RIT on TV News: Matt Hamill Movie

YNN Rochester reports on the movie about Rochester Institute of Technology alumnus Matt Hamill currently under production on the RIT campus.

Anchor: A film crew has taken over a gym at Rochester Institute of Technology. It's shooting a film based on a deaf former RIT wrestling champ who's now a mixed martial arts contender. YNN's Seth Voorhees has more on why Matt Hamill's story inspired a pair of L.A. producers.

Reporter: They call him "The Hammer."
Matt Hamill: Right now I'm under the radar.

Matt Hamill says he likes being the underdog.
Matt: I have a lot of tools on the table but its still under the sleeve.

The rising mixed martial arts fighters story is now being told by Hollywood. The filming is being done right here in Rochester, much of it in a gym that's familiar to Hamill.

Matt: There are good memories. I can still remember there were 300 deaf people around the arena the first time they say me who were saying, Oh, who is Matt Hamill.

Matt Hamill graduated from RIT in 1999 with a degree in electrical mechanical technology. He starred on the wrestling mat, a three-time NCAA Division III champion. It's impressive for anyone, inspirational because Matt is deaf.

"Its been a great experience."
Joseph McKelheer says fellow Writers/producers Eben Kostbar pitched the idea to him after seeing Hamill on an ultimate fighting reality show.

McKelheer: People can identify with him because everyone has a goal. Every goal everyone has there are also obstacles with that no matter who you are or what you want to do or what your limitations are.

Matt: He came up to me and said I want to make a movie about you and look what happened when you became successful.

The writers saw an inspirational tale of struggle and success. They were also intrigued by something else.

McKelheer: That was the first time we were introduced to the deaf community and deaf culture, and we were blown away by the people and the culture itself.

Many of the crew and some of the actors, including the lead, are deaf. Hamill hopes his story can inspire others.

Matt: Most deaf people, they're stuck in their circle, they don't want to try anything, said Matt. They think they're better than me, they're better than me. No, No, No, No.

Hamill now lives in the Utica area. Hes actually training for his next MMA fight which is scheduled for December.

Matt: I just want to be the best fighter in the world, and I'm trying to go for the title.

Hamill says being deaf has its advantages. He cant hear the crowd and he doesnt get nervous. Filming at RIT will continue through mid-October. Post production should be done by spring.

McKelheer: I think this story is just to remind people that if you set your mind to something you can do it, regardless of what your limitations might be.

Seth Voorhees, R News.

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Entertainment

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[imabadassmexican]

1:35, is that frich franklin?

[lifeinacoustic1]

@baphomet58, you need to quiet your opinion. Matt Hamill is amazing. He in my opinion is a local icon.

[4pl3x]

@imabadassmexican No it's jim carrey.

[easyriderfi]

I respect Matt BIG TIME and the Challenges that he has had to overcome is huge.

[serak4]

Si, yo también creo o me parece que un sujeto de ahí e el Ace Franklin

[llohio19]

@cee4pres yes, Loveland is a real town minutes from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.  There's also another Loveland in Colorado btw. :)

[ESSJ333]

@imabadassmexican yh he in the movie

[TheApezilla]

@imabadassmexican it is



[starving4thecup]

@lifeinacoustic1 No longer just local, I look up to him.

[DRobblarg]

@baphomet58 fuck you asshole, matt hamill is one of the best fighters in the ufc, a great wrestler and an incredlbly smart guy

[eastkilla5]

lol rich franklin as a wrestling coach