his lectures are entertaining and he likes to do class discussions. generous with extra credit and he like getting us involved and makes it fun for the students. sometimes he lectures on hard topics though. he also shows a variety of images and clips

Professor Dillon helped a ton with my writing. Activities in class were always hilarious and he does a good job of making you focus on important things. He's a tough grader but helps us get involved and rewrite our own essays to fix the problems.

We saw a lot of cool anime (some were famous and others weren't) and he chose some really unique ones. Lectures were overload sometimes and hurts my brain but he explains things carefully and asks our opinions. He keeps up good energy in the class and plants funny items in his powerpoints

Mike is my favorite professor. He is hysterically funny and I always wanted to come to class because of him. He is sarcastic, vulgar, and has a dark sense of humor, but I'm like that too. He is a tough grader though. I consider myself a solid writer but never got anything higher than a B+ on a paper. This is not an easy A.

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge anime fan. I signed up with this class with little to no expectations and walked away with a better appreciation of anime. I didn't participate, but I still enjoyed listening to the class discussions. My advice: do the readings, take good notes, do extra credit, review for exams and put a good effort on your essays!

Professor Dillon gave me lots of feedback and helped my grade. Class was always fun and he gets people to talk to each other too, which was very helpful in the class

Easy class. I had a B+ and went up to an A just from the extra credit

Professor Dillon is hilarious. He's brilliant, super cool and to be honest pretty intimidating. But he's just as big of a nerd as the rest of us.

He's a huge nerd like the rest of us, and he knows it. He's fun and makes the lectures very interesting, even with topics I never cared about. He also lets you eat in class (if you're not a slob). Only 2 essays, a handful of (easy) pop-quizzes based on nightly reading, and 2 tests. Very fun class.

Pretty straightforward. Read assignments for pop-quizzes (very easy). Write 2 papers (2-page length, based on course concepts & selected films). There are only 2 exams (ID questions, MC, and one essay question). Professor is amazing! Teaches anime from a global perspective; very intriguing approach. TONS of extra credit! Highly Recommend!

Very funny and engaging. Teaches in the film department now. His lectures are interactive and to the point, no useless rambling. He knows what he's talking about and makes a three hour class 100% bearable. Reading is definitely required, but if you read, his quizzes are easy. Would definitely recommend taking his film classes.

Prof. Dillon connected many different cultural topics and always knew his stuff. And he's really big on class discussion so people get invovled. The tests are fair if you did the work, and there is 1 group project at the end

His lectures are really interesting and he puts a lot of effort to engage us. His analysis of movies is sometimes mindblowing. Another perk is that he has lots of industry connections and brings in guests (like actors and directors). I highly recommend him

His midterm was too hard but he took our feedback and adjusted things, plus he gives a lot of extra credit, I got bonus points for my Star Wars costume :) The class is supposed to be an overview of media but he basically turned it into a pop culture class. 2 exams and reading quizzes. Lots of unusual movies (in a good way!).

Professor Dillon is one of my favorite teachers in CSUF. I highly recommend EVERYONE to take any classes he teaches. The questions on his quizzes and tests are straightforward and as long as you take notes in class and you read the book i guarantee you an A. I really enjoyed this class and I wish I could take him again. Prepare to have fun!

He's an awesome professor and really gave us a one of a kind experience. Class consists of reading quizzes and 2 exams. There are screenings every week including clips built into the power point lectures, and lots of discussion. He doesnt care about attendance but you miss out on lots of cool stuff if you skip class, like special guests

BEST. CLASS. EVER. No useless lectures. Just direct conversations with people from the film industry. All RTVF classes should be this direct and useful for our careers. Professor is awesome.

This class is the most fun I've had in 4 years at CSUF. We had a different person from the film industry every week and they all gave great information/insights (But the films were hit and miss). You MUST take this course if you want to go into the movies. 2 exams only.

I looked forward to this class every week and I'm lucky he offered it before I graduated. No lectures, but I learned a lot from listening to the guests. Only negative is he won't tell you the films in advance. 2 exams, both easy if you invest in good notes!

As far as the class goes, there are no lectures, you watch a movie and then afterwards there is a Q&A with the film makers. If your a film major, this is THE CLASS TO TAKE, you gain valuable insight and information on the politics of the business. Dillon is awesome, funny dude, takes no BS from students. Check out Dark Side of the Screen for Ex Crd

The class I most looked forward to every week. Dillon dislikes mainstream Hollywood so he gives us a lot of weird and offbeat movie choices. He has tons of respect for "bad" movies (so do I). The class is lots of fun and you meet interesting people to help you prepare for the film industry. Highly recommend.

