KATHLEEN BURNS
*** ***** *** ***. ***, NEW YORK, NY 10282 - 213-***-**** - **************@***.***
Head of television production and operations with extensive experience in studio and field work: television (multi-camera non-scripted and scripted series, stage productions, live news, sports), multi-media and emerging technologies, and branded content. Oversaw daily operations of numerous series and events simultaneously. Proficient communicator, collaborator, team builder.
Work Experience
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / HEAD OF PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS – CABANA 512 PRODUCTIONS January 2017- present
* “Conscious Life Live”- Produced and Directed production of live studio multi-media production with remote guests from Egypt to India, in-studio presenters and musical performances; Creative producer/ writer / interviewed guests. Worked closely with Clients and Sponsors; Directed and managed all technical ops
* Cornerstone – Creative Producer / Director of multi-media presentations for investors/sponsors of foster care medical facilities and programs fighting child trafficking (documentary in development)
* “SpySport” – Client-facing lead responsible for pitch/project procurement; manage in-person multi-media event production providing creative content integrating luxury brands; managed creative, technical operations and budget
* Imprint Projects – Managed numerous studio /field-based productions for advertising/marketing agency integrating luxury brands
* Teragram Ballroom – Managed integrated production of multi-media music festival (performances by Silversun Pickups, Dead Sara, Filter, Beasto Blanco)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / DIRECTOR – THE DARK ZONE NETWORK January 2020- March 2024
* Creative Producer and Director of integrated production and operations of live investigative series from some of the most haunted locations in the world: Queen Mary, Conjuring House, Lizzie Borden Murder House, LAPD Museum, Balgonie Castle (Scotland)
* Managed project budgets from inception to completion resulting in improved profit margins while maintaining quality assurance
* Established strategic partnerships through diligent rights management, improving company’s content distribution capabilities
* Guided the development of technical and operational workflows to ensure quality assurance and efficient operations; oversaw technical operations and engineering of transmission; oversaw launch of FAST Channel
* Led the team in implementing industry trends which resulted in positive audience engagement and a 510% ROI
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER /EXEC IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION– “28 DAYS HAUNTED” – NETFLIX/MAK PICTURES April 2021 – Nov 2021
* Created production plan, budgeted, on-location production supervisor for Netflix series. Managed several departments across three locations and substantial company move; worked closely with the team to manage technical requirements of high budget production; negotiated talent, crew deals, managing vendor accounts, managed on-camera talent
* Responsible for creative and financial reporting to network partners – guided cost reduction that increased company’s profit margin from 10% to 24%
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER / EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – KINETIC CONTENT March 2010-January 2017
* Setup infrastructure of start-up production company and oversaw production, post, finance and legal
* Executive Producer of such broadcast series as “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” (NBC), “The Taste” (ABC), “Married at First Sight” (FYI/Lifetime), “Geeks Who Drink” (SyFy), “Little Women” (FYI/Lifetime), “You Deserve It” (ABC), “Seven Year Switch” (FYI)
* Scouted studio space, oversaw set construction, lighting and tech load-in for numerous studio shows for ABC, NBC, SyFy
* Negotiated collective bargaining agreements with IATSE, DGA, WGA, SAG/AFTRA and managed compliance
* Collaborated with internal heads of departments and heads of networks to generate revenue, strategize new projects / internal development, and cultivate client relationships leading to business growth and increased profitability
* Led company growth to $100m revenue, managing six-year growth to 60,000 square feet / 300 employees
* Created and oversaw budgets from inception to completion, fostering strong vendor relationships, collaborated with producers and production to increase profit margins from 10% to 25% while maintaining quality standards
* Managed company financial performance, profit and loss statements, revenue forecasts, resource allocation, annual budgets
* Negotiated network and talent contracts, coordinated with business affairs/legal to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies; created company employee handbook; created company coaching program for aspiring producers/managers
VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION, POST / EXECUTIVE PRODUCER– PILGRIM FILMS AND TELEVISION April 2004-February 2010
* Setup infrastructure of small production company and led growth to most prolific provider of non-scripted content in cable tv
* Supervised all aspects of production and post for over 55 broadcast series including “The Ultimate Fighter” (Spike), “Dirty Jobs” (Discovery), “American Chopper” (Discovery), “Ghost Hunters” (SyFy), “Out of the Wild: Alaska” (Discovery), “American Ninja Warrior” (G4), “My Fair Wedding” (WE), “Master of Dance” (TLC), “Girl Meets Cowboy” (WE), “Greensburg” (Discovery)
* Fostered third party vendor relations resulting in opportunities for 20% cost savings
* Negotiated contracts, coordinated with business affairs/legal to ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, union rules, health/safety mastery; maintained relationships with networks, account executives and agents
* Led growth of company from $3M revenue to $200M revenue and subsequent major acquisition deal by Lionsgate
POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
* Directed and led the post-production team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality work while maintaining effective communication across departments and ensuring adherence to financial targets: Worst Case Scenario (Sony/TBS), Ripley’s Believe it or Not! (Sony/TBS), Hard Copy (syndication), I Survived a Disaster (Vin di Bona/ABC)
* Oversaw all aspects of post-production for Laser-Pacific VFX, including DaVinci color-correct, 3D animation, VFX, CGI
* Supervised on-line sessions at post-production houses Matchframe and Alpha Dogs, sound design, mix at Post Logic, Wildwood
PRODUCTION MANAGER
*Managed heads of departments, worked directly with ad agencies, oversaw budgets and production from pre-production to post for commercials and events (domestic and international commercials involving travel, studio production and set construction, VFX, stunts, celebrities, 3D animation integration, billing) for Ridley Scott/RSA, HKM, Epoch Films, among others
ON-AIR GRAPHICS / PRODUCER Live Broadcast Sports, News, 2 x Olympics Games - for CNN, Turner, Fox Sports, ABC, ESPN, CBS, IOC, MLB, Prime
KEY SKILLS AND PROFICIENCIES
* Business Development * Budget Management * Client Relationship Management
* Growth Strategies * Revenue Generation * Compliance and Legal Oversight
* Contract Negotiations * Project Management * Talent Curation
* Video Post – Production, VFX, CGI, AI * Operational Efficiency * Team Leadership and Mentoring
* Studio Ops, Integrated Production * Live Sports and Events * Stakeholder Reporting
* Problem Solving Skills * Multi-tasking * Strategic Thinking
* Digital Content Creation * Luxury Brand Integration * Managing High Performing Teams
Education
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science – Broadcast Journalism and Communications