AFTT (Previously ACTT) graduate Joshua Hamilton has taken his skills overseas, taking Japan by storm with his new TV Series. We caught up with him to hear his story.
Hey Josh! So, tell us what you’ve been up to since graduating?
Well, since graduating, Glen Hamilton (Head of Acting at AFTT) and I started a very successful production company "Poignant productions". We produced video content for companies including: training materials, commercials, induction, role play materials and much more.
I was the first ACTT graduate to graduate the Degree program at UNE. I also regularly taught there as a guest lecturer in voice and movement (Myerhold) which I learnt from Gavin Robins.
Since 2010 I have been based in Japan. It has been a dream of mine to produce work here. For 2 years I focused on learning the language as I was part of a Theatre and comedy group doing local shows. I also appeared on TV regularly and as a voice actor.
As of last year I continued study at VCA specialising in vocal pedagogy. Later this year I will begin my masters at UNE.
I do a lot of projects with "Studio Dango". We are currently in pre production for a Japanese version of "Cosi", and we have 2 feature movies in the pipeline!
Tell us more about your series and where we will be able to find it.
Since last year I started producing online content for Hokkaido Explorer, a site detailing the best of Sapporo.
Our recent show "Shun", which means ‘season’ has been very popular. It details seasonal food and food culture. We have also produced TV commercials for the Sapporo city government, all of which you can see on our facebook or youtube channel.
What were your favourite things about the course you studied here with us?
The diversity of professionals at the school. Learning from teachers with years of hands on experience, and who also teach at other institutions. Having industry guests come in and discuss what’s happening within the industry and even directing us as well.
What advice would you give to current students?
Hold on to your dreams and also be prepared to use your new skill set in different yet equally rewarding industries as well. Whether you become a teacher, producer, there are so many ways to use the skills that you will learn. These skills have benefitted me as an English teacher, trainer, leader as well as an artist.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
For the business I hope to have our advertisements appear on planes and at airports very soon (!) and to provide insightful and helpful articles and materials for tourists. We hope to help it become the top go to site on Hokkaido in Japan!
As an artist, I wish to continue to hone my craft and have more time to teach western methodologies of acting and voice. I would love to own a small theatre, and build a place of teaching as there is nothing of the like in this part of Japan. The centre of the creative world in Japan is Tokyo. But my wish is to make Sapporo and Hokkaido a creative hub for Japan and the world.
Thank you Joshua, and all the best in the future!
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