Such an interesting class in which you see someone who worked on the film that is screened that night. You watch a film for the first half of the class then there is a panel where Dillon asks the speaker questions then eventually the class can ask questions. Midterm and final are based off of these panels. There is extra credit opportunities too.

Great professor! In this class, you watch a movie and then have a guest speaker who worked on the film come in and talk. The people were from all over the industry and it offered some great insight into the movie business. Mike is really nice and has a great sense of humor. He always wants to give his students as many film connections as possible.

Prof. Dillon's CTVA 101 class was very interesting and informative. There's only a midterm and final, both of which are very straightforward and contain material discussed by the guest speakers and from the assigned reading sections. Make sure to take notes during class and you'll be fine.

Agree with the other comments. This is the class you MUST take before you graduate. First-hand stories about the film industry from people who worked on big Hollywood movies. Dillon is the most insanely well-connected professor and he hooks students up with special screenings. My favorite class.

349T was a great spin for a writing class. It all comes down to 2 papers, one arguing why a bad movie is actually good, and one arguing why a good movie is actually bad. Very funny professor with the weirdest taste in movies. He wants you to do well and will help you a lot on your paper if you ask him.

Watch a movie, then have Q&A with someone who worked on the movie (assistant director, sound editor, costume designer, there's variety)-- gives you a real look on the film industry, Dillon is super chill, just follow directions and have a fun time, there's also exclusives for the class like giveaways and advance screenings that I really enjoyed

Awesome class experience! Lots of guest speakers and free studio swag nearly every week! Prof Dillon's Hollywood connections are completely insane. And his Q&A style is funny and casual, although its sometimes hard to know what will make it on the exam. 2 multiple choice exams, plus some readings.

Amazing questions and answers and guests. Great chance to get to see all the jobs required to make a movie. Also cool to find out about new movies, a majority of the films shown aren't seen by a majority of the students. Take decent notes, attend class (its so fun anyway) and you'll pass :)

Class structure is simple. watch a movie about 2 hours long, then interviews someone who worked on the movie. Majority of the classes will go over the 3 hours long to finish the interview. Kind of a weird guy at time. Openly said we can eat during the movie but if he hears food he gets really mad. Like really guy? Don't say we can eat then. Easy A

I loved this class! We watched a movie the first 2 hours and then he would bring in guest speakers who worked on them. Students also get access to early screenings/giveaways. Just a multiple choice midterm/final but theyre not hard- he gives a study guide. Just take good notes on the interviews and Id suggest comparing notes with someone.

Unbelievably awesome class experience with guest speakers from Hollywood every week! Very strict about cell phones and food. 2 multiple-choice exams, pretty easy if you invest in good notes. Highly recommend this class.

NO TESTS! Only two papers and some other short writing assignments, some weeks you'll watch the most horrible movies ever made AND then discuss why they're actually good pieces of cinema! By far, favorite CTVA professor, he can be a smart-ass and super opinionated but also cares about his students, highly recommend!

Best professor ever. I can't wait to go to class every day, just to hear his jokes and his lectures.

He is an amazing professor, very funny, smart, and cares about his class. Puts a lot of effort into arranging his classes. This class is not hard as long as you attend class and take good notes. I love professor Dillon hes truly incredible.

I can confidently say this is the best class I took in CTVA, even if you're not a major. You learn so much about behind-the-scenes of movies and Dillon always keeps the interviews casual, and he also does giveaways to keep things fun for us. Exams are easy if you take good notes. Amazing concept for a CTVA class, even though it goes until late

I absolutely loved this class, probably the best class I've taken with the best professor by far. Bad jokes, but funny nonetheless. Super understanding, but won't take any bs. GREAT TASTE IN MOVIES except for one... (ask him about his fav movie of 2019). Just do the work and participate and you're set.

It's an easy A as long as you show up and pay attention, the content is interesting so this in itself is not difficult. You watch movies and read, it's probably the easiest class I've ever had. If you enjoy film and are literate, you'll be fine. The exams are open-note, the entire course is fairly straight-forward. Plus, Dillon is a real gem.

This is a very enjoyable class where you get to talk with real filmmakers, not teachers who flamed out. Every week you watch movies for homework and them hear a conversation with the writer or director or someone on the crew. Very simple format.

This class has multiple exams and assignments, and you're expected to complete them if you want a good grade. Your grade will take a NOSEDIVE if your papers are late (or plagiarized). Im really glad I took the class and would take again.

Pretty good experience for an online class and Easy A if you keep up with the schedule. He gives really good feedback on essays and is responsive to emails. The only downside is if you get stuck with a peer review partner who doesn't take it seriously. There are 4 essays and some grammar quizzes, plus extra credit chances to rewrite an essay.

