Benny Farbstein worked all summer to help MJF staff to prepare the Bachelor Hall production spaces. The Media & Communication senior is also director of RedHawk TV, the student television program at Miami. He also works in the MJF equipment checkout.

The Bachelor Hall Grand Opening Celebration and Naming of the Altman Institute for the Humanities will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.

The afternoon begins with a program recognizing the transformation of Bachelor Hall and the vision that made it possible. Guests will then enjoy an open house featuring tours, interactive exhibits, faculty and student demonstrations, and opportunities to explore spaces that will shape the next generation of Miami students.

MJF students did a Q and A with Farbstein this spring. Here is a transcript of that conversation.

MJF: What drew you to the MJF Department at Miami University?

Farbstein: After a lot of deliberation, I chose Miami due to its amazing facilities for media production. I came into college with several years of experience in my field, and I wanted somewhere that had what I needed to continue my education at my level. Miami had a wonderful selection of facilities. Including the amazing Rick Ludwin Television Studio. (Which I spent around 75% of my time on campus in.)

MJF: What is the most impactful experience you have had in MJF at this point in your academic career?

Farbstein: Definitely RedHawkTV. As a freshman, I spent a lot of time trying to find my place here at Miami. I was able to find that with RTV (which, at the time, was MTN). Coming into my junior year, I was raised to the position of director, and my fellow exec members and I took the leap to rebrand from Miami Television News to RedHawkTV. The group truly feels like a family, and I can’t imagine my time at Miami without them. I have been able to make many useful connections and bolster my experience through the organization.

MJF: How has MJF prepared you for your future career?

Farbstein: MJF provides several great experiences for career building. Notably, the events held with alumni. Several times a year, MJF brings in distinguished alumni to talk with students and make connections. Another great resume-building experience is the lecture series. We often have guest lecturers come in (most recently, Kevin Chamberlin, of Broadway and “Jesse” fame), and, as a part of RedHawkTV, we get the opportunity to have a sit-down interview with the guest. Production classes are great for showing you what it feels like to work in media production. Working with colleagues, working on a deadline, meeting production requirements, and so many more important skills needed for this industry. Whether you go into Journalism, TV Production, Film Production, and more.

MJF: What does MJF on the Move mean to you?

Farbstein: As the director of RedHawkTV and an employee of the MJF equipment checkout, MJF moving to Bachelor has likely affected me more than any other student in the department. I have spent the (spring) semester working with faculty to find solutions to the problems that arise when half of the equipment and facilities are being moved to a new building. And I couldn’t be more excited! The Bachelor move means a lot of things to a lot of people, but to me it means new horizons. As one of the people helping to work on the changes being made in Bachelor, I know that it’s going to be an amazing experience for any student involved! It will allow for bigger and better productions department-wide. 

MJF: What advice would you give to incoming students who are interested in MJF?

Farbstein: GET INVOLVED! Join clubs! If I hadn’t joined RedHawkTV as a freshman, I wouldn’t have ever gotten as many opportunities as I have. There is a club for anything you want to do. And if there isn’t, start one. Chances are others are looking for the same thing you are. Talk to your classmates. They’re a built-in network that you’ll be working with in and out of classes throughout your time at Miami. Talk to professors! Their job is to help you out. They are always happy to get you connected with people and lead you on your way to whatever you want to do in the future.

I know it can be scary to start college. Everything can and will feel big and uncomfortable and unfamiliar. But that is why you are here! College is a built-in safety net for you to try and fail and get back up to try again. Learn everything you can and try anything that interests you. It doesn’t matter if you are still learning because (and here’s an industry secret) so is everyone else.