Benjamin Bryant (born 1977) is an American writer, broadcaster, and filmmaker. He is a former government official in the Obama Administration and also works, on occasion, as an artist and actor. During the Afghan evacuation in 2021, Bryant coordinated the evacuation of Afghan allies and their families, and served as a spokesperson for the "Digital Dunkirk" coalition of former military, diplomats, and government civilians supporting the global effort.
Benjamin Bryant | |
|---|---|
 Bryant at the 45th Daytime Emmy Nominee Reception | |
| Born | January 13, 1977 |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Ben Bryant |
| Citizenship | American |
| Education | University of the Incarnate Word (MS)
University of the Incarnate Word (MA) Giessen American High School |
| Occupation(s) | writer, filmmaker |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Organizations |
|
| Known for | Station to Station (writer-director, actor) "Forever and a Day" (actor, "Gregory Marshall") |
| Notable work | Fort Hood Shooting Task Force Report Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Report |
| Television | Journeys Beyond(2019–present) The Brink with Benjamin Bryant (2018–present) Anacostia (2016-present) America Tonight (guest, 2012–2013) |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Lori Bryant-Woolridge |
Bryant wrote and directed the feature film Station to Station and is the former co-executive producer of the Emmy-winning drama Anacostia, and host of “The Brink with Benjamin Bryant”. He has produced several television and streaming series, news specials, and a series of holiday films. Also an actor, Bryant has worked in film, television, and podcasts, including portraying troubled hotelier "Gregory Marshall" on the dramatic serial "Forever and a Day" from the show's first season and a variety of supporting roles in films and series.
In the Obama Administration, Bryant served on the Pentagon’s Fort Hood Shooting Task Force, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Working Group, and the two-year Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, for which he was the commission’s final spokesperson. In 2011, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin announced the formal acquisition of several of Bryant's papers, notes, and recordings related to his historic work for the White House and Department of Defense.
He has led Washington D.C.-based Bryant Zamberlan Group since 2010.
Early life and education
Bryant was born in Nuremberg, Germany to American parents in a military family. His father is Brigadier General Albert Bryant Jr. He is the grandson of Brigadier General Albert Bryant, Sr., recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and a former Montford Point Marine[1] and Army Brigadier General Richard Saxton. He is also the nephew of writer and speaker Lori Bryant-Woolridge.
Bryant graduated from Giessen American High School in Giessen, Germany in 1994, commencing study at the University of Texas at Austin, that same year.[2][3] At Texas, he studied journalism and communication studies from 1994 to1998, when an extended illness led to medical withdrawal prior to graduation. Bryant completed his Bachelor of Science degree at New York’s Excelsior College.[4]
In 2015, Bryant graduated with both a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership, and a Master of Arts in Administration, from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.[5]
Journalism and broadcasting
In 1996, Bryant was serving as a radio news intern at Austin radio station KKMJ when the Atlanta Olympic Bombing occurred.[6] His impromptu overnight coverage gathered attention from the public and Austin American-Statesman columnist Jane Grieg, leading to a full-time role at KKMJ and named Program Director, with news and local programming responsibility, of its sister station, ABC Radio affiliate KJCE.[7][8]
Bryant worked as a freelance journalist[9] and columnist before focusing on public relations and crisis communications consulting for public and private sector clients. He served as writer and editor for the Deepwater News and FHP&R: Force Health Protection & Readiness magazine.[10] He returned to broadcasting as the host of the “BZCast” podcast in 2017, including an exploration of leaking and whistleblowing in the federal government,[11] and in 2018 with the launch of non-profit media platform BZ/MP and the debut of “The Brink with Benjamin Bryant,” a series of one-on-one interviews focusing on Washington D.C. notables, and its spin-off serialized investigative podcast, “The Brink with Benjamin Bryant: INTERSECTIONS”.[12] In 2018, Bryant also appeared in a non-partisan public service announcement entitled "The One Place Everyone is Equal."[13]
