Quinn Sorey

I'd love to say a few words about Mr. Katz, but they just don't make words to describe people like him. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Katz in the spring of 2005, and to this day, I consider my experiences with him to be some of the richest of my entire life. His impact has been immeasurable, and his legacy is unparalleled. As I venture out into the film world, I promise that I won't let him down. He did the same for me. -Jeff Stoms

Knowing Steve was more than having a friend, he was a brother to me. I grew up with 2 sisters and not a brother, so Steve became that brother to me. We would talk and laugh many times about things that were dear to us. When ever I would need Steve's wisdom I knew it came from his heart and not just a quick answer that meant nothing. He cared about me and my family like it was his own. My husband and I went on a couple of cruises with Steve and Barbara which were wonderful times well spent. We all had good times during those cruises. I am so glad that we took our last cruise in early June 2005 with Steve. When the cruise came to an end we! all discuss the next one. Steve loved his cruises, going to restaurants with friends, movies and short trips. He was very dear to me and I will miss him more than I can bear to say.  - Carol Yager

I had Mr.Katz in the 04-05 school year, he was an amazing man and one of the only teachers I will remember forever. Last year I didnt have any sort of income (job, allowance, ect.) and Mr. Katz knew this so everyonce and a while he would give me a dollar and tell me to go buy myself some ice cream. -Travis

I was one of Mr. Katz's students from 02-04. During the 04 blood drive I had gotten sick during class. He told me to lay my head down and sleep for the remander of the class. Every now and then he would pat my back to make sure I was ok. Thank you Mr. Katz for your inspiration. You will be forever loved by many. -Desiree Duan

Mr. Katz was the best teacher a student could ask for, he was supportive, understanding and motivating. he truly cared about his studenta. We are going to miss him...."his Pink Ladies"- Zelmy Carrillo

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