LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Micah Sloat has a very unique, almost retro kind of Musicians Institute success story.

Following his appearance in the recent box office smash “Paranormal Activity,” the musician and actor has emerged as one of the hottest new movie stars in Hollywood. The role came about through unorthodox channels. While attending MI’s Guitar Program in 2006, the Connecticut native answered a casting call for unknown actors who could improvise and work all night.

Since its release, the Oren Peli-directed film, which was shot on a budget reported at $15,000, has pulled in more than $84 million in domestic box office, catapulting Sloat and co-star Katie Featherston to A-list status. It now ranks as the most profitable independent film ever. “It’s been intense,” Sloat said.

“Paranormal Activity” premiered at the Screamfest Film Festival in the U.S. on October 14, 2007, and was shown at the Slamdance Film Festival on January 18, 2008. The movie received a limited release in several U.S. cities on October 9, 2009, and had a nationwide release on October 16, 2009.

The movie centers on a young couple, Katie and Micah, who are haunted by a supernatural presence in their home. The movie is presented in a documentary style, using footage from the camera set up by the couple to capture what is haunting them, in a similar manner to “The Blair Witch Project” and “The Last Broadcast.”

Since 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) has trained thousands of graduates for careers in every genre of contemporary music. From the beginning, MI revolutionized music education with hands-on, intensive, performance-based programs taught by working professionals. Today, MI’s unique, innovative approach includes degree and certificate programs for career-minded guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, audio engineers, independent artists, guitar makers, music business professionals and filmmakers.

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