ELLIE COLEMAN
Norwich,Norfolk
Summary
Commercially minded Managing Director and Executive Producer leading creative, operational and financial delivery for an independent production company. Builds trusted broadcaster, platform and partner relationships, develops ideas into programmes and brands, and leads teams of up to 10 across production, post-production and delivery. Combines hands-on production skills with calm leadership through change.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director / Executive Producer
COLEMAN TELEVISION LTD
01.2021 - Current
- Led day-to-day operations of independent production company, balancing strategic, commercial, creative and operational responsibilities to drive successful project outcomes.
- Identify business opportunities, develop programme ideas and pitches, and guide projects from initial concept through production, post-production and delivery.
- Build trusted relationships with broadcasters, platforms, production partners, clients, museums, charities and cultural organisations in the UK and internationally.
- Lead project teams of up to 10 producers, editors and researchers, adapting teams to each production and creating the conditions for people to do their best work.
- Oversaw production budgets up to 150,000, coordinating resources and schedules to ensure timely delivery of high-quality content.
- Selected and mentored senior staff, creating a successful leadership team.
- Facilitated effective utilisation of teams and materials across departments to enhance project execution.
- Maintained hands-on involvement in producing, directing, scripting, editing and archive research, integrating leadership with practical expertise to enhance project quality.
- Using Final Cut Pro, to craft high-quality video content. Edit and assemble raw footage, incorporating special effects and transitions to create broadcast quality TV documentaries
Brand Lead / Producer
HISTORY'S GREATEST AIRCRAFT
02.2016 - Current
- Established and developed television and digital brand from the ground up, directing creative vision, content strategy, audience growth and commercial initiatives.
- Grew the combined audience across platforms to more than 30 million viewers in the past year.
- Produced three series of History's Greatest Aircraft, following four successful series of its predecessor, Plane Resurrection, enhancing brand visibility.
- Produced and managed over 200 hours of online content, driving ongoing development of digital offerings, partnerships and audience engagement.
- Researched potential stories and developed ideas to appeal to target audiences.
- Developed and monitored production schedule to determine length of project, complying with deadlines.
Hall Manager
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Managed accommodation operations and teams across university halls, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and effective budget management.
- Coordinated repairs, maintenance, and risk assessments, maintaining accurate financial records and overseeing contract compliance to uphold service standards.
- Collaborated with security and university services to address welfare incidents and service issues, enhancing front-of-house support during accommodation open days.
Residence Coordinator
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided pastoral and operational support to students in halls, collaborating with accommodation, security and campus services to ensure a safe living environment.
- Recruited, trained, and supported student Residence Officers, coordinating open days, intake weekends, conferences, and summer schools to enhance student engagement.
- Outlined long-term strategy for management of services in line with users' needs.
- Collaborated with HR to conduct staff appraisals, mediate employee disputes and manage performance.
- Worked with compassion and empathy to enhance client comfort and dignity.
Administrator
YODEL, NORWICH
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Managed daily administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings and organising files, to support office efficiency.
- Administered physical and digital filing systems, keeping records well-organised and easily retrievable for team members.
- Managed client communications by answering phones and corresponding through email.
- Coordinated daily logistics administration, reception, and customer inquiries, ensuring effective communication with clients, customers, and couriers.
- Compiled and analysed daily performance figures for head office and management, monitored vehicle issues, and undertook informal supervisory and customer-service duties to enhance operational efficiency.
Distance Learning Student Support Officer
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
01.2014
- Supported distance-learning students from enquiry and application through assessment, feedback and award, providing a coordinated customer service.
- Maintained student records, monitored fee instalments and coursework, and recorded demand information to help identify process improvements; used SITS and Blackboard.
Registry Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
01.2013
- Managed student enquiries in person, by telephone, and email related to examinations, registration, admissions, and visa and immigration queries, ensuring accurate and timely responses.
- Processed student records using SITS, completing data-handling and data-protection training to maintain confidentiality and compliance.
Front of House Assistant
THE ORIGINS CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG
01.2012
- Assisted with marketing, events, reception and visitor services, managing end-of-day banking, stocktaking, and coordinating school activities and museum tours to enhance visitor experience.
- Work Experience
Stage Management Intern
ARTICHOKE TRUST
01.2011
- Coordinated 50+ volunteer performers and managed setup, operation, and breakdown of outdoor performance space across three acres, ensuring smooth execution of events.
Education
BA (Hons) - Arts Management
De Montfort University
Leicester01-2012
A Levels - Media Studies (B), History (C), Business Studies (D)
City College Norwich
01-2008
Skills
- Budget management
- Stakeholder management
- Business development
- Strategic thinking
- Partnerships
- Pitch development
- Brand growth
- Production management
- Resource coordination
- Planning and prioritisation
- Documentary production
- Audience growth management
- Creative exploration
- Content development
- Producing and directing
- Writing and scripting
- Editing and post-production
- Research
- Effective communication
- Resilience
WHAT COLLEAGUES VALUE
- People-first instinct - I take time to understand people, build trust and help individuals and teams bring their strengths to the work.
- Creative curiosity - I look for possibilities, ask questions and connect ideas to develop engaging content and practical solutions.
- Commercial perspective - I keep sight of the wider objective- audience, client needs, resources, budgets and the value a project can create.
- Adaptability in action - I'm comfortable switching between strategy and hands-on delivery, adjusting to changing teams, priorities and circumstances.
Timeline
Managing Director / Executive Producer
COLEMAN TELEVISION LTD
01.2021 - Current
Brand Lead / Producer
HISTORY'S GREATEST AIRCRAFT
02.2016 - Current
Hall Manager
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
01.2014 - 01.2018
Distance Learning Student Support Officer
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
01.2014
Residence Coordinator
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
01.2013 - 01.2014
Registry Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
01.2013
Administrator
YODEL, NORWICH
01.2012 - 01.2013
Front of House Assistant
THE ORIGINS CENTRE, JOHANNESBURG
01.2012
Stage Management Intern
ARTICHOKE TRUST
01.2011
BA (Hons) - Arts Management
De Montfort University
A Levels - Media Studies (B), History (C), Business Studies (D)
City College Norwich