Aden Abebe
Toronto,ON
Summary
Aden Abebe is a multidisciplinary Creative Director with a background in photography, copywriting, screenwriting, directing, producing and project management. A series-maker, she is the Creator, Showrunner and Producer of CBC Gem’s hit series, virgins!. Proficient in business operations and working with legacy corporations, Aden is an excellent communicator, problem solver and detail-oriented manager, adept at overseeing writers, designers and artists to accomplish challenging objectives. Be it Creative Directing campaigns for the City of Toronto, executive producing short form film and series, or showrunning, independently producing and marketing a CBC show, Aden knows how to get things done and done well!
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Producer, Executive Producer, Head Writer
Miskeen Media inc.
Toronto, ON
12.2019 - Current
- Successfully independently produced and marketed virgins!, an original new series for Canada's largest broadcaster, CBC
- Oversaw legal clearances related to any third party content used within the series including music, images, video clips.
- Communicated regularly with studio executives regarding project status updates throughout the season's run
- Created original concepts and creative vision for multimedia projects.
- Oversaw the production of digital assets such as videos, websites, and interactive experiences.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to define project objectives and timelines.
- Established relationships with businesses to secure resources for projects.
- Lead brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for upcoming marketing initiatives.
- Led creative team meetings to share ideas and bring actionable plans to fruition.
- Met with department heads to translate goals from concept to completion.
- Managed a team of 40+ writers, artists, designers, producers and other creatives with hands-on approach to successfully accomplish daily work and special projects.
- Reviewed illustrative material to determine conformance to standards and specifications.
- Led a writer's room cultivating a fun, inclusive and professional work culture
Manager, Programs & Brand
Nia Centre for the Arts
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Managed a six figure budget to implement multi-tiered professional development project
- Mentored and managed a multi-disciplinary team of coordinators and designers to: (1) produce social media content and promotional campaigns; (2) project manage the inaugural Creative Connect Conference for 200 guests; and (3) design 18 programs (masterclasses, workshops, internships) delivered throughout the year
- Oversaw all external communications including: brochures, reports, newsletters, presentations and sponsorship proposals
- Monitored budgets and expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
Creative Director & Producer
Mez Creatives
02.2016 - 04.2017
- Led a boutique design group and managed a team of designers, copywriters, photographers, illustrators, videographers, and other creatives to produce campaigns that met the needs of our clients
- Oversaw the production of digital assets such as videos, websites, and interactive experiences.
- Directed and photographed shoots to ensure quality standards were met.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to define project objectives and timelines.
- Reviewed work for accuracy and adherence to client guidelines.
- Managed projects remotely while living in Colombia
- Lead brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for upcoming marketing initiatives.
- Presented creative proposals at client meetings for approval or revisions.
- Met with department heads to translate goals from concept to completion.
- Engaged with clients to gather project information and uncover challenges.
- Developed budget and negotiated contracts and quotes to ensure projects were completed within financial constraints.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Development Studies
University of Toronto
Toronto, ONSkills
- Creative Direction
- Project Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Strategic Communications
- Assignment Delegation
- Budget Adherence
Accomplishments
2023 Canadian Delegate to South Africa’s MIP Africa, Canadian Media Producer Association
2022 virgins! series released on CBC Gem [Digital Series, 10x10 format]
2021 Selected project, Bell Fund [Digital Marketing]
2021 Selected project, Bell Fund [Production]
2020 Selected project, IPF Short Form Production Fund [Screenwriting + Production]
2020 Selected project, IPF Short Form Development Fund [Screenwriting]
2018 Juror, Actra Live Script Lab, Regent Park Film Festival [Screenwriter]
2018 Mentorship Grant, Vibe Arts, Canada [Screenwriting Mentorship Program]
2017 Artist-in-Residence, Sketch Working Arts, Canada [Screenwriting]
2017 Artist-in-Residence [Writing the Web], Regent Park Film Festival, Canada [Screenwriting]
2016 Artist-in-Residence, Shain Wuunu Experimental Arts Centre [Screenwriting]
2013 Emerging Visual Artists, Ontario Arts Council Grant [Photography]
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Producer, Executive Producer, Head Writer
Miskeen Media inc.
12.2019 - Current
Manager, Programs & Brand
Nia Centre for the Arts
08.2016 - 08.2017
Creative Director & Producer
Mez Creatives
02.2016 - 04.2017
Bachelor of Arts - International Development Studies
University of Toronto
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