July 14, 2009
Like most kids growing up, Jim Tomlinson '82SVC, '91MBA was
fascinated by television. But unlike most kids, Jim was more
interested by what was going on behind the scenes rather than what
was showing on the TV screen in his parents’ living room. “I
knew as a kid that I wanted to do something in television,” he
remarked. “My grandfather [who worked in television] would
bring me to the studio as a young kid and I was mesmerized by what
was going on there…the lights, the celebrities…it was great!”
Currently
Vice President of Production for A&E Television Networks, Jim
and his team are responsible for the exceptional biographical
videos of the Spirit of Service Award honorees that, since 2002,
have served as the focal point of the University’s Annual
President’s Dinner. He comes from a family of television
professionals, a reality that made his choice of a career almost a
foregone conclusion. “My family was in the business and my
uncle got me a summer job at Columbia Pictures after I graduated
from high school. When I began my first semester at St.
John’s, Columbia asked me to stay on. I was able to work it
out with my class schedule so that I could do both.”
Jim continued to work at Columbia while pursuing his
undergraduate degree, and after graduation remained to run their
studios on 44th Street in New York City. After a few years he
moved on to Nexus Video, and then started his own company with a
few friends from Columbia. “We started our own production
company and did that for about five years. After that I ran
my own business until ABC came to see me in 1994 and invited me to
become Director of Production for Good Morning America.”
During his time at ABC, Jim served as Executive Director
of Production for a number of high profile shows, including The
Barbara Walters Specials, 20/20 and many more news magazine
shows. In the summer of 2000 Jim moved to A&E Television
Networks as Vice President of Production, a position that entails
oversight for the network’s production and post-production
facilities.
Jim is grateful for his experiences at St. John’s. “St.
John’s was, and is, a great school. It reinforced what I
wanted to do and helped me a lot, especially since I was working
and going to school at the same time. It was a great
combination, and helped me to develop into the person that I am
today.”
The oldest of five, Jim notes that each of his siblings went to
St. John’s, either as undergraduate or graduate students. His
son is currently completing his freshman year and hopes to someday
follow in his father’s footsteps. “He’s really thrilled about
it,” remarked the proud father. “He likes the people and the
facilities there. I think he’ll do well at St. John’s.”
Jim still retains the Vincentian values that were infused in him
during his student days. “At St. John’s, you get a better
foundation, a better way of life. You learn how important it
is to give back and do the right thing and treat people the right
way. That’s very important to me, and that’s what St. John’s
is all about.”
Jim Tomlinson has some solid and very practical advice for the
students who are getting ready to begin their own careers.
“Work hard and give 200% of your time. Show your
dedication. Give it your best and don’t give up your
dream.”
Coming from someone who has worked hard to make his own dreams
come true, that sums it up pretty well.