Val Mellon

VALERIE MELLON

SERIES PRODUCER / SHOOTING PD / EDIT PRODUCER

FACTUAL AND SCIENCE SPECIALIST

Glasgow / London / Manchester

ku.oc.nollemlav@tcatnoc

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2024!        

 


I'm a Series Producer, Shooting Producer/Director and Edit Producer of Specialist Factual, Popular Factual and Observational Documentary television with 23 years experience in media, winning 3 Scottish BAFTAs and an RTS Scotland award.

I've Produced and Directed Impossible Engineering for Discovery Science, Tricks of the Restaurant Trade for Channel 4, Why Do I Put On Weight? for Channel 5, and Edit Produced Gold Rush for Discovery. I was at the BBC for eleven years working on Trust Me I'm a Doctor, Tomorrow's World Live, The Truth About Getting Fit, All Over the Workplace, Nina and the Neurons and many more.

I'm adept at working with high profile presenters, producing large scale experiments, and directing crews and craft editors. I also love observational documentary filming.

I'm used to finding and scripting stories in fast timescales on tight budgets. I pride myself on creating original, relevant, visually exciting content.

Skills



Series Producer Training Scheme : Selected for prestigous TRC and Screenskills course and completed 9 months of SP training in 2023

Self-shooter : FX9, FX6, FS7, C300, PDW850, A7S, 5D, additional cameras such as GoPro and Osmo

Self-editor : Premiere Pro, Avid Newscutter

Genres : specialist factual, observational documentary, popular factual, childrens

Specialisms : science, health, engineering, space

Education : 1st Class B.Eng Biomedical Science & Engineering, Queen Mary University of London. Post-graduate Tissue Engineering research, University of Cambridge

 

Series Producer



Series Edit Producer – Operation Ouch!, CBBC

April 2024 - Dec 2024
Objective Media, Glasgow

Medical comedy show for children with Dr Chris and Dr Xand Van Tulleken. Senior team, supervising up to 6 edits teams at once, whilst also edit producing myself. Working with Animation team,  breifing, schedules and notes. Working with online team and taking programmes through to delievery, ensuring compliance, legal and factual accuracy correct throughout.   

Series Producer – Wonders of the Human Body with Michael Mosley, C5 and International broadcasters

Jun 2023 - Feb 2024
Storyboard Studios, Glasgow

New science series, exploring the surprising ways the human body works and how to spot when it goes wrong. Includes life changing pioneering surgeries, investigations into the lastest medical discoveries, and tests on Michael Mosely to see inside the human body as never before. Plus specially commisioned graphics and demos.

 

Shooting PD
Edit Producer



Shooting PD / Edit Producer – Large Scale Engineering Show (To be announced), C4 and Nova

Apr - June 2023
Blink TV, Glasgow

Obdoc following scientists setting up a huge million pound experiment, that's the largest of its kind ever attempted.

Shooting Producer / Director – Grand Designs - The Streets, Channel 4

Mar 2023
Naked TV, Glasgow

Kevin McCloud catching up with contributors who are building their own homes on the same street.

Shooting Producer / Director – Lost Treasures of Egypt Specials, National Geographic

Jan - Mar 2023
Windfall, Egypt

2 x 60mins. Obdoc following an archeologist excavating a pyamid's lost burial chamber that's been untouched for 4,000 years, and a famous Egpytologist stakes his repuation on finding a royal palace belonging to one of Egypts most important pharaohs. Led shooting team on location, working out story beats and explaining complex history and engineering and captured emotional scenes from contributors following their dreams.

Field Producer & Edit Producer – Gold Rush, Series 13, Discovery

July - Dec 2022
Raw TV, Canada

Following Gold Miners in the Yukon, Canada for 10 weeks on location. Managing daily shoots with 2 PD teams and drone. Constructing action packed naravites from events on location. Edit Producing from large amounts of material, and writing US style commentary.