Interesting learning experience that made me realize a lot... For us cinema kids, really awesome to engage multiple young people relaying ones film education. So-so on readings (its best to focus on them at the beginning)

Loved how unique and original this class was. 2 big papers and a few small ones, and lots of discussion about cult cinema and trashy movies. Professor Dillon cares about your success and meets with you to workshop your papers, which is very helpful. Take his 349T because the movies are the most fun. PS. PSYCHO GOREMAN is the BEST.

My all time favorite professor. I had some serious personal things going on during the semester and he was so understanding and willing to work with me (letting me skip difficult movies, etc). Enjoyed the class, but sometimes the guests weren't that interesting. Two major exams and some homework. He's always helpful & very encouraging.

Do not miss out on this class! We saw some great movies, followed by some wonderful guest speakers that taught me a lot about the industry. Professor Dillon is so funny, and it's obvious that he's passionate about filmmaking. However, you will need to attend class and be a good notetaker in order to pass (the 2 exams are all about the interviews).

Dillon!!! Awesome professor who really cares about helping your writing and making sure you get a lot out of the class (he even treated us to pizza on the last day) Very chill guy with amazing film analysis skills. The class is about "bad" movies and how to think about them differently. 2 big essays, and attendance matters.

Attendance is definitely big for this class. But you are gonna want to come to class that's for sure. Each semester is different as he has you watch different movies and has unique guests. The Q&A's are mostly interesting. I learned a lot about the movie industry from this class. Only a couple big rules, Don't schmooze the guest, don't eat in class

My favorite CTVA class and my favorite professor. Guest speakers from Hollywood every week, with tests based on the Q&As. He doesn't seem to like mainstream movies but he shows a variety of things so that every week we learn about a new topic. Take good notes and it's an easy A. Professor Dillon is extremely knowledgeable and hilarious.

Amazing guest speakers. Make sure you come to class and take good notes! Two exams based on guest speakers. Each week there is a new guest speaker and there is some reading, but you are only tested on it during exams. Super easy, fun, and informative class.

Dillion is a great teacher with a clear passion for movies, especially bad ones. The class is really interesting if you're into cult movies and want to go outside the mainstream (he hates Marvel!) But beware, he's BRUTAL when he gives tough feedback but also REALLY helpful. He's also a goofball and doesn't act like a serious professor type.

CTVA102 is all about participation. He is extremely lenient, funny, and caring. This class was watching a movie every Monday and meeting people who worked on it, which was so refreshing and interesting.

My favorite class I've ever take, his lectures make you feel like your talking with your friends. Though it sometimes comes off as rude, he's really just trying to be casual and genuine. He is VERY strict with following the rules and expectations in his class. If you're respectful and follow his rules he'll acknowledge to work you put it.

Professor Dillon is a funny professor. His class is easy and chill. It's a three hour class every Monday that begins with a movie and ends with a Q&A with guest speaker(s). Since there's no homework other than reading a chapter every other week, your grade is based on the midterm and final. Make sure to take good notes and attend class every week.

The best class in Cinematic Arts! Class is more like a guest speaker series than an actual class with special Hollywood guests every time. Easy exam if you take good notes and take him up on extra credit. Tip: come early to nab free merch every week, and sit near the end to be able to leave quickly. Prof is chill but strict about phones.

This is one of the most exciting classes at the university and I looked forward to this class every week. Prof. Dillion is very dedicated to giving us an amazing class experience. Loved all of the guest speakers. 2 multiple choice exams based on the Q&As and some articles. Very strict about not using phones in class.

Professor does not really engage with the students but I can't deny we learn a lot of useful things about how movies get made, with really cool guest speakers and lots of giveaways. Easy class if you take good notes and pay attention

I have never once in my academic career enjoyed any type of writing until Mike Dillons 349T. He utilizes his vast film knowledge and unique approach to critiquing films to create very enjoyable writing assignments. Class discussions felt like talking about and nerding out about movies with friends instead of a lecture. Easily my favorite prof.

Great guest speakers every week, peaking with the director of 10 Things I Hate about You, my favorite film. 2 open book multiple choice exams, easy if you take good notes. Very strict about using phones in class. 

Seems like this class is hit or miss depending on the semester (our class didn't get to go to AMC for a sneak preview for example) but the prof brings in talented and interesting guest speakers with lots of bts content. No homework, just 2 open book exams that are easy if you pay attention in class.

