J. Christopher Hamilton

J. Christopher Hamilton is an assistant professor of television, radio, and film in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. As an attorney and professor, Hamilton’s work focuses on the monetization of content and leveraging distribution outlets in the television, film and digital streaming industries. In addition to brokering content deals and teaching about their dynamic revenue and financing models, Hamilton is also a passionate executive producer.

Prior to joining Newhouse, Hamilton worked as a business affairs executive and attorney for media conglomerates such as ViacomCBS, Disney, Warner Media and then Lionsgate, as vice president of Digital Studios, Over-the-Top Services and International Co-Productions. After a career in cable television (MTV Networks), network television (ABC Studios) and over-the-top streaming (Kevin Hart’s “Laugh Out Loud Network”), Hamilton embarked on an entrepreneurial path as co-owner of streaming service Black and Sexy TV and closed development and distribution deals with networks like HBO and BET.

Hamilton is also a frequent guest speaker at film festivals (South by Southwest and PAFF), media companies (Verizon-Yahoo) and professional organizations (the Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association and Ghetto Film School), and the co-founder of a non-profit organization, Syracuse B.L.A.C., supporting the professional development of black law students and attorneys.

Hamilton earned a Juris Doctorate and master’s degree in television, radio and film from Syracuse University. Hamilton also completed an executive training program at Harvard Business School through a fellowship underwritten by Lifetime Television.