Shooting PD – The Secret Genius of Modern Life with Hannah Fry, BBC Two - RTS Scotland Winner

April - July 2022
BBC Studios, Glasgow

The surprising history behind everyday technology - explaining science and engineering through storytelling. Working with big brands like Fitbit and Deliveroo.

Shooting PD – Lost Treasures of Egypt Series 4, Nat Geo

Jan - April 2022
Windfall Films, Egypt

Ob-doc following archeologists working in Egypt.

Shooting PD & Edit Producer – Train Truckers, UKTV

Dec 2021
Windfall Films, London

Ob-doc following historic steam trains and cutting edge new trains being transported around the UK.

Shooting PD – Why Ships Crash (Egypt Suez Canal), BBC Two

Oct - Dec 2021
Windfall Films, London

Investigation into the cause of the Ever Given incident that blocked the Suez canal - filming in Egypt.

Edit Producer – Gold Rush Series 12, Discovery

Jul - Sept 2021
Raw TV, London

The original reality TV series following gold hunters in Canada and USA. Engineering, geology and creative character-led storytelling.

Shooting PD & Edit Producer – Inside the Factory Series 6, BBC Two

April - June 2021
Raw TV, London

Revealing the science, engineering and history behind Britian's favourite products. Gained acess to factories, worked with high profile prsenters, scripte, self shot, and edit produced stories.

Producer – Lego - Building Wonders Pilot, /Disney+

Feb - Mar 2021
Spelthorne Community TV, London

Engineering show - mixing comedy, animation and live action, working with Sacha Baron Cohen's production company.

Shooting PD & Edit Producer – Impossible Engineering Series 6, Discovery Science

Aug - Dec 2020
Twofour Broadcast, Plymouth

Observational Documentary programme covering the biggest engineering projects around the world. Responsible for multiple episodes of one hour each. Shown in 120 territories.

Producer Director & Edit Producer – The One Show items, BBC One

Apr - Jul 2020
BBC Studios Science, Glasgow

Space and technology VTs. Developed, worked with remote crews, and edited items presented by astronaut Tim Peake and Prof Brian Cox during Covid-19 lockdown.

Shooting PD & Edit Producer – Food Unwrapped Investigates, Channel 4

Jan - Mar 2020
Ricochet, Brighton

Ob-doc current affairs series investigating the science behind shocking food and health headlines. Gained access to sensitive case studies. Produced and directed 2 x 30min episodes. Self-Shooting FS7 and A7S.

Shooting PD & Edit Producer – Impossible Engineering Series 5, Discovery Science

Apr - Dec 2019
Twofour Broadcast, Plymouth

Observational Documentary programme covering the biggest engineering projects around the world. Produced and Directed shoots in China (World's Highest Bridge, World's Largest Airport, World's Biggest Water Project) and filmed in Dubai (World's Largest Ferris Wheel) as well as UK locations. Included explaining complex engineering principles with demos. Responsible for three episodes of one hour each.

Shooting PD & Edit Producer – Tricks of the Restaurant Trade, Channel 4

Jan - Apr 2019
Betty TV, Glasgow

Self-shooting and editing stories for this prime-time consumer programme examining the food industry. Responsible for two episodes of 30 minutes.

Shooting PD – Why Do I Put On Weight, Channel 5

Sept, Dec 2018
BBC Studios Science, Glasgow

BBC Studios first Channel 5 commission: 1 x 60mins dieting programme. Helped develop overall story arc, schedule and budget. Produced and directed background stories and gut hormone experiments. Contributor Casting and health assessments.

Director



Director – Tomorrow's World Live, BBC Four

Oct – Nov 2018

Live 90 minute studio show for BBC Four celebrating the famous science series.

Director – Trust Me I’m a Doctor Series 8, BBC Two

April – Sept 2018

Flagship health programme. Produced and directed items. Designed and set up ground breaking experiments with leading scientists. Directed experienced and new presenters. Managed shoots with up to a hundred contributors. Worked with crews and craft editors to deliver items on tight timeframes. Regular self-shooting on a variety of cameras. Trained other team members.

