Student Profiles
November 8, 2010
Senior Aspires to Career in Film/Television Production
John Brady Hamilton in the UVC-TV 19 studio.
As a high-school senior, John Brady Hamilton ’11 (communication) took on his first full-fledged television production project. “Andover High School: Senior Survivor” recreated the CBS reality show, complete with immunity challenges and tribal councils. The night before graduation, a live premiere screening revealed the Senior Survivor from the original cast of twelve, and that summer the local public access station aired all the episodes. “Being the director/producer clarified my career path,” Hamilton says. “The task encompassed almost every aspect of the entertainment industry that I love: producing, casting, directing, editing, promotion and distribution, being interviewed, seeking sponsors, dealing with so many different personalities, and ultimately creating a piece of artistic achievement.”
That experience led Hamilton to UMass Amherst. “UMass offers a wide spectrum of communication study,” he says. “Students can focus on film and television production while learning the communication’s theory-based aspects. Having access to both sides of the practice is extremely valuable. Plus, being so large, the university has a wide array of students from varying backgrounds. I knew I’d find people who share my interests while bringing their own unique skills to the table—and I was eager to engage in a long-term student-produced film or television production.”
Hamilton was right. Immediately, UVC-TV 19, the student-run television station hired him as a videographer. “I’ve made great friends and valuable post-graduation contacts through the station. UMass and the Five College community provide an unending blanket of opportunities, in athletics, theatre, botany, new media, food services, cultural groups—the list is endless. I’ve engaged in a wide range of activities, from writing articles for the Collegian to attending Improv comedy and cultural dance shows to dining at student-run Sweets & More and Greeno Sub Shop.”
Throughout his undergraduate career, Hamilton has pursued every available opportunity to further his experiences in the entertainment industry. He worked his way up the ranks at UVC, becoming station manager by junior year. As a sophomore Hamilton coordinated and produced the station’s reality show series “The Orchard Hills” that premiered at a red-carpet event in May 2009. For his work on the series, Hamilton earned Producer of the Year, Director of the Year, Outstanding Achievement, and Best Independent Show at the 2009 UVC-TV 19 Awards.
“What started out as a joke eventually became one of the most time-consuming and hard-working productions to come out of UVC in recent years,” Hamilton says. “We filmed our cast for two semesters and are currently working on post-production of Season Two. I’m really proud that the influence and impact of this project has inspired other students to create and produce their own out-of-studio shows. There’s a sketch comedy show, “Skitz and Giggles,” and two sophomores are in the process of casting a college cooking program.”
Spring of junior year found Hamilton in London, participating in the CAPA [Centers for Academic Programs Abroad] program that allows students not only to live and study abroad but also to participate in an internship. “I worked for Hey Buddy TV, an independent production company,” Hamilton says. “Besides being a production assistant and extra on a music video, I liaised by telephone with communication departments in various European countries and even got to work with Mel B (Scary Spice) on a Sony Bravia commercial. I gained so much experience and, of course London is unique, inspirational, international, and ‘in.’ In my opinion—and locals will concur—you can live in London for a lifetime and never experience even half of what it has to offer.”
Last summer Hamilton traveled with his best friend, Jeremy Del Nero ’12, throughout Europe and used the free service of CouchSurfing, a free online community through which people offer their couches to travelers for a free night’s stay (or several). “We met some fascinating people and were able to experience the places we visited through local eyes. I began to wonder how this concept functions in the States.”
Hamilton’s enthusiasm and prior experience in film and TV production turned that travel experience into this year’s Commonwealth Honors College Capstone project: a documentary film that investigates and promotes American CouchSurfing. “It includes aspects of my experiences abroad, themes related to my communication major, plus I have an opportunity to travel and study within my own country. I think it will be interesting—and valuable—to future CAPA program participants as well.”
Hamilton reflects on his UMass experience with a senior’s perspective. “The university doesn’t always receive the acclaim and prestige it deserves,” he says. “The academic material is rigorous, and a strong work ethic is expected. I’ve taken many stand-out courses, including (but not limited to) Modes of Film Communication with Prof. Shawn Shimpach, History of Film I & II with Prof. Marty Norden, and International Film Stardom with Prof. Anne Ciecko. I’ve been able to discuss topics one-on-one with professors and through these conversations have formed strong relationships. After graduation, I’ll remain in contact for advice and support.”
Throughout his academic career, Hamilton has excelled. His creativity, intelligence and dedication to his work have earned him the Andy Moes Scholarship in 2009 and the 2010 Scott J. Bacherman Scholarship from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
“The level of distinction associated with these awards is enormous,” Hamilton says. “They’re both named for alumni who excelled in fields similar to my aspirations, so that serves as both endorsement and inspiration for me. Someday I hope to be a role model and benefactor for UMass students too.”
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