"Melody is a singular talent. She is driven, focused, and possesses remarkable visual instincts. She has the stuff of a genuinely compelling director; and, the stories she wants to tell are the kind worth paying attention to."
—Rik Swartzwelder, Director, Old Fashioned
PROFESSIONAL INFO
SKILLS
I specialize in writing and directing dramatic and documentary films. My goal is to use this powerful medium to create positive social change by telling stories that uplift, entertain, and inspire.
Directing, Editing, Producing, Screenwriting, Graphic Design, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, Final Draft
FILMOGRAPHY
Producer-Director, Valley Gate Productions
2024 - present
Guides documentary feature film project through development and production, develops creative vision, strategizes for social engagement and ministry impact.
Producer-Director, Your Love Is Strong
2020 - present
Guides feature film project through development, directs promotional and documentary content, strategies for missional impact.
Media Director, New Dawn Christian Village
2016 - 2019
Worked with leadership to develop a compelling brand and consistent aesthetic for all visual media.
Managed social media accounts and curated website; designed graphics, and shot video announcements.
Managed project pipeline and advertising for all events
AWARDS
Emmy® Award
Life on the Line: Love for Lexi
Emmy® Award
Loma Linda 360: Beating Cancer
Emmy® Award
Loma Linda 360: End It Now
Crystal Heart Award
Marbles with Thoreau
Boston Film Festival Best Short
Marbles with Thoreau
Crystal Heart Award
Secret of the Cave
Outstanding Performance in Film
School of Visual Art & Design
Highschool Valedictorian
Parkview Adventist Academy
Story Consultant, Come Before Winter
2016
Served as a story and editing consultant for this feature documentary on "Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his companions in the dying gasps of the Third Reich."
Director, End It Now: Understanding & Preventing Child Abuse
2013 - 2014
Directed and edited this Emmy® award-winning documentary, now being used as an employee training resource by prevention organizations around the country.
Director-Editor, Advancement Films, Loma Linda University Health
2012 - 2015
Managed the production of documentary films and PR videos at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Directed episodes for Life on the Line TV show, which aired on PBS stations across the nation.
Production Designer, Old Fashioned
2011
Designed unified visual style for the independent feature film, Old Fashioned. Scouted and selected locations in keeping with overall visual feel and tone. Designed look of each set and worked with Art Director to execute vision. Managed Art Department during filming.
Director, Stained Glass: Hollywood Blvd.
2007 - 2009
Documented the journey of the innovative leadership team at the Hollywood Adventist Church over the course of two years. Edited 130 hours of footage into three episodes for web and DVD, distributed to pastors across North America as a learning resource.
Writer-Director, Marbles with Thoreau
2007 - 2008
Directed Marbles with Thoreau, a short film inspired by the life of Henry David Thoreau. Supervised post production; developed a strategic marketing plan for promotion of the film; oversaw the design and creation of EPK, website, and other marketing materials. Oversaw festival run in 2009 and promoted film at festival events.
Director, Hope Family Health
2008 - 2015
Directed and edited documentaries and promo videos for this health center serving the underserved in rural Tennessee. Worked with client to develop focus, vision, and target audience. Interviewed patients and shot additional footage. Edited and authored finished DVD.
Festival Programmer, SONscreen Film Festival
2008 - 2011
Served on the visionary planning board of this festival dedicated to mentoring, educating and encouraging film students as they enter the industry. Programmed screening order for films accepted into the festival. Hosted the fest, moderated panel discussions and filmmaker Q&A sessions.
Editor, Secret of the Cave
2005
Edited the award-winning independent feature, Secret of the Cave. Worked as camera assistant during five weeks of principal photography on location on Achill Island, Ireland.
EDUCATION
Southern Adventist University School of Visual Art & Design
2001 - 2006
B.S. Film Production
Magna Cum Laude
Date of Graduation: May, 2006
"Melody is truly a creative visionary as well as a passionate and dedicated professional. I'd recommend her to any production or organization. They'd be fortunate to have a colleague with her intelligence, motivation, and boundless energy."
—Nathan Nazario Producer, Old Fashioned
