An executive producer with Discovery Studios and a Cronkite alumnus on Wednesday discussed his path from student to production-studio owner and gave advice to students entering the market.
Rob Hammersley, who graduated from the Walter Cronkite School in 1990 with a broadcast degree emphasizing production, wrote for shows like “The Simpsons” and “Saved By the Bell” until reality television exploded and provided nearly endless employment opportunities.
“As your career begins, don’t turn up your nose at any one job,” Hammersley said. “I remember when I was doing writing, I got offered this job on ‘Saved By the Bell,’ which was great because it was my first writing job, but I thought, ‘Should I wait and try to go for a prime-time show?’ I might not have had an opportunity if I had done that.”
Hammersley has seen many changes since he entered the field almost 21 years ago. When he started, only seasoned producers could pitch ideas for new shows.
“Now, ideas come from anywhere,” Hammersley said. “I don’t care where it comes from, if it’s a good idea, or it’s good talent – that’s great. Right now, I almost feel it’s the gold rush in a way, because everybody has an opportunity.”
People with talent, a good work ethic and friendliness get these opportunities, he said.
Broadcast senior Samantha Lloyd will graduate in a month and came to make another professional connection, something that Hammersley emphasized.
“I’m trying to network as much as I can,” Lloyd said. “Some of my favorite shows are on the Discovery Channel and Travel Channel and Syfy network. Meeting someone that works with this was very much an incentive for me to come down here.”
Unlike many professionals in the industry, Hammersley doesn’t view the current job market negatively. He repeatedly discussed the large quantity of opportunities for someone who wants to get into production.
“I’m now an executive producer. I’m now in the position to hire people,” Hammersley said. “It’s to the point where sometimes it’s hard to find people. For you guys, that’s a very very good thing.”
This was calming news for journalism junior Alex Gregory.
“I’ve been stressing out a lot about ‘Oh, what if I’m not doing the right thing. What do I want to do with my life?’” Gregory said. “I learned that there’s plenty of opportunities as long as you keep a positive attitude — a lot of stuff can happen.”
Hammersley advised students to be persistent, as well.
“You’re going to get a lot of ‘no’s,’ but the people who are the most persistent in this business are the ones who are going to get the jobs.”
Contact the reporter at pmelbour@asu.edu
