Virginia Tech graduate is now an Emmy Award-winning TV producer

After spending many hours editing film in the dark room, a 1992 Virginia Tech graduate has taken the skills he honed in Blacksburg to his work in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.

Ross Breitenbach, a marketing major with a minor in communications, is now an Emmy Award-winning producer who is proving that hard work and big dreams can take you anywhere.

Breitenbach is the executive producer and creator of “Hack My Home,” a Netflix series about home improvement. He’s also the director of “Brat Camp” on ABC.

“Hack My Home” was named outstanding instructional/how-to program at the Daytime Emmy Awards last month.

“To me as a storyteller, as a producer, it was huge because I created this show,” Breitenbach said. “I didn’t just work on it. I created it. It was a proud moment, and it still is.”

As a kid, he knew he wanted to concentrate on film and dreamed of working with moving pictures.

“For me, Virginia Tech really provided a safe place to experiment and to try new things. Experimenting, doing things out of the box, and doing things the way you’re not supposed to do them was really exciting for me,” said Breitenbach.

“Virginia Tech gave me the blank canvas to do that and try it and fail.”

Today, with his demanding schedule, it’s difficult for him to get back to Virginia, but he encourages students to join him in California if they want to learn a few things about the business.

“Any students who want to come out here and learn this business, I’ve really opened myself to them,” he said.

Breitenbach said he’s offered students internships, jobs as production assistants, or sometimes, just a cup of coffee and advice. Despite his willingness to help, he said that young people need to realize that it takes time and dedication to make it in the film industry.

“My advice is to manage expectations,” Breitenbach said. “You’re going to have to start at the bottom like everyone else, and you’ll have to work your way up.”

Breitenbach feels fortunate to get up every day and being able to do what he loves.

“I love what I do,” he said. “I really have found something I’m passionate about. It doesn’t feel like work if you’re really passionate about something, and I fortunately have found something I’m really passionate about.

“I don’t mind the downturns, because I know it’s just a downturn, and there will be a peak over the horizon. It’s been a worthwhile career.”