Political Science Alumnus Means Business

Eddie Bradley, ’04, graduated from UCF with dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and legal studies. While you wouldn’t think you could have a career like Bradley with these degrees, the business acumen that he ultimately developed is a direct result of his educational foundation in dealing and communicating with people, as well as navigating business decisions from both a legal and strategic vantage point.

Bradley is currently co-founder of a video marketing agency, FilmScape Productions in Orlando, Fla. The company operates in nearly every genre of video production including TV commercials, business branding, client education, training and event coverage, just to name a few. Bradley explains that the company never forgets that people connect with stories and ideas, and his team strives to create the most engaging and effective content to help their clients better reach their target audience.

FilmScape Productions has had the opportunity to produce content for a number of national and international brands including, but not limited to, Rogers, Kony, Florida Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Whirlpool, LYNX, Voxeo, Legoland, Humana, Cadillac, and Chevrolet.

He explains his passion exists in the realm of creative advertising and storytelling through motion pictures. As a creative director, Bradley firmly believes that a picture is worth 1,000 words, but a well-composed video will speak for itself.

Bradley started the business when he and his wife had very comfortable high-paying jobs and an 8 month old son. Bradley saw an opportunity to create a better situation for his family, so with two weeks’ notice, he left his job to pursue it.

Bradley says it has no doubt been a labor of love, especially while trying to raise a young family, but now four years later and with two boys, his wife is able to stay at home while he continues to further chase that opportunity.

“It is purely through dedication, HARD work, and a lot of luck along the way that we’ve been able to achieve a point of success early on and now employ a team of over ten plus people; consisting primarily of UCF grads,” Bradley explained.

Bradley shares more about his time at UCF, his career, and advice to students and alumni in the spotlight responses below.

Why did you choose to attend UCF?

I chose to attend UCF because then and now, there is no other place I’d enjoy living more than Orlando and UCF is hands down the best academic institution in our region.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at UCF?

During my entire college experience at UCF, I worked a 40 hour job at an IP law firm.

Have you stayed involved with UCF since graduation? If so, how?

UCF is currently a client of my company, so we have had a number of opportunities to produce video content on their behalf and reengage with their purpose.

What is your best UCF memory?

I would have to say my best UCF memory was meeting my wife at a basketball game back in 2003.  Considering neither one of us were playing on a team, this created a great social opportunity for us to meet.  

Following in very close second place was when I had the opportunity to interview President Hitt for a documentary film we produced about our regions emerging technology industry called Orlando Rising.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is that it is HARD work. I truly do believe that it is through hard work that you ultimately have the opportunity to realize your true potential and capabilities. Over the last four years I have learned more professionally than the prior twelve years of work experience leading up to starting the business, and I can whole heartedly say each challenge has helped strengthen and shape my character and personal aspirations.

What is your most memorable experience on the job?

My most memorable experience was sitting on a stage in front of 500 plus people to debut our documentary film, Orlando Rising. It was at that moment that I really began to understand the power of using video as a medium to engage and impact an audience through visual storytelling. Most of what we believe and perceive on a daily basis in some way or another has been influenced by video content. My team and I want to continue to develop content for our clients that help them better connect with the audience they are trying to reach.

What piece of advice would you give to current students as well as UCF alumni?

The advice I would give current students and UCF alumni is continually broaden your professional networks. I’ve come to learn that we live in a very relationship based economy, and the more people you know and have developed a long standing or admirable relationship with, the easier it becomes to conduct business as well as realize new opportunities that have yet to be discovered.

Bradley answered some more questions in our ‘get-to-know-you’ portion of the interview.

Do you have any special/hidden talents?

I can work 24 hours straight without a single cup of coffee while maintaining a cheerful smile and optimistic attitude.  It really is as easy as it sounds, when you love what you do.

What do you do for fun?

When I’m not having fun at work or traveling for production, I’m typically exploring the many tourist attractions Orlando has to offer in an ongoing attempt to entertain the kids.

What is the most generous or thoughtful gift you have ever received?

If the gift of life would qualify here, then I would easily say my sons Camden and Callen would be the most obvious choices.

 What was your first paying job?

My first official paying job was working in the women’s shoe department at Ross. I honestly can’t recall if I ever received or cashed that check, but the job lasted for a day; I was told I was being hired for a cashier’s position.

What one thing drives you absolutely crazy?

The one thing that drives me absolutely crazy is a lack of appreciation for opportunity. As an employer, I can directly attest to the fact that on average “employees” do not innately have a high-level appreciation for the opportunity that they are provided. I n fairness, as a former employee, I can also directly relate to this notion. My new theory is this, make every day count, even if it’s just a small way towards the goals in life you want to achieve. Neither time nor opportunity has a tendency to wait for anyone, so take advantage of each moment and opportunity you are afforded, because both are fleeting.