STCC helps jump start a second career in TV and film production

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – William T. Brooks was in his 60s when he enrolled at Springfield Technical Community College to learn skills he could use in his second career in video, TV and film production.

He found out about STCC thanks to a member of a Western Massachusetts screenwriter group who recommended he apply to the Digital Media & TV Production program (now called Digital Media Production Technology) .

“I got as good an education here as I did at a four-year university,” said Brooks, who earned his first college degree in industrial engineering decades earlier from a four-year university. “I received a well-rounded education at STCC in technology. I felt comfortable in any department – camera, audio, IT (information technology). I loved it from Day One. I was like a kid in a candy store.”

Now 74, Brooks earned his two-year associate degree in 2014 and has since worked as a production assistant on movie sets and has held technical jobs in the industry. His work has mostly been “behind the scenes” assisting with commercials, TV spots, speeches and seminars. He lived in Westfield while a student at STCC and now calls Charlottesville, Va., home.

He advises students looking at starting a career to be willing to do any type of work on a production. A production assistant might be asked to get water or lunches. They might drive people back and forth from a set or stop traffic from coming onto a set.

“A production assistant supports all parts,” he said. “You need to have an understanding of audio. You have to know radio protocol. You’ll get a radio with a headset. A good PA is proactive. He can see something happening and take action.”

He has worked directly with camera crews, set and art directors, gaffers, grips and other production personnel.

I received a well-rounded education at STCC in technology. William T. Brooks '14, STCC alumnus

Before he set his sights on his second career in the TV and film industry, Brooks was mostly self-employed. He ran auto body shops and auto dealerships.

“I was always a tech guy,” he said. “I liked engineering, and I was an early adapter. I started to use eBay motors as a selling tool to sell online. I was good at writing ad copy, and I was very successful.”

Brooks received an offer to teach other dealers how to write ad copy for the internet. He noticed that good advertising copy contained a beginning, middle and end, which was similar to screenwriting.

“I thought, ‘That’s interesting. I want to look into screenwriting because it might help my writing skills,’” he said.

He then joined the screenwriters group, where he met someone who recommended he apply to STCC. At STCC, Brooks learned technical aspects of video, TV and film production as well as developing effective communication strategies through writing, performing and presentation of productions.

“STCC’s program is high tech,” Brooks said.

Brooks said he is impressed that STCC offers certificated training in DaVinci Resolve, an industry-standard editing program.

The Digital Media Production Technology program at STCC trains students to develop effective communication strategies through writing, performing and presentation of their productions. Potential careers for graduates include video/audio editor, social media specialist/influencer, education/broadcast media technician, online journalist, camera operator or media talent.

Brooks recently reconnected with STCC and reached out to John Wakelin, department chair, Technical Arts & Design at STCC.

"Bill was always willing to learn something new and immediately apply it professionally,” Wakelin said. “He was very active in extracurricular activities such as industry user groups and eager to share back with his peers the knowledge and contacts he gained from those experiences

Brooks let Wakelin know he wanted to speak to senior students, share his experiences and offer advice about the TV and film industry, which he says can be tough to break into.

“To gain experience, I took a number of freelance production assistant jobs, as well as taking background extra acting jobs. This allowed me to build a deep book of industry experience,” Brooks said.

Brooks said he has had opportunities to act as an extra and has observed famous actors at work. He was an extra next to Jeremy Renner in the film “American Hustle.”

“That gave me a close-up glimpse about the technique of acting,” he said.

His first experience as an extra was in “The Fighter,” a 2010 film starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale.

Today, Brooks picks up TV and film work where he can. He has worked on dozens of sets since graduating from STCC. His resume lists work on commercials, reality TV shows, documentaries, indie films, PSAs and more. He also has worked on productions involving well-known politicians.

The Massachusetts Film Office promotes the Commonwealth as a premier location for commercial, film and television production. While work can be found in Massachusetts, Brooks advises students starting a career to be willing to move around to find opportunities. He stresses the importance of networking and not being afraid to talk to anyone.

“It’s good to join film industry organizations such as the Massachusetts Production Coalition,” he said. “You get information. They have about six different seminars each year. It pays to be seen and heard.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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