Pirate's Eye On.....Thom Hinkle '99
Seton Hall > News & Events Wednesday, May 13, 2009
by: Isabel Bauer From filling propane tanks at a mechanic shop to starting out as an economics major, Thom Hinkle is a perfect example of taking a few turns before discovering a career he is passionate about. Now the CEO of comedian Steve Carell's television production company, Hinkle enjoys pitching new show ideas to NBC. While interviewing him his very own funny bone became apparent.
Can you take us on the curvy road that led you to Seton Hall University?
After graduating from Roselle Park High School in New Jersey, I actually started college at Boston University as an economics major. Everyone took themselves a little too seriously in the business school -- they all wore tucked in, monogrammed Polo shirts and overdosed on Hootie and the Blowfish -- so I took all film and writing classes until the school of management “politely” asked me to leave their department. BU was overpopulated to me, so I decided to head back home to New Jersey and enlist at Seton Hall University. I graduated magna cum laude in communications. At least I think it's communications. My diploma is in Latin.
Where did you start out in the entertainment industry?
I was always interested in film and television, but while I was in high school it was extremely hard to break into the biz because there were only a few television networks. So I was advised against it...by my television teacher! As I got older, more networks started popping up creating more television jobs. I worked on a few documentaries right after college, but my first real job was at “The Daily Show.” That is, if you don't count filling propane tanks at Krahnert Brothers' mechanic shop.
What were your responsibilities at “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and how did you find working with Jon Stewart?
Jon Stewart is one of the hardest working people in the business. He comes in early, leaves late and is involved in every element of show -- even catering. He's also a super nice guy. I started off as a production assistant, then worked my way into the field department, working solely with all field pieces.
How did you find working with Steve Carell at “The Daily Show?”
When it was discovered that I was handy with a video camera from my SHU days, the show purchased a new camera and audio kit. I was responsible for shooting all green screen backdrops (when the correspondent pretends to be in or on a different state/country/planet), many correspondent standups and even some entire field pieces. That's where I first met Steve and his wife Nancy who was also on the show. I was already a fan of them, so I knew how funny and genius they were. I guess my first impression was that they were very friendly -- they went out of their way to chat with me (“Thom, I asked you to separate my green shirts from my light green shirts!”or “Thom, test my food to make sure there's no poison in it!”)
What do you do as Vice President of Carousel Television?
Carousel Television is Steve Carell's television production company that started up this January with a first-look deal with NBC. That means every idea we come up with gets pitched to NBC first. Well, I'm basically responsible for overseeing the development process and act as a liaison to the network. I manage our team in our search for the next great show to take to NBC, and try to make Steve happy. I read a ton of scripts, have several meetings with writers, talents, and agents, google my own name a few times, brainstorm show ideas internally, go to comedy shows and try to work in a few pushups.
What can you say about celebrities?
Actors are actually normal sized in real life. Much bigger than their size displayed on your television screen.
What do you find most challenging and what most rewarding in your field?
For me, the most rewarding part of this business is simple: I love having an idea come to me out of nowhere, and then watching that idea on TV nine months later. The most challenging thing about it is making sure you come up with an idea that is funny to you, and hopefully funny to 15 million other people. Comedy is extremely relative.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend most of my free time trying to solve the financial crisis. When I'm not doing that, I enjoy doing absolutely nothing.
How has your experience at Seton Hall prepared you to become successful in today's workforce?
SHU never had the most modern technologies in our television and film department, but what they had was always available. Unlike many other schools, I never had a problem taking out equipment and using it for extended periods of time. My classes were all small, and my professors attentive. I liked that my teachers weren't just teachers -- they were all in the business at some point and were still pursing films and television shows in their free time. I think that's what prepared me the most. Professor Rondinella seemed like he was always making a movie. He'd bring us real-life scenarios. So I felt like I was getting real work experience in those classes and not just learning theory all the time. Rondinella also had students help out on his films though I was never smart enough to be one of those people. Professor Yates was also a positive influence on me. She told me I was a very bad actor and to stick to directing. That was the best advice I've ever been given.
Just in general, what did you take away from your time at Seton Hall?
If you're suggesting I stole something, that's not true. I plan on returning that library book and super eight video splitter.
For more information please contact:
Isabel Bauer
(973) 378-2644
alumni@shu.edu
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