DAVID stephen
showrunner | executive producer | field director | writer | storyteller
About
Showrunner, runnin’ shows.
trusted by these select clients: Investigation Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, VH1, DIY Network, Outdoor Channel, ABC, PBS, and Travel Channel.
genres: true-crime, build, renovation, real estate, food competition, live show, docu-soap, docu-series, follow-doc, transactional, documentary, news.
motivation: Driven by creative people and inspiring projects.
mission: To create content people love.
personality traits: Naturally curious. Passionate about my work. Great communication skills. Open to constructive criticism. Organized. Good collaborator. Patient. Focused. Attention to detail. Objective self-assessment. Never-ending drive and energy.
the short
David Stephen is a freelance showrunner and executive producer with a focus in the unscripted world of broadcast and cable television. He is passionate about what he does, and he loves doing first season shows and pilots, showcasing interesting people, and seeking out and telling great stories. If you’re interested in hiring him (me), click here.
the long
I was born in sunny Vero Beach, Florida. The son of a homemaker and an aeronautical engineer, I have a sister who is 12 years older than I (she hates that I remind her of that to this very day).
I began my career in television as a producer/journalist for the PBS NewsHour, where I learned the art of storytelling on a lot of different topics, how to juggle multiple projects, how to work under pressure, how to handle tight deadlines, and so much more. It was rewarding work and great training ground. I eventually gravitated toward more creative forms of storytelling, shifting to unscripted television for cable networks like HGTV, Investigation Discovery, Food Network, TLC, VH1, and Travel Channel.
Eventually, I worked my way up to be a showrunner, where I take projects from concept to completion. I’m equally comfortable with pre-production, production, and post-production… with years of experience doing all three.
While I live in New York City with my spouse and dog, on occasion I temporarily relocate for specific gigs, travel to and from set or production company, as needed, and I successfully ran two shows remotely from my NYC apartment (each of which received renewal orders for a second season).
They always say, find a job that you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Well, I do just that. I still have the same energy and enthusiasm for what I do as I did when I started out in this crazy business that I love.
If you’re interested in working with me, click here.
places traveled: I’ve been to every state in the U.S. except 1 (North Dakota), and to 6 of the 7 continents (missing Antarctica).