Military and government
Bryant has served as a speechwriter for Rear Admiral Patrick Stillman of the United States Coast Guard, the Hon. Ellen Embrey, then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Health Protection and Readiness, and communications advisor for the Hon. James Finley, then-Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology and other military leaders during the George W. Bush administration. Bryant worked in increasingly senior roles within the Government, including work on the Pentagon’s Fort Hood Shooting Task Force, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Working Group, and the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, for which he served as the agency’s final spokesperson. In the 2010s, Bryant made multiple appearances on the nightly news program America Tonight, anchored by Joie Chen, speaking to military issues in the news.[14][15][16]
Task Forces and Commissions
| Year | Name | Leadership | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-2010 | Department of Defense Fort Hood Shooting Task Force |
Hon. Togo D. West, Jr., Adm. Vern Clark |
Managing Editor, Writing and Admin Team Lead |
|
| 2010 | US Air Force Fort Hood Task Force Follow-on | Sec. Michael B. Donley | Senior Writer, Writing Team Lead |
|
| 2010 | "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Comprehensive Review Working Group | Hon. Jeh Johnson,
Gen. Carter Ham |
Lead Editor, Editorial and Production Lead |
|
| 2011 | Virginia Department of Health/VA Beach Pandemic Influenza Program Assessment |
Benjamin Bryant | Executive Director, Report Author |
|
| 2013-2016 | Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission | Hon. Al Maldon | Assoc. Director, Public Relations and Outreach (2015-2016), Lead Writer and Editor and Editorial and Production Lead (2013-2015) |
Digital Dunkirk
In the chaotic weeks leading up to the withdrawal of American troops and international presence from Afghanistan, Bryant facilitated the emergency evacuation of Afghan allies and their families and served as a planner and spokesperson for the "Digital Dunkirk" coalition of former and current military, diplomatic personnel, and government civilians (primarily American) working in real time to coordinate the evacuations of American citizens, permanent residents, visa holders, and Afghan allies (including former NATO translators and intelligence sources).[17][18][19] During that time, Bryant was regularly quoted in newspapers and often appeared as a guest on radio and television shows to explain and contextualize the effort, as well as amplify the stories of Afghan allies and their families still unable to evacuate.[17][18][20][19][21]
In 2011, news reports covered Bryant and Thomas Zamberlan's donation of their original editor's copies from several Presidential and DoD task forces to the Smithsonian Institution.[22] That same year, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at Bryant's alma mater University of Texas at Austin, announced the acquisition of Bryant's personal notes, papers, and recorded recollections related to his work on the historic Fort Hood investigation and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeals and their intention to make them available to researchers.[23]
Since 2010, Bryant has been an Auxiliarist in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, including service as a Flotilla Staff Officer.[2]
Film, television and radio
Bryant began producing narrative television and film projects in 2016, first joining the digital series Anacostia, from creator Anthony Anderson at the start of its fifth season, as a supervising producer.[24][25] Beginning with episode five, Bryant was named co-executive producer of the series, a role he continued in until September 2019.[25][26] He occasionally recurred on the series in the role of news anchor "James Vance," an homage to the late Washington D.C. news anchor Jim Vance.[25]
In 2019, his company, the Bryant Zamberlan Group, built on its initial foray into TV/film production, partnering with Gemelli Films and writer-director Candice Cain to produce the first three entries in the "Candy Cain" series of holiday films,[27] completing work on the holiday romances Ivy & Mistletoe, starring Cody Calafiore, Carrie Genzel, and Cynthia Gibb; The Maltese Holiday, starring Calafiore, Clayton Snyder, and Abigail Hawk; and Magic in Mount Holly, starring Calafiore, Genzel, Patrick Muldoon, Frank Whaley, Terri Garber, and Jennifer Bassey.[25] Bryant, who served as the supervising producer on the films, also makes cameo appearances in the films.[25] Bryant also served as an Associate Producer on Cain's Joy & Hope a western-themed romance co-starring Vivica A. Fox.
