91°µÍø

Amy Spigener- Hobbs Broad (BFA '81)

It is impossible for people who work with Amy Broad to avoid being caught up in her enthusiasm. “I’m absolutely over-the-moon-crazy in love with the work I get to do,” the theatre graduate said. As the owner of Rock Eagle Productions, the work she has done as a director, producer, and freelancer has given her not only the opportunity to satisfy her curious nature but has also allowed her to explore the psychology and sociology of whatever subject and topic is at hand. Since leaving 91°µÍø, she has produced and directed documentaries for PBS; produced tribute films for the creator of The Weather Channel Frank Batten, Williamsburg philanthropist Lois Hornsby (mother of musician Bruce Hornsby), and professional wrestler John Morrison, among others; and produced more than a hundred environmental documentary, training, marketing and awareness films for national and international corporations. She has also worked with Bill Gates, Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Sam Elliot, Burgess Meredith and Mikhail Gorbechov. Her awards include Best Historical Documentary at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, Short Market Award at Cannes, and Best Documentary from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters. She has also won CiNE, Telly and Matrix awards. “The variety of work I do is amazing,” she said. “One day I’m producing a serious documentary on an incredibly important issue such as childhood obesity and the next month I’m producing a recruitment film to interest kids in engineering and technology. “Many times a tribute film is sandwiched in, with a comedic approach, then on to a very serious advocacy film like the one I’m working on entitled ‘Cruel Coal," she said. Broad is the mother of two teenage girls and lives in Newport News, Va. “I was never a very good actor; my lack of math skills precluded me from anything in that field and domestically I’m a little challenged,” she said. “Storytelling is probably my gift and to be able to take almost any topic and turn it into a compelling media piece is the work I love best.”