Today we’d like to introduce you to Meridith Manning.
Meridith, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been a curious person. That, combined with a love of writing and public speaking (not to mention a fascination with journalists like Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer) I started my career path as a journalist. Though I originally planned to go the route of on-air television reporter, an internship at ABC NEWS (with Diane Sawyer!) opened my eyes to the many opportunities I might have as a producer. I also had somewhat unruly curly hair (not the best option for on-air talent) so behind-the-scenes producer was the route I ultimately chose. I started my career at ABC NEWS fresh out of college but decided to make the move to Dallas just two years later. In Dallas, I landed at one of the best local stations, WFAA-TV, where over the course of 8 years, I honed my skills in all areas of television news; as a field producer on multiple nationally televised stories, and later as an investigative producer.
I was fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented and committed award-winning journalists and can honestly say that they were, in fact, the very best teachers and mentors. Along the way, I developed a reputation for getting my sources to share their stories. They trusted me, felt comfortable, and more importantly, they trusted that I would get their stories correct. It was something I prided myself on and never took for granted. I dug deep, taking as much time as necessary and asking as many questions as necessary until I felt I knew their story inside and out. You’ve heard the saying, ‘There are no dumb questions’? Well, it’s true. If you’re ever afraid you might sound dumb by asking a simple question, you won’t. The only way you can completely understand something is by asking questions and not being afraid to show someone what you don’t know. That’s really the only way you can learn. Being a journalist takes time, commitment, curiosity, tenacity and an unquenchable thirst for the true story.
Once we started a family, I made the decision to go the freelance route so I would have more flexibility. During those years, I worked as a producer for many different networks and shows like Good Morning America, CBS, 20/20, CNN, Inside Edition, Fox Sports, and KTVT-TV. Eventually, I started my own company, Meridith Manning Productions so that I could work directly with clients, combining my love of storytelling with their desire to share their story or campaign via video. It could be a fundraising video for a non-profit; a client sharing details about a new product, business, or campaign; in-house videos for employees or clients; a documentary style video….the list is endless. What is the same for me is the level of production. I work with an award-winning talented team of photographers and editors who use state-of-the-art cameras, lighting, and equipment. I treat each piece, each script, as the most important and I always go back to my goal of getting the story right, hitting the mark, and exceeding the client’s expectations. The best compliment I receive is when someone says to me, ‘You told my story better than I could’ve told it myself’, or ‘You made my mom cry’, or better yet, ‘You brought me to tears’.
For the past five years (season six is currently in production.), in addition to working with individual clients, I have produced a series called Shaping: DFW, which focuses on entrepreneurs. With 45 pieces under our belts, not to mention several Emmy Awards, we have the honor of showcasing the hard work and dedication that it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Maybe it takes one to know one, as I understand how tough the path can be. Sometimes that means meeting with a client to help them find their essence; what it is about them or their business that sets them apart, shows their passion, and ultimately helps them connect with their audience. Using the same interviewing skills and techniques I learned way back working in news, I help clients tell their story on video in a way that is authentic, connective, natural, and most of all, effective.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Making the decision to leave a steady paycheck and benefits is never easy. Never. And the road is not always smooth, at least not for me. You have to knock on a lot of doors and do LOTS of work for which you won’t necessarily see an immediate return. On the flip side, however, the best part about starting your own business is that you can take it in the direction you desire. You can build it in a way that fits within your life. Know that along the way you may need to take some jobs that don’t pay as well, but those same jobs might help you diversify your skills. If you give it 100%, no matter the pay, that job might just lead to another, and another, and another, My best advice is to look at each opportunity as a door to something else.
As a woman in the production business, I can say, without any doubt, that I have had to work harder to prove myself. From my very first entry-level job out of college, men with the same scarce resumes were given better positions and more hands-on opportunities to learn. It’s only recently that I really took some time to look back on my career and see where, as a woman, I was likely underestimated. If anything and this speaks to my stubbornness, it fueled me. That’s the same advice I would give another young woman starting out; don’t be deterred when someone thinks you’re not capable, just work your butt off and prove them wrong. These days it’s all about diversification so if you have an opportunity to learn to shoot, edit, write, field produce….try it all so that you have some familiarity. You may not be the best at each component, but the more diversified your skills, the more you have to offer.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Meridith Manning Productions – what should we know?
Meridith Manning Productions is a boutique production company based in Dallas. We pride ourselves on being nit-picky with each and every project that we produce. On site, that means making sure on-camera interviews are perfectly lit; that the subject is at ease and their very best on camera; that stray hairs are tamed; that audio is clear; and that attention to every detail is 100%. We do everything from documentary-style productions to commercial shoots to in-house corporate videos, and everything in between. At the script-writing phase, we maintain regular communication with our clients so that we ensure a finished project that hits every goal, and that the project is always completed on time. I think that goes back to my days in the news business; news is all about tight timelines and delivering the content exactly when it’s needed. Our attention to that timeline, as well as our attention to every detail, is what sets up apart.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
The best advice I can give a young woman just starting out is to never give up. It may take you six months to land your first job, and it may not be your dream job, but take it. No matter what, see each opportunity as a chance to learn something new and as a chance to network. Be kind to people and develop a reputation as someone who works hard, is trustworthy and likable. That sounds simple, but at the end of the day, being likable makes people want to help you. The Dallas market is actually quite small so your reputation, good or bad, will follow you. People in Dallas also want to help good people so if that’s your reputation, people will be in your corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: meridithmanningproductions.com
- Phone: 2149231991
- Email: meridith@meridithmanningproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meridithmanningproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridithmanningproductions/
Image Credit:
Meridith Manning
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