Resume of Don Helms
Resume:
Don Helms
Indianapolis, IN 46254
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Emmy, Louie, Telly, AP, NCTA, UPI and Eclipse are just a few of the awards that hang on the wall or sit on the bookshelf plus you can add a couple of number one box office movies to the list of accomplishments. But the biggest success stories are the success of the departments, companies and clients that I have worked with.
A highly experienced Television Executive who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of professionals to new levels of success in a variety of highly competitive situations, and fast-paced environments. Strong technical and production qualifications with an impressive track record of more than 30 years of hands-on experience in television production. Proven ability to successfully analyze an organization's critical requirements, identify deficiencies and potential opportunities, and develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for enhancing competitiveness, increasing revenues, and improving quality.
EMPLOYMENT
2003 – Present Broadcasting Consultant – Producer - Editor
Clients have included Kroger, Intermatic, MMY Productions and NFL Films. Major projects have included the two largest auto races in Mexico and the syndicated television programs Steel Dreams, Junk’d and Green House Project.
2004 – 2007 IMC Marketing – Sun Medical Supplies Indianapolis, IN
Advertising/Marketing Manager
Oversight of national marketing and advertising for a group of 5 companies including the production of a weekly entertainment television program
Developed branding for various products
Created web presence and developed email marketing programs
Management of Sales\Marketing for Dental Supply Company
1998 – 2003 Championship Auto Racing Teams Indianapolis, IN
Director - Broadcast Services
Reduced operating budget by 43 percent without reducing level of operation or quality
Oversaw domestic and international broadcast production
Actively secured licensing agreements and marketed video services which resulted in a 500% increase in revenue.
Eliminated a significant amount of outsourcing by various divisions resulting in 6 figure savings
1996 – 1998 AmeriCom Direct Marketing Louisville, KY
Senior Account Executive
Secured new business from major regional and national accounts
Mentored other reps and assisted in client presentations
1994 – 1996 Irving H. Whitehouse and Sons Louisville, KY
Vice President Sales and Marketing
Increased sales by an average of 7% and returned company to a profitable position
Developed direct marketing campaigns that increased national visibility
Created and implemented Five Star Assurance Plus Team Certification Program which set a new industry standard for quality control and client satisfaction
1991 –1994 WKPC-TV (PBS) Louisville, KY
Senior Vice President–National Productions/Client Services
Senior Vice President – Operations/Engineering
Secured funding and developed programming for national distribution
Acquired major regional and national production accounts with billing in excess of two million dollars
Implemented a five-year business plan, which included a new facility
As Executive Producer for all programs established quality control standards
Established a working relationship with Russian Broadcaster RTV
1983 – 1991 WLKY-TV (Pulitzer Broadcasting) Louisville, KY
Operations Manager
Managed Programming and Production departments
Developed economically successful news, sports, entertainment and public service programs in addition to securing top rated syndicated programs
Increased production revenue by $300,000 while also improving local spot market share
1976 – 1983 KSDK-TV (Pulitzer Broadcasting) St. Louis, Mo
Engineering\News Production Supervisor
Developed station operational procedures
Supervised union engineering and production personnel
Implemented system to communicate problems and track their resolution
Actively participated in selection of news talent and creative aspects of news programs
AWARDS
Emmy Awards for Lighting, news set design, public service announcement, best special
Multiple Telly Awards for Sports and Informational programming
National Cable Television Association Best Special of the Year
Associated Press – Various awards for best News and Sports Programs
Louie Awards – Various commercials and programs
International Festival Award – Best Corporate Presentation
Eclipse Award
Major Production Credits
Creator/Producer – Telly Award winning The Indy Scene
Executive Producer – CART International Television
Coordinating Producer – Inside CART on ESPN2
Consultant – “Driven” Movie written and produced by Sylvester Stallone
Executive Producer/Coordinator – The Kentucky Derby for RTR
First live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby to the former Soviet Union.
Third highest rated program in Russian history.
Executive Producer/Producer – Countdown to Derby
Annual broadcast of over 12 hours of programming for regional network
Creator/Executive Producer – Bicentennial Moments
80 thirty-second vignettes about Kentucky syndicated to stations in three states
Executive Producer/Producer – Bicentennial Celebration
One-hour live special from state capital syndicated statewide, featuring Crystal Gayle
Creator/Executive Producer – Kentucky Educational Project
One-hour video and workbook about Kentucky history distributed free of charge to every
school in the state
Executive Producer/Director/Producer – My Name Is Linda
90 minute one person play distributed nationally by PBS
Producer – The Embroidery Studio
Nationally distributed PBS instructional program on needle arts
Producer – Thunder Over Louisville
Opening ceremonies of the 35th Kentucky Derby Festival featuring the largest fireworks
display in North America. Simulcast by three stations within state.
Creator/Producer – Super Sports Sunday
30 Minute sports specials preceding network telecasts of Louisville basketball
Director/Producer – St. Louis Cardinal Baseball /Louisville Redbirds Baseball
Producer/Director/Technical Director – Various sports for NBC, ESPN and regional broadcast
Producer - Junk’d (Syndicated program)
Producer - Green House Project (Syndicated program)
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