In September 2019, Bryant and travel writer Olivia Taylor announced on their respective social media platforms that they would co-host an upcoming travel show for the 2019-2020 season, titled "Journeys Beyond."[28][29][30]
In 2020, Bryant began production on the sports comedy Aidy Kane, but suspended filming in March 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic.[31] He also debuted in the series regular role of troubled businessman "Gregory Marshall" on the dramatic serial "Forever and a Day."[32] a role he continues to portray. Bryant has also appeared in two of Boston-based writer-director Brooke B's audio feature productions, Birthday Blues and Selling the Act, in supporting roles[33][34] and portrayed "Nolan," the Nutcracker Prince, in JLJ Media's whimsical podcast special The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker[35][36] from Molina Productions, a role he will reprise as a series regular in the upcoming "The New Adventures of the Tooth Fairy" series from the same team.[36]
During the 2020 nationwide coronavirus lockdown, Bryant began writing the psychological drama, Station to Station, directing the film on location in September, keeping cast and crew in an isolated "bubble" to adhere to strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols. In 2021, the film began its festival run, making it Bryant's official debut as a feature film writer and director.[37][38] Early reviews have praised both Bryant's writing and direction, calling the film "compelling" and "bold,"[37] and favorably comparing Bryant's work to that of Oscar-nominated writer-directors Paul Thomas Anderson and Richard Linklater.[39][38] The film won "Best Narrative Feature," "Best Actor," and "Best Ensemble" honors in June 201 at the IndieEye Film Awards,[40] winning several IndieFEST Film Awards, the following month.[41] in October 2021, the Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival announced Station to Station as both an Official Selection and the festival's opening night feature.[42] The film premiered in competition, earning eight jury nominations, including as a finalist for the festival's Best Drama Feature, winning two;[43] and was selected by attendees to receive the festival's 2021 "Audience Award."[44]
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Courage Under Fire | Army Soldier (uncredited) | [25] |
| 2019 | Ivy & Mistletoe | Supervising Producer, "Air Traveler" (cameo) | [25] |
| 2019 | The Maltese Holiday | Supervising Producer, "Airline Clerk" (cameo) | [25] |
| 2019 | Magic in Mount Holly | Supervising Producer, "Waterbury Coach" (cameo) | [25] |
| 2020 | Joy & Hope | Associate Producer | [45] |
| 2020 | Aidy Kane | Writer, Director, “Phineas Strong” | [46]; filming suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | Station to Station | Writer, Director, "Martin" | [47] |
| 2022 | Grid Squares | Writer, Director |
Television and streaming
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2019 | "Anacostia" | co-Executive Producer, “James Vance” | [25][26] |
| 2018-2019 | "The Brink with Benjamin Bryant" | Executive Producer, Host | [48] |
| 2018 | "Unraveling Knots: The Journey Begins" | Executive Producer, Host | [49] |
| 2018 | "Welcome to the Show" | "The Narrator" (character) | [50] |
| 2019-present | "Journeys Beyond" | Executive Producer, co-Host | [28][29]; production suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2020 | "Reality Sets In" | Producer | [51][52] |
| 2021 | "Aidy Kane (Really Wants You to Love Him)" | Executive Producer, "Phineas Strong" | [53]; companion series for the feature film Aidy Kane |
Radio and podcasts
| Year | Title | Type | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996-1997 | "KJCE: The Week in Austin" | Weekly Current Events Program | Host, Interviewer | [8][6] |
| 2016-2018 | "The BZCast" | Interview Program | Host, Interviewer | [11] |
| 2018-2019 | "The Brink with Benjamin Bryant:
INTERSECTIONS" |
Narrative Podcast,
Investigative Serial |
Host, Narrator | [12] |
| 2020-present | "Forever and a Day" | Audio Drama (series) | "Gregory Marshall" | [32] |
| 2020 | Birthday Blues | Audio Drama (feature) | "James" | [33] |
| 2021 | Selling the Act | Audio Comedy (feature) | "Aaron" | [34] |
| 2021 | "The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker"
(The Really Short Story Podcast) |
Audio Drama (special) | "Prince Nolan Nutcracker" | [35] |
| 2021 | "The Grown Up Adventures of the Tooth Fairy" | Audio Drama (series) | "Prince Nolan Nutcracker" | [54] |
| 2021 | "Dirty Laundry" | Audio Drama (series) | "Blake" | [55] |
Bryant Zamberlan Group and BZ/MP
Since 2010, Bryant has served as the Managing Partner of the Bryant Zamberlan Group of companies, which include a global communications and organizational development consultancy, TV/film production capability, and BZ/MP, a non-profit news/information and media distribution endeavor.[2]
