University students who have ever doubted being able to find a decent job after graduation can look to Brad Grey, chairman of the Brillstein-Grey Entertainment production company, for inspiration.
Grey, a producer whose Hollywood credits consist of popular television shows such as "The Sopranos," "My Big Fat Greek Life," "The Larry Sanders Show" and "Just Shoot Me," received an honorary degree in Humane Letters from UB on Thursday, March 27.
According to Roy Roussel, chairman of the media studies department, Grey's "critical level of success justifies and demands an award."
Roussel said Grey has an ability to generate good ideas for hit stories, and he also possesses a quality that is hard to find in the average person - he is able to market his product to the public.
"Artists have a vision, and they put their vision out there," Roussel said. "A lot of people are good artists, but they cannot market it. (Grey) went from UB into pop culture as a producer manager, not just a talent manager."
Grey, who graduated from UB in 1979, majored in business and communication. Since that time, he has become a recognized figure in Hollywood and his work has been nominated for several Emmy Awards.
According to the Internet Movie Database Web site, Grey's work on The Sopranos won the Producers Guild of America Golden Laurel Award for "Television Producer of the Year" in 2000.
Eric Lester, a junior communication major, said he respects Grey's accomplishments.
"I heard he was able to land a job straight out of college," Lester said. "He's also famous, which only a handful of people can achieve."
Xinl Ge, a graduate student studying media studies, is a fan of Grey's television show "The Sopranos." Ge said the acclaim for Grey's programs is proof of his success in the entertainment industry.
"As long as ('The Sopranos') plays on HBO, it means it is successful," Ge said. "'The Sopranos' is a very realistic show, and the plot is very intense and attractive."
In addition to his television credits, Grey has been the executive producer of many well-received movies, including "The Wedding Singer," "Scary Movie," "Dirty Work," and, most recently, "View from the Top."
"His shows appeal to college students and so do a good part of his movies," said Robert Harris, a junior media studies major. "But they're good plots, and they work."
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
