Melinda Cea - Life as a television producer story teller entertainment | Industry TV producer

I’m an award-winning TV producer, filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, and truth seeker through and through.

I’m the make-it-happen girl who doesn’t believe in putting anyone in a box.

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Lights, Camera, Action

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a curious doer, and really, that’s what being a producer and storyteller is all about — staying curious and being relentless about doing whatever inspires you.

The excitement of the lights, camera, action of the entertainment industry is the total opposite of the high-desert, tumbleweed, two-lane town I grew up in — so it was a hell-to-the-yeah for my curious self.

It all started when I graduated from Cal State Northridge and interned at every news station that would take me. From being on camera (omg, those tapes are hilarious) to being a writer, producer, and director, I had an insatiable appetite (still do) for understanding every role on set.

My Career as a TV Producer

While I began my television career in news, it quickly transitioned into the wild world of reality television. When E! Entertainment sent me around the world for a party show, my passion for production was sealed and my thirst for adventure ignited.

Almost eighteen years later, I’ve produced everything from the Emmy-nominated series Dancing With the Stars to Secret Millionaire, Undercover Billionaire, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Better Late Than Never, Operation Change, Flirty Dancing, I Can See Your Voice, Cooks vs. Cons, American Hustler with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and so many more. From ABC to FOX, A&E to Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Quibi, Food Network, and TVLand — it’s been a ride.

Now as an executive producer and content creator, I have over 60 television credits, 300+ episodes produced, and a love of storytelling that has allowed me to lead teams in twenty-seven countries, including Thailand, Spain, Palestine, India, Tanzania, Greece, and Papua New Guinea.

I’ve fallen in love with the best and worst of humanity, and I believe that is what makes me a great storyteller.

The Glorious Side of TV Production

I’ve had the honor of telling stories for some of today’s most influential producers like Mark Burnett and thought leaders like His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and President Bill Clinton. From Donna Karan to Kevin Costner, William Shatner, Terry Bradshaw, Harry Connick Jr., Sir Elton John, Ken Jeong, Glenn Stearns, and Jenna Dewan, I’ve been able to work alongside and learn from some of the world’s top talent.

Over my career, I’ve garnered partnerships with Lionsgate, Scripps, and production companies in Los Angeles and NYC for my own TV show concepts. I even had the privilege of partnering with the National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE) as an executive producer of their inaugural Omni Cultural TV Fest and was honored by Los Angeles’ Mayor Eric Garcetti for my work as a television producer.

Apparently, I’m now considered a veteran.

The Secret Sauce to My Success

My experience spans building a production company to developing shows, casting the perfect talent, scouting and planning shoots, negotiating millions in branded integrations, writing scripts, directing television shows, conducting interviews, providing notes on all editorial cuts, and working with networks to meet deadlines — all with the aim of creating world-class content.

Listen up, aspiring producers and storytellers; if there’s one thing I’ve learned, there will always be more to learn and do and definitely more stories to tell!

When I first started my career as a TV producer, I spent a lot of time wondering if I was doing it right. Eventually, I said, Fuck this. I’m doing my best.

That’s the secret sauce to my success. With every new TV show and role, I started right where I was and dove in head first, doing my best.

Creators, Stand Up and Tell Your Stories

My hands were often shaking with nerves, voice trembling with doubt, filled with fear and excitement all at the same time. But I just went for it and didn’t stop until whatever my next dream was became my reality.

Many times my voice still shakes with excitement and nerves when I am out of my comfort zone, but being in that headspace makes me feel alive. And often, I discover the best stories there.

Get curious and produce your life around whatever drives that curiosity!

xo melinda