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