Nzinga Christine Blake
Los Angeles
Summary
Director-level content strategist and Emmy & Gracie Award–winning Executive Producer with 15+ years of experience leading research-informed content strategy and execution across global media brands. Known for translating audience, cultural, and creator insights into scalable storytelling frameworks that drive brand relevance, franchise value, and cross-company collaboration. Recognized as a connector within large organizations—leveraging an expansive internal and external network to deliver high-impact, multi-platform content through strategic partnerships, creators, and talent. Proven ability to lead strategy end-to-end, from insight and ideation through production and rollout.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Producer / Special Projects
ABC Owned Television Stations, DET
Glendale
01.2020 - Current
- Lead enterprise-level content strategy and execution for high-visibility special projects spanning franchises, documentary storytelling, creator-led initiatives, and cultural moments across The Walt Disney Company portfolio.
- Develop and execute research-informed content strategies, partnering closely with Research & Insights teams to translate audience, creator, and cultural trends into actionable narrative frameworks and production plans.
- Serve as a cross-functional connector, leveraging an expansive internal network to unify teams across Integrated Planning, Marketing, CreativeWorks, Opportunities & Inclusion, Research, and Production.
- Lead end-to-end strategy and execution across Hulu, ESPN, National Geographic, Marvel Studios, FX, Disney Studios, ABC, Onyx Collective, Consumer Products, Parks & Resorts, and Music Group.
- Design and implement creator and influencer strategies grounded in research around trust, authenticity, and community engagement—treating creators as long-term partners rather than transactional contributors.
- Recognized internally as a go-to leader for complex, high-visibility special projects requiring narrative clarity, cultural fluency, and enterprise-wide coordination.
- Selected Strategic Projects & Impact
- National Geographic – Will Smith: Pole to Pole: Partnered with Research & Insights to support the rollout strategy for the upcoming documentary series during a pivotal personal rebrand moment. Developed a narrative and creator-integration strategy informed by insights on audience trust, cultural relevance, and creator influence. Executed organic creator participation aligned with Nat Geo’s mission, producing assets usable across multiple Disney brands and opening pathways for future revenue-generating collaborations.
- Our America: Reclaiming Turtle Island (Gracie Award Winner): Conceptualized and executive produced a documentary inspired by National Geographic Magazine’s cover story on Native Sovereignty, translating long-form journalism into visual storytelling. Delivered culturally grounded, research-informed narrative work honoring lived experience, history, and community voice. Awarded the Gracie Award for excellence in documentary storytelling.
- Our America: Hidden Stories – Nikole Hannah-Jones / The 1619 Project (Hulu): Led special project development extending The 1619 Project through documentary storytelling aligned with platform strategy and audience insights.
- Our America: Hidden Stories with Ava DuVernay – Origin (Hulu): Collaborated with Ava DuVernay on a strategic storytelling initiative supporting Origin, bridging documentary context, cultural insight, and film promotion while maintaining narrative integrity.
- ESPN Andscape – Hoops, Hopes & Dreams: Led a Storytellers Spotlight featuring Dr. Bernice A. King as Executive Producer. Produced a historic first welcome message for the Los Angeles MLK Day Parade (40-year history). Content selected for Hulu’s Black Stories Always slate, prompting expanded partnership discussions with The King Center.
- Franchise & Brand Storytelling: Led narrative strategy for Avatar, Captain America: Brave New World, Ironheart, Shōgun, and World Princess Week, extending stories beyond single campaigns through insight-driven narrative reframing.
- Awards & Recognition: Multiple Emmy Awards & nominations, Gracie Award – Our America: Reclaiming Turtle Island, Gold International Drum Marketing Award – Lion King x Balmain, Silver International Drum Marketing Award – Disney Consumer Products x Coperni.
- Led production teams to ensure timely project execution and quality control.
- Coordinated with marketing teams to promote shows across various platforms.
- Oversaw post-production processes, including editing and sound design reviews.
- Conducted regular meetings with stakeholders to align on project goals and timelines.
- Mentored junior producers, providing guidance on industry best practices and workflows.
- Implemented innovative strategies to enhance audience engagement through creative storytelling.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders in the entertainment industry.
- Approved all marketing materials related to the project prior to release.
- Facilitated communication between various departments involved in production process.
- Acquired top clients and met needs with hands-on and collaborative approach.
- Attended regular meetings with studio executives to discuss upcoming projects.
- Supervised team of creative and diverse individuals across varied job titles and professional delivering consistent feedback and positive reinforcement to maximize performance.
- Monitored costs associated with production process and identified cost-saving opportunities.
- Evaluated performance of crew members at end of every project cycle.
- Identified production issues and fostered resolution to reduce downtime.
- Directed crew members in all stages of filming to ensure quality results were achieved.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations and safety standards.
- Identified potential risks associated with each project and developed contingency plans accordingly.
- Interfaced with legal counsels to ensure compliance with applicable labor laws.
- Collaborated closely with line producers to manage day-to-day activities on set.
- Cultivated fun, inclusive and professional studio culture.
- Coached and inspired on-air talent to be exciting and engaging.
Executive Producer, Group Video Projects
TRIBUNE MEDIA
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Developed and executed a national content strategy spotlighting underrepresented voices across Tribune’s markets.
- Created and launched Allies, Mental State, TRANSFORMNATION in partnership with the Google News Initiative.
- Earned 4 Emmy nominations and 1 Emmy Award (Mental State).
- Built cross-functional workflows and trained teams across top-20 television markets.
Education
B.A. - Film, Television & Digital Media
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA06-2003
Skills
- Data & Insight Synthesis
- Content strategy
- Cross-Functional Partnership
- Operational & Analytical Rigor
- Creator & Talent Strategy
- Enterprise Narrative Leadership
- Documentary storytelling
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Creator partnerships
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Marketing coordination
- Problem solving
- Creative thinking
- Time management
- Networking skills
- Cultural fluency
- Project planning
- Scheduling and timelines
- Story development
- Pre-production
- Staff supervision
- Research skills
- Talent engagement
- Digital media
- Content development
- Creative direction
- Corporate communications
- Post-production supervision
- Story research
- Production leadership
- Lead development
Personal Information
Title: Content Strategy | Executive Producer | Enterprise Storytelling Leader
Distinguishing Strengths
- Research-to-execution content leadership
- Enterprise-level cross-functional collaboration
- Deep creator, talent, and executive relationships
- Trusted leader for high-visibility, complex initiatives
- Proven ability to deliver culturally resonant, award-winning storytelling at scale
Core Expertise
- Research-Driven Content Strategy
- Audience, Cultural & Creator Insights
- Special Projects & Franchise Storytelling
- Creator / Influencer Ecosystem Strategy
- Cross-Functional & Enterprise Leadership
- Strategic Content Rollout & Distribution
- Inclusive, Human-Centered Narrative Development
- Multi-Platform & Long-Form Production
- Talent, Creator & Executive Partnerships
- Sponsorship & Partnership-Aligned Content
Timeline
Executive Producer / Special Projects
ABC Owned Television Stations, DET
01.2020 - Current
Executive Producer, Group Video Projects
TRIBUNE MEDIA
01.2019 - 01.2020
B.A. - Film, Television & Digital Media
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)