Olympic opportunity

West Milford grad translating for NBC at Winter Games in Italy, By Jed Hauck West Milford, N.J. - Frank Muto has long aspired to a career in the media, and he may be about to break through in a big way. For two weeks, Muto, 25, literally has the ear of NBC Nightly News reporters, producers and other NBC executives as an interpreter at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, mixing his mastery of the English and Italian languages in order to help bring coverage to millions of viewers during the games, which end on Feb. 26. “My title is NBC News runner,” Muto wrote in an e-mail exchange. “Basically, I use my language skills to assist reporters in setting up interviews, as well as going on-site with camera crews. Patience is a virtue here.” It’s an ideal opportunity for Muto, who has previously worked on short films and TV shows, both in Italy and the U.S. A graduate of West Milford High School, he went on to the American University of Rome, where he earned degrees in Science and Communications. “I became interested in a media career because of the possibility to work on an international scene,” he said. “It also allows me to use my degree and knowledge of both languages and cultures.” Muto was born in the states, but holds dual citizenship in Italy. His mother, Pina Muto, who was born in Cutro, in Calabria, owns the Italian Villa restaurant in Warwick. Frank Muto’s schedule is packed with the long days and endless duties of a TV news organization covering an international story on location, but he has somehow found time to inhale the exotic scene. “Torino is a beautiful city, bursting with Baroque architecture,” he added. “It’s filled with warm people, an exciting culture, great food and amazing chocolate. And the Alps, which are visible from the city, add an excellent charm to the scenery.”