Dan Leonard
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced media executive with a proven track record in developing and producing award-winning unscripted content. Excels in managing high-pressure situations and leading creative teams across departments, resulting in award-winning content.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Unscripted Content
Indigenous Media
01.2022 - Current
- Developed and produced over 1,000 original unscripted documentaries, earning more than 11.3 billion views globally. 1B+ views/year since 2019.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, resulting in 9 features and 14 docuseries, 50+ microdocs in active production.
- Established partnerships with leading studios: Legendary, Lionsgate, Pilgrim Media Group, Mark Gordon Productions, P&G Studios, others.
- Led pitch development, script oversight, and creative direction for over 70+ projects—features, docuseries, and branded content.
Showrunner
"60 Second Docs" & "Lives of Women"
09.2018 - 12.2021
- 13.2 million followers and averaged 8.9M views.
- Managed a team of 16 producers, researchers, and editors, consistently releasing 3-5 episodes/week.
- Developed innovative formats and storylines to maintain relevance through eras of change.
Lead Producer
Various
05.2014 - 09.2017
- Clients include: FOX, Focus Features, Viacom, Amazon, Lionsgate, Red Bull, Cadillac, Reebok, Sony Music, Bumble.
- Crew sizes of 3-65. Tons of experience wearing different and multiple hats. Under budget always.
- Planned video shoots in studio and remotely by managing production through stages to completion.
Education
Master of Arts - Producing
American Film Institute
Los Angeles, CABachelor of Arts - Theater, Creative Writing
Hamilton College
Clinton, NYSkills
- Content Strategy & Development
- Team Leadership & Management
- Visual Storytelling Expertise
- Workforce Relations
- Strategic Pitch Development
- Digital Media Strategy
- Decision-making
- Team management
Accomplishments
- Films have played at and won: Cannes, Tribeca, SWSX, Santa Barbara.
- Won Best Narrative Feature at Tribeca, 4 Webby Awards, 2 Telly Awards, OMMA, Digiday, others.
- 11.46B total views. Averaging over 9MM+ views. 13.2MM followers.
- Branded content clients include: Lionsgate, Focus Features, Viacom, Prime, FOX, Red Bull, AT&T, ESPN, Black Rock, General Motors.
Timeline
Head of Unscripted Content
Indigenous Media
01.2022 - Current
Showrunner
"60 Second Docs" & "Lives of Women"
09.2018 - 12.2021
Lead Producer
Various
05.2014 - 09.2017
Master of Arts - Producing
American Film Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Theater, Creative Writing
Hamilton College
Similar Profiles
Reegan M. FrenchReegan M. French
Junior Social Policy Analyst (EC-03) at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs CanadaJunior Social Policy Analyst (EC-03) at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Claudia Katherine TorresClaudia Katherine Torres
Demi Chef at Melbourne Indigenous Transition SchoolDemi Chef at Melbourne Indigenous Transition School
Jimena GarciaJimena Garcia
Liaison Lead at BC NEIHR – British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health ResearchLiaison Lead at BC NEIHR – British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research