Meet Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

Shannon Malone-Benedictis (she/her) is a two-time Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker, creative consultant, and speaker & facilitator. From writing her first play at age 10 to executive producing documentaries for Disney+, Netflix, and others, she's always loved telling stories.

Shannon’s clients range from start-ups ready to break into the film market to billion dollar tech companies seeking creative solutions to every day problems.

She’s been featured on a variety of podcasts and interviewed for outlets such as Washingtonian Magazine.

“YOU CAN’T HELP BUT HAVE A GOOD TIME WHEN SHE IS IN THE ROOM.”

Listen to Shannon’s latest podcast interview on Story Samurai.

Shannon Malone-deBenedictis shares her journey of embracing her individuality and finding joy in being herself. She talks about how she moved away from trying to fit in and hiding her true self, and instead embraced her big hair and unique style.

CLIENTS

  • Disney+/Nat Geo

  • WB-Discovery

  • Netflix

  • Smithsonian

  • Wondrium

  • Sesame Studios

  • WebMD

  • Off The Fence

  • PBS Distribution

  • Animal Planet

200+

hours produced for US and international marketplace

20+

years TV + film experience

10+

years of network experience

2

Emmy Awards

SERVICES

Creative Idea Generation Got an idea you want to bring to life? Let Shannon transform your spark into a fully realized pitch. From initial brainstorming to crafting a winning concept, let Shannon take that acorn and turn it into a stunning program idea. 

Strategic Collaboration & Workshops Maximize the impact of your team meetings and brainstorming sessions. Using the proven AJ Smart/Design Sprint method, Shannon facilitates dynamic collaboration and pitching strategies that deliver results. Take your offsite or strategy meeting to the next level.

Motivational Speaker & Media Expert With over 20 years of experience as an editor, producer, and network executive, Shannon offers a unique perspective on the evolving television industry. As a plus-sized woman excelling in an image-conscious field, she also shares powerful insights on overcoming societal pressures. Shannon’s speeches inspire creative professionals to break barriers and embrace their full potential.

Producing: Long & Short Form Content From Emmy award-winning projects with James Cameron to fun and engaging shorts with Elmo, Shannon has seen it all. Whether you have a small project or a massive undertaking, Shannon brings the same passion and expertise to ensure success. No idea is too big or small.

Problem Resolution for Projects & Teams When things go wrong, Shannon steps in to fix it. Whether it’s missing key talent, technical challenges, or inappropriate workplace behavior, Shannon’s experience in navigating complex situations ensures your project stays on track. Overcome hurdles and keep your team moving forward.

Mentorship for Young Creatives Passionate about nurturing young talent, Shannon provides guidance on career growth, work-life balance, and building a fulfilling creative career. She’s dedicated to helping the next generation of creatives achieve their goals and thrive.

Emotional Support Auntie Need someone in your corner to lift you up? Shannon’s here with open arms and unwavering support. Whether you’re facing career challenges or personal struggles, she’ll provide the encouragement you need to keep moving forward. To Shannon, everyone is a champion.

SPEAKING TOPICS

Shannon Malone-deBenedictis is a gifted storyteller.

From how to make a documentary to what it’s like being fat in media and creative approaches to problem solving, Shannon’s expertise in the creative and television fields engages audiences of all ages.

Her speaking engagements range from intimate coffees to large auditoriums.

How to Stay Creative

Doc 101: From idea to Distribution

Sharks, Whales, & Dogs: Filming Animals

Being Fat in the Limelight

When the Shit Hits the Fan: Problem Solving 101

Finding the Story Amid the Noise

Corporate Personalities: How to Navigate Crazy

Creative Careers: It is Possible!

HAPPY AUDIENCES

CAROLE TOMKO

Award-winning Media Executive, Studio and Network Head

Shannon is a joy to work with both creatively and strategically. She has the rare combination of being able to both develop fresh new concepts while understanding the ever-changing media landscape. She easily pinpoints potential creative challenges and applies her direct and honest feedback to help creatives deliver their best work.

STEVEN GREEN

Award Winning UK Producer & Media Executive

Shannon is a gifted program-maker and industry insider with a huge contacts book. She always has the inside track on every media network and platform – the person to go to for sharp opinion of the current documentary and factual market. Oh, and she’s really funny too.

