Video Producer, Project Manager, and Storyteller

I produce authentic brand stories through compelling, digital video to address clients’ needs

HIGHLIGHTS 
I craft compelling video stories that ignite brands and empower audiences across digital platforms. With 10+ years of experience, I excel in:

• Concepting and developing engaging video content for brands and media outlets.
• Managing projects from ideation to execution, exceeding client expectations.
• Directing productions and leading creative teams to deliver impactful video experiences.
• Negotiating talent deals, building relationships, and fostering on-set collaboration.
• Passionate about creating purpose-driven content that connects with viewers on a deeper level.
•  Connect with me at LauraEshelman.me to see my work!

Clients Served across multiple sectors:

• Auto (Land Rover, Kia, Hyundai, Subaru)
• Retailer (Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Rolex)
• Food (Pepsi, Dairy Queen, Grubhub, Uber Eats, Old El Paso, Kraft, Pillsbury, Fisher Nuts, McCormick, Wheat Thins, Bel Brands)
• Finance (Wells Fargo, Capital One, JPMC)
• Tech (Intel, IBM, Spotify, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn)
• Travel (Marriott, Travel Texas, Go Rving, Vermont Tourism, DoubleTree by Hilton)
• Healthcare/Pharma (MetLife, EngenderHealth, Amgen, Novartis, Pfizer)

EXPERIENCE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WASHINGTON POST CREATIVE GROUP

NEW YORK, NY
SEPTEMBER 2021– PRESENT

• Spearheaded a high-performing audio/video production team, increasing output by 300% YOY through streamlined workflows
• Oversaw the production of 60+ high-quality audio/video projects annually, achieving an 82% client renewal rating
• Conceptualized, developed, and pitched winning video concepts to clients, resulting in four new, successful franchises launched in 2023, exceeding average time spent by 18%
• Effectively managed budgets ranging from $25-150k, consistently delivering projects under budget and exceeding client metrics. Supported $45M+ of Revenue in 2023
• Leveraged audience insights to craft creative concepts and built-if-sold solutions
•  Regeneration of Travel project 2022: Native Advertising Award (Gold) for Cisco, Telly Award (Gold) for Volvo, Telly Award (Gold) for Zoetis, Telly Award (Silver) for Cisco, Telly Award (Silver) for Purina & Digiday Content Marketing Finalist (Visit Florida)

SUPERVISING PRODUCER, DISCOVERY

NEW YORK, NY
AUGUST 2016 – SEPTEMBER 2021

• Led high-performing pre-sale team to secure partnerships with daily RFP responses, delivering innovative custom editorial & advertorial concepts for Discovery’s lifestyle brands (Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, TLC)
• Spearheaded production of cross-platform content marketing videos exceeding 1.5 million views and 12% engagement on average, driving client initiatives
• Developed & managed a robust pipeline of new digital shows & talent, maximizing Discovery’s value proposition as a combined on-air & digital powerhouse
• Managed video shoots (directing, timelines, budgets $15k-$800k), negotiated talent deals, & fostered influencer relationships to amplify digital campaigns
• Ensured creative vision execution for all projects, exceeding client benchmarks
• Promoted after serving as a senior producer from 2016-2019
• Clients: Land Rover, Target, McCormick, Fisher Nuts, Spotify, Travel Texas, Walmart, Hilton, Amazon, Korbel, Classico, Pillsbury, Fisher Nuts, Bel Brands, Kraft, Nestea, Jell-O, Belgioioso, TH Foods and Go RVing
• Awards: Cablefax Content Marketing Team of the Year (2018), McCormick’s Man Crafted won 1st place in Cynopsis Short Form Video Awards (2018), Land Rover’s Uncharted Discoveries was a finalist in the Cablefax Digital and Tech awards and won 2nd place in the 2018 Cynopsis Short Form Video Awards (2018)

PODCAST CREATOR AND PRODUCER, KICK ASS IN LIFE
NEW YORK, NY
SEPTEMBER 2017 – APRIL 2020

• Produced and hosted “Kick Ass in Life,” a weekly podcast helping recent grads land jobs faster, manage finances smartly, and prioritize well-being
• Featured expert guests discussing career journeys, internship insights, standing out in applications, networking strategies, salary negotiation and more

VIDEO PRODUCER, MASHABLE STUDIOS
NEW YORK, NY
AUGUST 2015 – PRESENT

• Concepted and produced premium branded content and web series
• Directed shoots, selected talent, negotiated talent deals, created timelines and managed budgets from $20k-400k
• Scaled production up or down as necessary, hired the best vendors for each facet of production and ensured consistent work
• Responded to RFPs with video executions and budgets fulfill client’s KPIs and push forward new, creative ideas
• Clients: Kia, PepsiCo, Cathay, MasterCard, Capital One, Wells Fargo, Visa, Wheat Thins, Pepsi, American Greetings, and DoubleTree by Hilton
• Awards: Cathay’s One Day Offline video earned one of Ad Age’s Best Branded Content Partnerships (2015) Concepted and produced premium branded content and web series

VIDEO PRODUCER, RFI STUDIOS 
NEW YORK, NY
JANUARY 2014 – AUGUST 2015

• Spearheaded high-impact video productions (budgets $30k-$100k)
• Directed shoots and collaborated with editorial teams to deliver engaging content for digital and social media channels

PRODUCER, SNIPPIES
NEW YORK, NY
DECEMBER 2011 – DECEMBER 2013

• Produced 15-20 engaging videos per month from conception to completion
• Managed budgets from $10k-40k and assigned videographers in 300 global markets
• Clients: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Hyundai, PepsiCo, P&G, LinkedIn, Grey, and UM

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, THE TAKEAWAY, WNYC
NEW YORK, NY
AUGUST – DECEMBER 2011

• Booked guests for nationally-syndicated talk show The Takeaway, produced in partnership with the New York Times
• Wrote scripts, conducted preinterviews and pitched segments for the show

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE ASSISTANT, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
EXTREMADURA, SPAIN
AUGUST 2010-JUNE 2011

• Taught English classes using multimedia resources to engage 440 students across 22classes, aged 12-18
• Created a travel, culture and food blog: “La Extranjera en Extremadura”

SKILLS

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Video and Audio Editing
• HD Video Cameras
• Podcast Creation and Promotion
• Content Ideation/ Development
• AICP Budgeting
• Client Services
• Spanish

EDUCATION

University of Missouri School of Journalism-Columbia, MO, Media Convergence

AND MORE…

Past-President of the Mizzou Alumni Association New York Metropolitan Chapter
Member of the Producers Guild of America Member of Women in Cable Telecommunications
Past President of the Mizzou Alumni Association, NYC Chapter
Avid camper, Hiker, Biker and Outdoor Enthusiast