Awards and honors
In 2021, Bryant was honored by the IndieFEST Film Awards in multiple categories, including an honor for his Station to Station script.[41] He received "Best Newcomer Director" and "Best Feature Film Debut" nominations in the Autumn 2021 cycle of the FILMHAUS Berlin film festival.[56] Bryant also won a 2020 Hermes Creative Award for the trailer for "Journeys Beyond."[2][57][58][59][60]
Other notable honors include a 2010 Platinum MarCom "Special Category" Award for his work as the Managing Editor of the report of the Fort Hood Task Force, 2012 Davey Award for his appearances on America Tonight, 2019 Communicator Award of Distinction for "The Brink with Benjamin Bryant" interview specials; and multiple Platinum AVA and Hermes Creative Awards for "The Brink with Benjamin Bryant: INTERSECTIONS" podcast (including honors for writing, hosting, and production).[2][58][59][60][57]
In December 1996, a year-end feature dedicated to the people and stories who made the year notable, Bryant was named by the Austin American-Statesman as one of the year's "most memorable."[61]
Personal life
Bryant lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area.[2]
References
- ^ Shapiro, Ian. "He saw the flag raised at Iwo Jima. Now, at 94, he watches the nation fight a deadly virus". Washington Post. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
- ^ a b c d e f "Benjamin Bryant". LinkedIn. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
- ^ "Leadership". thebzgroup.com. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
- ^ "Alumni US | Excelsior College, Albany, New York Area". alumnius.net. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ "Alumni US | University of the Incarnate Word (2015)". alumnius.net. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ a b Grieg, Jane (August 1996). "Who was that voice?". Austin American-Statesman.
- ^ "Americans on the Rise" (PDF). ARS Newsletter. July 1996.
- ^ a b Herndon, John (October 1996). "The JUICE changes its on-air fare". Austin American-Statesman.
- ^ "Montgomery Gazette Coverage of Maryland Regional AIDS Conference". Scribd. Retrieved 2019-05-29.
- ^ "Force Health Protection & Readiness Magazine - Fall 2007". Issuu. Retrieved 2019-05-29.
- ^ a b "The BZ Cast – Leaking or Whistleblowing?". thebzgroup.com. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ a b "THE BRINK Returns with "Intersections" in 2019 - BZ/MP Radio". BZ/MP. 2018-12-13. Retrieved 2019-05-25.
- ^ BZ/MP - The Bryant Zamberlan Media Project (2019-01-23), The One Place Everyone is Equal: The Ballot Box, retrieved 2019-05-23
- ^ America Tonight : ALJAZAM : September 17, 2013 4:00am-5:01am EDT, ALJAZAM, 2013-09-17, retrieved 2019-05-23
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ America Tonight : ALJAZAM : April 3, 2014 12:00am-1:01am EDT, ALJAZAM, 2014-04-03, retrieved 2019-05-23
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ America Tonight : ALJAZAM : April 4, 2014 4:00am-5:01am EDT, ALJAZAM, 2014-04-04, retrieved 2019-05-23
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ a b ""Digital Dunkirk" Continues to Help those Trying to Get Out of Afghanistan". WGN-TV. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ a b "'Digital Dunkirk' needs more time to help get Americans and Afghan allies out". Washington Examiner. 2021-08-26. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ a b https://www.washingtontimes.com, The Washington Times. "Lawmakers, veterans step in to help Americans, Afghan allies escape Afghanistan". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
{{cite web}}: External link in|last= - ^ https://www.washingtontimes.com, The Washington Times. "Trapped in Afghanistan: Those left behind grapple with unresponsive U.S., dimming hope of escape". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
{{cite web}}: External link in|last= - ^ "RI Red Radio: Stranded in Afghanistan". 990WBOB. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ KASZUBSKI, DEBRA. "Work of Sterling Heights native added to Smithsonian". Macomb Daily. Retrieved 2019-05-24.
- ^ "A Guide to the Benjamin Bryant Papers, 2010". legacy.lib.utexas.edu. Retrieved 2019-05-24.
- ^ Bryant, Benjamin. "ANACOSTIA's Anthony Anderson tackles male/male rape (and gentrification!) in season five, and feels the responsibilities of African American storytelling". Benjamin Bryant. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Benjamin Bryant". IMDb. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ a b "Amazon.com: Watch Anacostia | Prime Video". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ Newcomb, Roger. "'Candy Cain' Holiday Trio of Films Features Former Soap Stars Patrick Muldoon, Carrie Genzel, Terri Garber, Jennifer Bassey, Cynthia Gibb". Retrieved 2019-09-11.
