MUM graduate Brenton Schwartz says, "One of the best things about MUM is the teachers,” said Brenton. “They are very passionate about what they do. Teaching is not the only thing they do. They have their own projects, and it’s motivating to see that they are doing what they like to do — it shows in their teaching.”

MUM film student is on both sides of the camera
by Maharishi University of Management
28 July 2016

Brenton Schwartz just received his bachelor’s degree in media and communications and the outstanding student award from the department. Not only did Brenton do well in his film classes, but he volunteered for several projects directed by the David Lynch MA film students.

Brenton was born near Washington, D.C., and learned the Transcendental Meditation technique as a child. When he was 12, his family moved to Fairfield so he and his brother could attend Maharishi School. Brenton has always loved acting, and took acting and dancing lessons as a child. He performed in school plays as well as numerous professional musical productions at the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield.

After graduating from Maharishi School, Brenton was accepted into a BFA program in theater at the University of Colorado, Boulder. However, he didn’t enjoy the classes and eventually returned to Fairfield. Soon after returning, he volunteered as crew for a student film project and discovered he loved filmmaking. He signed up for a class in screenwriting, which inspired him to apply for the media and communications program.

“One of the best things about Maharishi University of Management (MUM) is the teachers,” said Brenton. “They are very passionate about what they do. Teaching is not the only thing they do. They have their own projects, and it’s motivating to see that they are doing what they like to do—it shows in their teaching.”

During his two years at MUM, Brenton was on the cast and crew of several master’s student films. In 2015, he had a part in Kennedy Hill and also worked on the crew. In addition, he edited the rough cut for the short film and created several promotional videos from behind-the-scenes footage. One of his shorts won an Award of Achievement from the Iowa Motion Picture Association.

This summer Brenton is joining Kennedy Hill writer/director Jennifer Kachler in New York City to continue postproduction. Brenton is still passionate about acting and hopes to pursue it in the future.

© Copyright 2016 Maharishi University of Management