TRACY BECKETT

Award Winning Producer & Media Executive

Shannon not only has the expertise in her field but also she can take complex strategies and creative ideas and express them in a very thoughtful and engaging way. I always enjoy our collaborations as she is motivated, humorous and her energy is contagious.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

2012 - 2022

SVP OF PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Red Rock Films

Primary overseer of development and production Red Rock, a start-up US production company. Grew the company from a basement producer to an award-winning industry go-to both domestically and internationally. Projects included the Primetime Emmy Award-winning series SECRETS OF THE WHALES and the Daytime Emmy-winning series PENGUIN TOWN. Projects ranged from natural history to science to lifestyle and independent documentaries.

2007 - 2022

DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

National Geographic Channel & Nat Geo Wild

Oversaw 85 (eighty-five) production companies including four (4) talent agencies for the National Geographic Channels. Developed and/or created pitches into workable formats and processed them through the greenlight system. Saw projects from concept and greenlight to BAR and handoff to EP/PM team.

1999 - 2007

EDITOR, PRODUCER

Discovery Channel

Duties included development and conceptualization of project, coordination of various corporate departments for program/special rollout, feedback on scripts and rough cuts and completion of project for premiere date including DISCOVERY ATLAS and PLANET EARTH. Served as team lead over Production Support Staff for the Discovery Channel, supervising ten+ junior staff members.

CREDITS

2022 | Inside the Mind of a Cat | Executive Producer

2022 | Mothersharker | Executive Producer

2022 | The Haunting of Shark Tower | Executive Producer

2021 | World’s Biggest Bull Shark? | Executive Producer

2021 | Secrets of the Whales* | Executive Producer

2021 | Penguin Town* | Executive Producer

2020 | I Am Wolverine | Development Executive

2020 | Space Disasters | Executive Producer

2020 | Raging Bull Shark | Development Executive

2020 | World’s Biggest Tiger Shark?* | Development Executive

2018 | Wild Nordic | Development Executive

2018 | America’s Mississippi | Development Executive

2018 | Man v Puma | Development Executive

2018 | WebMD Shorts | Development Executive

2018 | Wild Southwest | Development Executive

2018 | Carriers At War | Executive Producer

2018 | Mighty Northwest | Development Executive

2018 | America’s Wild Frontier | Development Executive

2017 | Sesame Studios Shorts | Development Executive

2017 | Return to Isle of Jaws | Executive Producer

2017 | Tiger Shark Terror | Development Executive

2017 | America: The Beautiful | Development Executive

2016 | Deadliest Place on Earth | Executive Producer

2016| Isle of Jaws | Executive Producer

2016 | Who’s Your Doggie? | Development Executive

2015 | The Killing Games | Executive Producer

2015 | Shark Storm | Executive Producer

2014 | Secrets of the Arsenal | Development Executive

2014 | Zombie Sharks | Executive Producer

2014 | Sheriff of Cross River | Development Executive

2014 | Air Warriors | Development Executive

*Award Winning

2013 | Turtleman’s Kentucky | Development Executive

2013 | B2: Stealth At War | Development Executive

2012 | NatGeo Wild’s World’s Weirdest| Development Executive

2012 | Storm Warriors | Development Executive

2011 | George Bush: The 9/11 Interview | Development Executive

2011 | CounterTerror NYC | Development Executive

2011 | Wicked Tuna | Development Executive

2011 | American Colony: Meet the Hutterites | Development Executive

2011 | Hard Time 2 | Development Executive

2011 | Eating with Cannibals | Development Executive

2011 | Indestructibles | Development Executive

2010 | Wild Justice| Development Executive

2010 | Taboo VI| Development Executive

2010 | Swamp Men | Development Executive

2010 | My Life is a Zoo | Development Executive

2009 | Alone in the Wild | Development Executive

2009 | Search for the Amazon Headshrinkers | Development Executive

2009 | Shark Men | Development Executive

2007 | Planet Earth* | Network Series Producer

2007 | Risk Takers 2 | Executive Producer

2007| New Face, New Hope | Executive Producer

2006 | Discovery ATLAS* | Series Producer / Project Manager

2006 | Crimes that Shook the World | Series Executive Producer / Writer

2006| The Killer Within Film Trailer, Toronto Film Festival | Producer

2005 | With All Deliberate Speed* Feature Film | Associate Producer

2005 | Dirty Jobs (Pilot)* | Associate Producer

2005 | Little People, Big World (Pilot) | Associate Producer

2005 | America’s Craftiest Animals | Senior Executive Producer

2003 | Death of Yugoslavia* | Associate Producer

2002 | How to Build a Human* | Producer / Writer

2001 | Manhattan on the Beach* | Producer / Writer

CONNECT WITH ME

For PR/Press/Speaking: 703-679-8340
Rep'd by Ra Kumar, United Talent Agency
KumarR@unitedtalent.com
‭(212) 765-3040‬