I’m a skilled writer and video producer comfortable with any topic or setting, although I have a passion for civics, science, and the environment. My experience includes field & segment producing, documentaries for national cable channels, live newscasts & remotes, studio production, and producing for the world wide web.
EXPERIENCE
The Connecticut Network (CT-N), Hartford CT
Producer Assistant April 2014-present
Research, write & produce series of educational videos promoting civic engagement in Connecticut, including 2014’s Emmy-nominated “Advocacy: Turning the Gears of Democracy”. Produce town-hall style meetings for live broadcast from Connecticut’s Old State House involving 60-80 panelists & invited audience members. Coordinated coverage of 2014 gubernatorial, congressional, and state legislative campaigns including campaign appearances and debates. Assistant producer for non-stop live coverage of primary & general election nights, gubernatorial inauguration, opening of legislative session and other major government events; duties include research, guest-booking, live remote and phone interview coordination. Assist as needed in daily coverage of legislative hearings, committee meetings, and civic or governmental events.
Freelance Writer/Producer February 2004-present
Produce videos for broadcast and the web for businesses, nonprofits, and cable TV. Take projects from concept to completion, often planning, shooting, writing and editing segments. Partial client list: Protein Sciences Inc. (Meriden, CT), Retirement Living Television, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, Friends of CT State Parks, Fl0-Tech Inc. (Middletown, CT), Diane Smith Media, Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, , Portland (CT) Sports Hall of Fame.
Episode Producer–“Forensic Files”/“Medical Detectives”/”Extreme Evidence”
April 2001-2005 (staff) 2005-2009 (freelance)
Produced 30-minute episodes of the “Forensic Files” series airing on TruTV, CourtTV and NBC; also produced hour-long specials of “Medical Detectives” airing on TLC (Discovery Networks). Took episodes from concept to completion: found and researched possible episodes; wrote pitches and treatments, traveled to conduct interviews and supervise location b-roll shoots, acquired video & images and secured rights, wrote scripts, supervised edit sessions, assisted with and (occasionally directed) dramatic re-enactments.
Medstar Television, Allentown PA
Managing Editor Sept. 1998-April 2001
Supervised production and national syndication of medical news stories for client TV stations. Screened pitches, enterprised stories, selected and assigned stories for production. Edited scripts from other producers, approved final video edits and authorized distribution of product to stations. Ensured that stories met high journalistic, storytelling and production standards. Initiated and maintained relationships with researchers, hospitals, public relation firms, advocacy groups and governmental agencies across the country.Assisted in hiring of staff; hired freelance producers and videographers. Ensured production deadlines were met. Helped move company into the online era by initiating and maintaining electronic alert system about breaking medical news, providing coverage strategies and showcasing value of company products.
Senior Producer/Assignment Editor Nov. 1994-Sept 1998
Selected and developed medical story ideas for syndication service; scheduled interviews and video shoots. Assigned stories to field producers.Produced and wrote medical news stories for national distribution. Interviewed physicians and patients across the country. Developed a list of over 400 “evergreen” medical news stories for sponsored reports in select markets. Studio Producer for Health Matters, a half-hour syndicated magazine-style series. Trained and supervised studio production crews from New Jersey to Hawaii; ensured quality production standards and worked with hospital and other sponsor representatives.
WTNH-TV (ABC) New Haven, CT
Newscast Producer September 1993 – November. 1994Wrote and produced newscasts for competitive station in top-25 market. Supervised anchors, reporters, videographers, editors and other newsroom staff in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Approved all material for air including script, video and graphics. Wrote teases and promotional material. Formatted, launched and produced new morning show that quickly became a ratings leader; promoted to 11pm show after 6 months.
Assignment Editor February 1989 – September 1993
Supervised the news gathering staff, including reporters, photographers and live truck operators. Coordinated news coverage, determining priorities and logistics and maintaining contact with sources, monitoring scanners and tiplines, as well as originating or approving ideas for news features.
EDUCATION
A.S. in Broadcast Communications, Middlesex Community College
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Shoot & edit high-definition video (own a Canon Vixia G10), non-linear video editing with Final Cut Pro (7 & X). Amateur photographer whose photos have been used in publications by local businesses, non-profits & musicians.