- ^ a b "I'm hosting a new travel show". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
- ^ a b Bryant, Benjamin. "A little tease for you". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
- ^ "Benjamin Bryant on Instagram: "All I can share for now, but watch this space for details on my newest adventure!"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-26. Retrieved 2019-09-11.
- ^ "Aidy Kane - Production & Contact Info | IMDbPro". pro.imdb.com. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ a b BWW News Desk. "Quinn VanAntwerp Headlines New Podcast Soap Opera Series FOREVER AND A DAY". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-08-20.
- ^ a b "YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-10-22.
- ^ a b "YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2021-05-05.
- ^ a b Podcast, The Really Short Story. "The Really Short Story Podcast - The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker". Google Podcasts. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ a b "The Really Short Story Podcast on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ a b Papadatos, Markos (2021-05-17). "'Station to Station' is a compelling new film by Ben Bryant". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
- ^ a b "Benjamin Bryant's 'Station to Station' Is One Fun, Twisty Roller Coaster Ride!". We Are Entertainment News. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ Papadatos, Markos (2021-05-17). "'Station to Station' is a compelling new film by Ben Bryant". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
- ^ Papadatos, Markos (2021-08-08). "'Station to Station' by Benjamin Bryant wins big at 2021 IndieFest Film Awards". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
- ^ a b "Award of Merit August 2021". theindiefest.com. Retrieved 2021-09-30.
- ^ Papadatos, Markos (2021-11-07). "'Station to Station' to have its world premiere at the Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
- ^ "2021 Filmmaker Results". LVIFSF. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
- ^ "LVIFSF 2021 Audience Award Winner: Station to Station". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Joy & Hope, retrieved 2020-08-21
- ^ Aidy Kane, retrieved 2019-09-11
- ^ Station to Station, retrieved 2020-07-17
- ^ "WATCH NOW: The Brink's BZ/MP D.C. interviews come to life!". BZ/MP. 2018-12-01. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ "WATCH NOW: Unraveling Knots: The Journey Begins - BZ/MP TV". BZ/MP. 2018-12-31. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ "WATCH NOW: Welcome to the Show: TV's First Impressions - BZ/MP TV". BZ/MP. 2018-12-31. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ "Watch Reality Sets In | Prime Video". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 2022-01-09.
- ^ "Reality Sets In". International Movie Database. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Aidy Kane (Really Wants You to Love Him)". International Movie Database. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "The Grown Up Adventures of the Tooth Fairy". Spreaker. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
- ^ "S1 Ep 1 Dirty Laundry by Script Out Loud". Anchor. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
- ^ "FEATURE FILM + TV". FILMHAUS Berlin. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
- ^ a b "AVA Digital Awards". enter.avaawards.com. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ a b "Communicator Awards | Award of Excellence Winners Gallery". Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ a b "Davey Awards | Winners". Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ a b "Hermes Creative Awards". enter.hermesawards.com. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ Grieg, Jane (January 2, 1997). "Looking Back at the People Who Made 1996 Memorable: 'Familiar Voice'". Austin American-Statesman.
External links
- Benjamin Bryant (II) at IMDb
- Patterson, Robert (1997-04-10). "Some Questions: Radio's Benjamin Bryant". Austin American-Statesman. Cox Media Group. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
- Herndon, John (1997-01-02). "Radio: Tough Work if You Can Get It". Austin American-Statesman. Cox Media Group. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
- Bryant Zamberlan Group*
- "Anacostia" showrunner shakes up season five". 2018-10-08. Retrieved 2018-11-23.
- Lyon, Lacretia (2020-09-16). Benjamin Bryant, pt. 1 and (2020-09-23). Benjamin Bryant, pt. 2, BLEAV Podcast Network. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
- Hutchison, Casey (2018-02-06). "Daytime Indulgence Podcast #4: Ben Bryant". Daytime Indulgence. Retrieved 2018-11-23.
- Mack, Candice (2018-05-06). "Anthony Anderson, Jennifer Bassey and Benjamin Bryant of Anacostia". SoapParty 411. Retrieved 2018-11-23.
- BZ/MP DMV (2018-07-21). "A Right to the City Debuts". BZ/MP.
- Stone, Adam (2015-06-26). "Working Way Outside of Washington". Military Times. Retrieved 2016-05-23.