Vanessa Stewart
Atlanta
Summary
Talented and results-oriented creative professional with experience leading teams, managing relationships and developing strategies to engage target audiences. Proven track record of developing successful and innovative TV/Film and theater projects that bring new audiences and artists to a brand.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Creative Officer
Story Mill Entertainment
05.2023 - Current
- Created a slate of films and TV projects that would be both attractive to audiences and our stakeholders alike.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication throughout production lifecycle.
- Oversaw the development and production of film and TV projects, ensuring seamless execution from concept to delivery.
- Boosted company revenue through the development of unique IP and discovery of new artists.
- Negotiated favorable contracts for both the artist and the company that fostered trustworthy relationships for involved parties.
- Evaluated analytics data to inform creative decisions, enhancing audience targeting and engagement levels.
- Determined core problem areas to successfully address creative briefs or ambiguous situations.
VP of Creative Development
Story Mill Entertainment
02.2023 - 05.2023
- Sought out and championed new artists and undiscovered IP to develop into possible productions
- Cultivated a high-performance culture within the organization by setting clear expectations for employees at all levels, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievement.
- Read and provided coverage/notes for incoming projects seeking to be produced
- Developed relationships across the business securing trustworthiness to foster possible co-production opportunities for the company
Artistic Director
Sacred Fools Theater
03.2019 - 04.2022
- Chose the season for the company ensuring 5 plays that fit the company's budget but also their mission: To provide the audience with provocative, whimsical, entertaining pieces of art while maintaining the award winning quality the patrons had come to expect.
- Managed auditions and cast selection processes, assembling talented ensembles for each production season.
- Increased audience attendance through engaging marketing campaigns that showcased the artistic talent of the ensemble.
- Worked with California legislators to successfully secure a payroll fund for theater workers with Senate Bill SB1116- creating the largest arts subsidy in California state history
- Auditioned, selected and coached actors and writers to execute high-quality performances and enhance production value.
- Implemented educational outreach programs that engaged local communities in arts appreciation and participation.
- Established strong brand identity by developing a unique artistic vision that set the company apart from competitors in the market. **Sacred Fools won the 2019 LA Drama Critics Circle Award for sustained excellence in theater.
- Expanded organizational reach through diverse programming that attracted new audiences and increased revenue streams.
Executive Assistant
Walden Media
03.2002 - 05.2005
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Musical Theater
Webster University
St Louis, MO05.1998
Skills
- Creative Leadership
- Solving story problems
- Script doctoring
- Strategic Thinking
- Creative team leadership
- Relationship Building
- Development of artists
Accomplishments
- Worked on California Senate Bill SB1116 with Senator Anthony Portantino in 2022- which became the largest arts legislation in the history of California
- Sundance Finalist for TV pilot Real M*thr
- Published playwright
- Ovation award winning actress for "Louis and Keely: Live at the Sahara"
Timeline
Chief Creative Officer
Story Mill Entertainment
05.2023 - Current
VP of Creative Development
Story Mill Entertainment
02.2023 - 05.2023
Artistic Director
Sacred Fools Theater
03.2019 - 04.2022
Executive Assistant
Walden Media
03.2002 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Musical Theater
Webster University
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