Michelle J. Russell
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished producer with extensive experience in multimedia production, project management, and team leadership. Renowned for innovative storytelling and robust technical skills, successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously. A proven record of delivering high-quality content on time and under budget while cultivating positive relationships with clients and stakeholders. Expertise in driving audience engagement across diverse platforms enhances overall project impact.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Producer
NewsNation
Chicago, IL
09.2022 - Current
- Drove significant audience growth for Banfield—Nielsen ratings nearly doubled total viewership and rose over 250% among adults 25–54 since September 2022, with overall audience growth exceeding 400% since launch (per January 2024 metrics)
- Produced a standout segment on a possible UFO sighting over LaGuardia Airport, which became NewsNation’s most-viewed YouTube video to date, surpassing 4.1 million views
- Executed breaking news coverage of several high-profile events, such as the manhunts for Danilo Cavalcante and Luigi Mangione, the Epstein document release, the New Orleans attack, and Hurricane Helene—stories that garnered significant ratings
- Secured and obtained an exclusive photo from U.S
- Marshals of escaped convict Danilo Cavalcante’s capture, which was featured network-wide
- Cultivated relationships with homicide detectives, criminal attorneys, and law enforcement, securing principal guests and exclusive insights for key stories
- Delivered daily live news segments, writing intros for the nation’s top true crime stories, ensuring accuracy and audience engagement
Producer/Writer
CNN/HLN
Atlanta, GA
08.2016 - 09.2022
- Conceptualized and wrote on-air scripts, including anchor intros, questions, teases, and text for graphics, ensuring a clear and engaging narrative for the audience
- Developed creative segment ideas that aligned with the show’s audience and brand, contributing to its consistent appeal and relevance
- Provided coverage on major national and global events, such as COVID-19, the inauguration of President Trump, and hurricanes Harvey and Irma, delivering accurate and timely content under tight deadlines
Senior Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
Chicago, IL
03.2010 - 12.2015
- Produced 5+ weekly episodes overseeing story development, guest booking to deliver compelling small-claims cases
- Supervised the production team, managing legal documentation, clearances, releases, and show budgets to maintain compliance and efficiency
- Co-produced two show pilots, overseeing interviews, booking, story development, and preparing the host and guests for on-camera success
Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
Chicago, IL
06.2014 - 04.2015
- Produced pilots for multiple projects, including a
- Conducted interviews, booked guests for small-claim court cases and prepared judges and guests
- Developed rehearsal format for the judges to work with actors as litigants prior to taping
Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
Chicago, IL
06.2014 - 11.2014
- Discovered talent, developed a comprehensive treatment to effectively pitch a docu-series in collaboration with Judge Greg Mathis
- Directed crews on location and conducted in-field interviews
- Secured locations, permits, equipment for shoots, and managed logistics to ensure smooth process
Freelance Field Producer
ABC/Disney
Chicago, IL
01.2012 - 02.2012
- Booked, pre-interviewed, and briefed guests for live satellite interviews, delivering seamless execution of segments
Futures Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
New York, NY
07.2009 - 02.2010
- Directed, coordinated and produced field shoots, managed crew and talent in-field
Senior Associate Producer
FOX
New York, NY
12.2006 - 06.2009
- Booked, pre-interviewed, and briefed guests for nationally syndicated live morning show, including high-profile celebrities
Producer
Sony Pictures Television
New York, NY
03.2006 - 10.2006
- Oversaw all areas of production, delivering weekly small-claim episodes for both shows
Producer
Sony Pictures Television
New York, NY
08.2006 - 09.2006
- Produced and coordinated a pilot for a new court show by conducting interviews, booking guests for small-claims cases, and preparing the judge and participants for on-air success.
Story Coordinator
King World Productions
New York, NY
08.2005 - 03.2006
- Interviewed guests, booked and coordinated shoots for live segments, including coverage of Hurricane Katrina, while managing logistics for in-studio, on-location, and red carpet events
Associate Producer
Sony Pictures Television
New York, NY
06.2005 - 07.2005
- Screened, booked and conducted pre-interviews with show guests for two pilots, including the talk show, Robin Quivers and the court show, Judge Maria Lopez
Associate Producer
Sony Pictures Television
New York, NY
07.2004 - 02.2005
- Screened, booked and pre-interviewed show guests, ensuring a smooth launch for the new show
Associate Producer
Sony Pictures Television
New York, NY
07.2003 - 02.2004
- Booked talent for high production episodes in collaboration with Ripley’s Believe It or Not and PLAYBOY.COM
Education
B.A. - WRITING ARTS
State University of New York
OswegoSkills
- Field production
- Strategic brand management
- Proofreading
- Journalism ethics
- Production team leadership
- Digital video production process
- Strong graphic and visual sense
- Strong creative vision
- Marketing and promotion
- Timeline management
- Casting coordination
Affiliations
• Trained and completed the 2011 Chicago Marathon while raising funds for Immerman Angels.
• In 2014 Collaborated with a group of cyclists to raise $17K for cancer research.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Producer
NewsNation
09.2022 - Current
Producer/Writer
CNN/HLN
08.2016 - 09.2022
Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
06.2014 - 04.2015
Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
06.2014 - 11.2014
Freelance Field Producer
ABC/Disney
01.2012 - 02.2012
Senior Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
03.2010 - 12.2015
Futures Producer
Telepictures/Warner Bros.
07.2009 - 02.2010
Senior Associate Producer
FOX
12.2006 - 06.2009
Producer
Sony Pictures Television
08.2006 - 09.2006
Producer
Sony Pictures Television
03.2006 - 10.2006
Story Coordinator
King World Productions
08.2005 - 03.2006
Associate Producer
Sony Pictures Television
06.2005 - 07.2005
Associate Producer
Sony Pictures Television
07.2004 - 02.2005
Associate Producer
Sony Pictures Television
07.2003 - 02.2004
B.A. - WRITING ARTS
State University of New York
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