Salena Michelle (Alston) is a producer, actor, and director who was born and raised in the Charleston area of South Carolina. Salena moved to Atlanta in 2015 to pursue her acting career. Her career took an unexpected, but welcomed turn when she became an acting coach for Dwaye Boyd's Premier Actors' Network and directed her first film for the film festival she developed and organized for the same. Salena is well-versed in overseeing all facets of film production, from conceptual development through final delivery. She is familiar with every behind-the-scenes position and all related equipment and is versed in working with clients to bring their vision to life.
Hi, I’m
Salena M. Alston
Atlanta,United States
Summary
Overview
6
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Open Book Productions
Executive Producer
02.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Collaborated with creative teams to develop and refine project concepts, and writing scripts.
- Developed and managed budgets.
- Hired and managed production staff, including writers, directors, actors, and crew members.
- Ensured projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Open Book Productions
Film Director
10.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Directed various digital projects
- Participated in all stages of the filmmaking process from scriptwriting and preproduction to the final edit and release
- Worked closely with executive producers to develop a vision for the projects
- Advised actors and stunt performers; gave detailed instructions to all members of the film crew
- Oversaw pre-production processes and procedures such as film budgeting, choosing filming locations, and preparing shooting timetables
- Reviewed projects on a daily basis to determine the progress and identify potential issues which needed to be resolved
Dee's Night
On Set Coach
06.2024 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Coached actors through their performances based on the director's wants and needs for the scene.
- Instructed actors on proper physicality for stage presence while maintaining safe movement practices during performances.
- Enhanced actors' performances by providing feedback and coaching based on direction from the director and writer.
- Guided actors through character development processes, leading to more authentic and believable performances on screen.
Axel's Night
First Assistant Director
09.2023 - 11.2023
Job overview
- Collaborated with directors and producers to develop shooting schedules that maximized resources and minimized conflicts.
- Enhanced overall production efficiency by streamlining communication between departments and delegating tasks effectively.
- Ensured production stayed on task and kept production on schedule.
Conscious Creativity
Film Director
08.2021 - 08.2021
Job overview
- Directed actors on set
- Worked closely with executive producers to develop a vision for the projects
- Advised actors and stunt performers; gave detailed instructions to all members of the film crew
- Participated in post-production including final edits
Freeze Frame Productions
Film Director
08.2020 - 08.2020
Job overview
- Directed actors on set
- Worked closely with executive producers to develop a vision for the projects
- Advised actors and stunt performers; gave detailed instructions to all members of the film crew
Art and...
Assistant director
11.2018 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Managed and instructed staff on set; was in charge of shooting schedule ensuring that deadlines were met
- Reviewed projects on a daily basis to determine the progress and identify potential issues which needed to be resolved
Born 2 Act Productions
Film Director and Editor
08.2018 - 10.2018
Job overview
- Participated in all stages of the filmmaking process from scriptwriting and preproduction to the final edit and release
- Worked closely with executive producers to develop a vision for the projects
- Advised actors and stunt performers; gave detailed instructions to all members of the film crew
- Oversaw pre-production processes and procedures such as film budgeting, choosing filming locations, and preparing shooting timetables
- Reviewed projects on a daily basis to determine the progress and identify potential issues which needed to be resolved
- Edited the film, managed footage and sound, sorted 8 hours worth of raw footage
Education
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA
Associate of Arts from Film And Video Production
University Overview
Skills
- English
- Microsoft Office
- PowerDirector, iMovie
- Adobe Premiere, Slack, Trello
- DaVinci Resolve
- Pro Tools
- Ability to Work under Pressure
- Communication/Leadership Skills
- Creative
- Detail-oriented
- Time Management
LANGUAGES SKILLS
COMPUTER/VIDEO EDITING SKILLS
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
- Getting lost in a good book
- Singing
- Writing
- Playing video games
- Roller skating
- Staff Supervision
- Talent Acquisition
- Content Development
- Schedule Coordination
- Script Writing
- Pre-Production
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Team Leadership
- Video Editing
Hobbies and Interests
Hobbies and Interests
- Created and organized Premier Actors' Network's film festivals.
- Wrote several SOP manuals for various jobs.
- Won several awards for speeches.
- Arranging before and after arrival meetings with students.
- Participating on long and short-term goals of the office.
- Improving dramatical skills.
- Arranging and organizing meetings, interviews, events, etc.
- Assisting in potential candidates' training.
- Assisting in recruiting new staff and collaborators.
- Completion of all report and assigned task within agreed deadline.
- Handling Company cash and banking, including float and safe counts and financial processing.
- Identifying and addressing store manager needs.
- In- and outbound transfers.
- Managing office equipment and stationery.
Certification
- eCornell Women in Entrepreneurship Certification
Timeline
On Set Coach
Dee's Night
06.2024 - 06.2024
First Assistant Director
Axel's Night
09.2023 - 11.2023
Executive Producer
Open Book Productions
02.2023 - Current
Film Director
Conscious Creativity
08.2021 - 08.2021
Film Director
Open Book Productions
10.2020 - Current
Film Director
Freeze Frame Productions
08.2020 - 08.2020
Assistant director
Art and...
11.2018 - 12.2018
Film Director and Editor
Born 2 Act Productions
08.2018 - 10.2018
Georgia State University
Associate of Arts from Film And Video Production
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