"Dark side of the screen" was my favorite class of all time. Graded only on participation in the discussion and we had a great time discussing horror and disturbing movies. We digged deep every week and for the first time at CTVA I felt like I really understood all the ways you can do film analysis. I will definitely take it again next semester.

2 open-booked exams. No discussions, assignments or quizzes. You watch a movie & then listen to a guest speaker who worked on it. TAKE NOTES ON EVERYTHING the guest speaker says. Do read the assigned readings. As long as you have detailed notes, the exams are easy !

Hands down one of the must-take class at CSUF and easy grade if you take notes and collect extra credit, which he gives out a lot. Doesn't tell you what the films are in advance so you have to come and find out but the guest speakers are all knowledgeable people from Hollywood. Loved the speakers in his class, especially Adam Eliott.

Professor shows some really great and diverse films and knows half the people in the biz. The class is really interesting if you're into learning about how movies get made. 2 exams + lots of extra credit. Great class!

This class should just be called "Dillon and his friends" because that's really all there is to it (with a Q/A every week). 2 open book exams with a study guide. Lots of extra credit. No lectures or quizzes, just take notes on the guests. The class lives up to the hype but you might get a semester with bad movies. Come early for free merch.

Best class at CSUF!!! Inside the Movies The movies are mostly recent Hollywood movies. Bring a computer to type your notes. Its an easy A if you pay attention and take good notes. 

My favorite CTVA class (he even calls it a "speaker series" not a class). No lectures or homework, Just come and take notes on the Q&As with filmmakers for exams. Try to share notes for the online exam with a film major since they take better notes. Take advantage of extra credit to boost your exam score.

I took this and the 349 cult cinema course, which was interesting. Both of these classes expect you to cover a lot of content including movies assigned for homework. Exams are multiple choice, not too hard but you have to take good notes and pay attention. T.

Prof. Dillon is a bit too harsh and blunt for everyone's taste but he gives strong feedback and likes to talk about movies with the class and REALLY knows his stuff. You have to pick a bad movie and defend it for the first essay and then do the opposite for the second one. If you love laughing at bad movies this class is perfect for you.

Really fun class where you learn lots of useful information about how movies get made. Each week there is a guest speaker to talk about a movie they worked on. Nice giveaways at the start of class every week. Professor gets nice perks for students and obviously loves his TAs.

The best class I took in CTVA. I learned so much about movies and everyone that came into talk was interesting to listen to. 2 exams based on what the guests talked about, plus a small number of homework movies to watch at home (both exams were converted to sneak previews at AMC for us).

Honestly I learned more in the class than any other film class I took at CTVA, and the professor set us up with amazing sneak previews and giveaways to make it a special experience. You have to take good notes for the exams but he made them take home exams to make room for sneak previews.

Kind of a hard class if you don't invest in good notes, but very cool concept for a film studies class (no lectures, just hearing it straight from filmmakers with Q&As every week). Dillon is very good at extracting information from the guests speakers and he will help you if you are struggling. Grade is based on 2 exams.

Amazing class with Hollywood people every week to talk about how movies get made (plus free merch and sneak previews). Tests can be hard if you don't pay close attention during the Q&A but he gives you 24 hours to finish them, plus extra credit options. My last CTVA class before graduating! Thank you!

Very cool concept for a class where you meet and talk with filmmakers every week (no lectures or homework). Prof has to make exams out what the guests say so you have to take notes on everything because you never know whats important to study (if they are dull, the questions get harder). Class has nice bonuses like sneak previews and free merch.

CTVA 102 is my favorite class I took. There is a filmmaker guest every week that you have to take notes on and then 2 exams. Lots of extra credit and free merch almost every week, but you have to come early because it's first come first served. The professor does good interviews and picks a range of different movies to cover the bases.

Lots of bad movies which is the class theme. Did NOT enjoy making a video essay, but he gave good feedback on it. Professor should let you pick your peer review partner so you dont get stuck with someone who didn't finish the assignment (this happened to me and he gave me a new partner). TIPTOES is the most hilariously bad move of all time

Amazing concept for a class but TOO MANY Violent movies! Tests are not difficult if you take good notes every week. Come early for free giveaways.

Great topic for a class ,although you kind of end up stuck not knowing what is being covered week to week. Professor does a good job getting the guests to explain concepts so if you like movies, this class is worth taking to learn about all of the different types of movies and professions. Online exams are easy if you pay attention in the Q and A.

Thanks for the great class! Prof Dillon and his team put together a great semester with really inspirational guest speakers. The perfect class for learning the in's and out's of how movies get made. There is also a set of sneak previews and screenings you can attend if you sign up for RSVPs (his assistant Rheya is very helpful).