Karina Bennett

Founder and leader of production teams, producing and directing two docuseries, one for XPRIZE Foundation and one currently streaming on Tubi and The Roku Channel.

For XPRIZE Foundation

• Organized a cross-functional team of a film crew, producers, editors, and translator to facilitate the filming of a 6-episode docuseries within the best project scope.
• Led multiple camera crews during production in India, leading to the efficient and successful capture of all film elements while adhering to the deadline.
• Facilitated film production and distribution strategy resulting in producing nine videos deployed to social media channels within the production budget of $325,000.
• Supported the Global Learning XPRIZE mission to localize sophisticated learning software that was intended to benefit the learning outcomes of children in extreme poverty.

8-Episode Docuseries: Cooped Up: Coping in Quarantine with Chickens

• Discovered and booked talent in 7 different states after extensive research.
• Hired and managed crews, directing 5 Directors of Photography, unifying footage stylistically and thematically while filming around the country.
• Crafted episode structure, edited soundbites, oversaw motion graphics, selected music tracks, wrote marketing copy, and supervised the design of the style guide.
• Successfully secured distribution on two TV streaming platforms while the content was most relevant, adapting to the times both in theme and consumer media consumption trends.

• Managed and built a successful media business from the ground up, with no angel money, during a recession and stayed open when competitors closed their doors.
• Directed and produced countless videos for numerous brands with ranging budgets, subject matter, and target audiences, staying on budget and on time with deliverables.
• Created multiple web series for Fast Co. and Inc. magazines, many videos for the art publisher Phaidon, and spent several seasons as an on-air producer for New York Fashion Week.
• Traveled extensively, producing content for significant PR agencies like Ketchum and major brands such as 7-Eleven and Sunglass Hut.
• Directed high-profile talent like Jennifer Hudson and Eva Mendes for videos and broadcast packages; interviewed hundreds of people from all walks of life, including celebrities in every industry: entertainment, music, business, food, and fashion.
• Hired new staff members and temporary crew members, ran company HR and facilitated company health insurance for all employees.
• Frequently worked overnight building b-roll packages; good under pressure, good in a fast-paced environment, and good with brand messaging.
• Directed several national PSAs that performed in the top 5% or higher campaigns Nielsen monitored, including "Choose my Plate" with Maria Menounos and "Donate Life" with UCLA.
• Provided the Unicef PR team with national broadcast packages aired on primetime news outlets and helped launch their online video initiative, interviewed celebrity ambassadors like Sarah Jessica Parker and Rihanna at high-profile events.
• Won a Webby Award for creative directing the original company website.

• Field produced extensively, including high-profile red carpet events, often interviewing major celebrities for major brands.
• Produced broadcast media packages that aired both nationally and regionally while leading clients through edits, ensuring brand messaging was successfully delivered.
• Established the Interactive Media Department and increased media contacts and company exposure significantly.

• Scheduled and managed auditions for CBS's TV series "Criminal Minds".
• Ensured accurate project documentation by maintaining organized records of all auditions, callbacks, and casting decisions.
• Supported directors in identifying talent by conducting thorough script readings with potential actors.

• Produced award-winning regional content.
• Cast non-union commercials, cable and corporate videos.

• Directed 2 plays for the New York International Fringe Festival.
• Wrote, directed and produced several plays performed in NYC.