Oral McKinley Sledge
Tucson,AZ
Summary
- Accomplished Director with a confident approach in managing budgeting and balancing priorities to keep projects aligned with goals. Consistently exceeding deadlines.
- Talented Film Producer with organizational leadership and project management abilities to achieve project success. Expertly handles production requirements and resolves problems to maintain schedules. Decisive in ensuring smooth operations and accomplishing creative vision.
- Skilled Television Host with 20+ year record overseeing Film and Television productions. Hands-on leader knowledgeable about all phases of development, production, and post-production. Persuasive in negotiating contracts and resolving disputes.
- Hardworking Director focused on completing work quickly to consistently achieve targets. Reliable team member accustomed to taking on challenging tasks. Dedicated to business success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Produce/Director Desire to Fly Documentary
University of Arizona (Film Student)
Tucson, AZ
04.2022 - Current
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify trends in product performance or customer service issues.
- Prepared presentations for board meetings summarizing key developments within the company.
- Served as a public spokesperson at industry events or conferences.
- Analyzed problematic situations and occurrences to provide solutions and facilitate company survival and growth.
- Supported work-life balance to improve staff morale.
- Recommended corrective actions to conform to quality specifications.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Directed or coordinated financial or budget activities to fund operations and maximize investments.
Executive Producer
Twin Cities Talent Showcase
Minneapolis, Minnesota
06.2013 - Current
- Communicated timelines with parties to keep production on schedule and adjust expectations as necessary
- Arranged permissions for on-location activities and licenses for supporting content
- Researched and implemented social media strategies to grow viewer following and facilitate engagement
- Coordinated day-to-day responsibilities necessary for project completion and delegated accordingly
- Secured independent contractors to supplement crew shortages and minimize workflow disruptions
- Bought supplies, equipment, and services necessary for successful Twin Cities Talent Showcase productions
- Created graphics for television broadcasts
- Supervised and coordinated work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members
- Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and variations in production objectives.
Film Director
THE SCAMMER
Tucson, Arizona
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Operated live video cameras to record video for Minneapolis College films
- Booked locations, auditioned talent, and located props for film productions
- Coordinated efficient schedules and assignments for the technical crews on each project
- Checked crew and performers during rehearsals to verify skill and readiness for the final production
- Organized script changes in consultation with the writers, producers, and actors to produce tight final drafts
- Monitored the post-production process to check the quality and completion of cinematic details
- Strictly monitored expenses to keep productions in line with their budget targets
- Conceptualized, wrote, and rewrote scripts to support film productions
- Established the pace of the program and the specific sequence of scenes to match the available time and make use of the available resources.
President, Board of Directors
Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
Minneapolis, Minnesota
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Implemented comprehensive business plans, initiatives, and strategies to achieve optimum operational and financial results
- Reviewed systems in place to manage internal controls of all financial activities and contributed strategic planning as high-level partner and advisor to President, Senior Vice President, and Board of Directors
- Collaborated with board members, senior executives, and industry partners to revitalize operations and achieve ambitious short- and long-term targets
- Represented the company to the media and trade organizations to support business operations
- Identified and corrected deficiencies with forward-thinking approaches to address organization-wide and department-level problems
- Created company positioning and re-branding strategies for new product launches and increased business opportunities.
Executive Producer
Chicago Talent Showcase
Chicago, Illinois
09.2002 - 08.2012
- Communicated timelines with parties to keep production on schedule and adjust expectations as necessary
- Coordinated day-to-day responsibilities necessary for project completion and delegated accordingly
- Planned, wrote, and edited content for on-air personalities
- Oversaw the writing process to keep the team working in line with the overall creative vision
- Checked crew and performers during rehearsals to verify skill and readiness for the final production
- Reviewed creative materials such as plays, books, and scripts to identify pieces worthy of producing
- Scheduled locations and studio facilities to complete the desired shots
- Established the pace of the program and the specific sequence of scenes to match the available time and make use of the available resources
- Coordinated activities of writers, directors, and managers throughout the production process.
Background Actor
Dirty Work
Chicago, Illinois
04.2006 - 04.2006
- Maintained availability for lengthy rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and extensive travel
- Worked closely with other crew members to execute seamless performances
- Listened to director's notes and incorporated feedback or instructions into performance
- Worked closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find interpretation most suited to role.
Background Actor
Weatherman
Chicago, Illinois
06.2005 - 06.2005
- Maintained availability for lengthy rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and extensive travel
- Worked closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find interpretation most suited to role
- Studied and rehearsed roles from scripts to interpret, learn, and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed
- Interpreted roles and refined the characterization in collaboration with directors, writers, and fellow actors.
Actor
Sore Loser Productions Inc
Chicago, Illinois
02.2005 - 02.2005
- Delivered lines and worked with director to solidify artistic direction
- Memorized and delivered lines, dialogues, and scripts fluently
- Listened to director's notes and incorporated feedback or instructions into performance
- Interpreted roles and refined the characterization in collaboration with directors, writers, and fellow actors
- Improved roles by using expertise in speech, gestures, and body movements to engage the audience.
Background Actor
When Thugs Cry
Chicago, Illinois
03.2003 - 03.2003
- Maintained availability for lengthy rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and extensive travel
- Delivered lines and worked with director to solidify artistic direction
- Leveraged skill in tone and body language to convey character traits
- Worked closely with other crew members to execute seamless performances
- Worked closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find interpretation most suited to role.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Television And Film
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05-2025
Associate of Science - Cinema
Minneapolis College
High School Diploma - Communications and Closed Circuit Television Anchor
Nathan Hale High School
Digital Cinema - Double major in Business
DePaul University
Skills
- Content curation
- Schedule management
- Editing
- Project coordination
- Content writing
- Relationship management
- Team organization
- Project oversight
- Develop story ideas
- Oversee crew members
- Plan schedules
- Hire talent
- Oversee editing
- Scout locations
- Set budgets
Accomplishments
- SWIFF Student World Impact Film Festival Quarter Finalist (out of 13,000 submissions from 120 countries 2023
- Sprite Film Festival 2021, first place winner for THE SCAMMER
- What's Up Doc's Honored Participant in association with fellow filmmakers from the University of Arizona
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Produce/Director Desire to Fly Documentary
University of Arizona (Film Student)
04.2022 - Current
Film Director
THE SCAMMER
06.2021 - 09.2021
President, Board of Directors
Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
02.2018 - 01.2019
Executive Producer
Twin Cities Talent Showcase
06.2013 - Current
Background Actor
Dirty Work
04.2006 - 04.2006
Background Actor
Weatherman
06.2005 - 06.2005
Actor
Sore Loser Productions Inc
02.2005 - 02.2005
Background Actor
When Thugs Cry
03.2003 - 03.2003
Executive Producer
Chicago Talent Showcase
09.2002 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Television And Film
University of Arizona
Associate of Science - Cinema
Minneapolis College
High School Diploma - Communications and Closed Circuit Television Anchor
Nathan Hale High School
Digital Cinema - Double major in Business
DePaul University
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