Director and Series Development – The One Show items, BBC One

Jan – April 2018

Developed numerous items and pitched to Commissioners. Worked on series schedule and budgets with Production Manager. Directed and self-shot presenter led items with Rory Reid and Alex Riley.

Director – The Truth About Getting Fit, BBC One

Oct 2017 – Jan 2018

Developed and directed items on latest exercise advice with presenter Dr Michael Mosely. 4 million viewers. Helped create social media content and articles, including most read item on BBC News website.

Director – Trust Me I’m a Doctor Series 7, BBC Two – RTS Scotland Winner

May – Oct 2017

Flagship health programme. Produced and directed items. Designed and set up ground breaking experiments with leading scientists. Directed experienced and new presenters. Managed shoots with up to a hundred contributors. Worked with crews and craft editors to deliver items on tight timeframes. Regular self-shooting on a variety of cameras. Trained other team members.

Director – Down on the Farm, CBeebies

Feb 2017 – April 2017

Children’s farming show. Developed, directed and edited presenter led items with crews and craft editors.

Director – The One Show items, BBC One

Jan 2017

Exclusive item about Dippy the Dinosaur leaving the Natural History Museum. Scripted and directed.

Director – Trust Me I’m a Doctor Series 6, BBC Two

Sept – Dec 2016

Flagship health programme. Produced and directed items. Designed and set up ground breaking experiments with leading scientists. Directed experienced and new presenters. Managed shoots with up to a hundred contributors. Worked with crews and craft editors to deliver items on tight timeframes. Regular self-shooting on a variety of cameras. Trained other team members.

Director – My Story Specials, CBeebies

Apr 2016 – Sept 2016

History programme. 5 x 15mins. Scripted, directed and edited series. Multicamera team and craft edits. Made original web content.

Director – All Over the Workplace, CBBC – BAFTA Scotland winner

Sept 2015 – Mar 2016

Ob-doc series 5 x 30min following children trying their dream job: politics, medicine, space, police and gaming. International filming. Negotiated access to Prime Minister, hospitals, police forces and space labs. Segment from the programme went viral.

Director – Landward, BBC One Scotland

Aug 2015

Items covering personal stories in rural Scotland. Scripted, directed and edited. Originated new features for the programme.

Director – Blow Your Mind - Big Animal Emergencies, CBBC

Oct 2014 – Feb 2015

Clip show; factual archive repackaged for older children. Scripted, directed, edited and delivered series. Green-screen studio shoot.

Director – Blow Your Mind - Spectacular Space, CBBC

June – Sep 2014

Clip show; factual archive repackaged for older children. Scripted, directed, edited and delivered series. Green-screen studio shoot.

Personal Projects



Director – Inorganica, Independent short film, Scottish Documentary Institute

Nov 2012 – June 2013

Ob-doc following a scientist trying to create life in the lab. Developed and found team and funding. Directed and edited 15-minute film. Shown at film festivals in five countries and online (Aeon).

Producer – Beyond Studios Team, 48 Hour Film Project

May & Oct 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

International competition to make a film in 48 hours. World award winner 2016. Best Film Edinburgh 2015, 2016, 2018 and Glasgow 2015

Director – The Great Telephone Conspiracy

April – July 2008

Documentary revealing who really invented the telephone. Interviews and period reconstructions. 12min film.

Assistant Producer



Assistant Producer – Nina and the Neurons: Get Building, CBeebies

Feb 2015 – July 2015

15 x 15mins. Designed and scripted science demos for location and studio. Directed child contributors. Built props, managed design team, researchers, runners.

Assistant Producer – The Dog Ate My Homework, CBBC – BAFTA Scotland winner

Feb 2014 - June 2014

Second series of CBBC's comedy panel show. Developed games, comedy sketches and wrote scripts with comedians.

Assistant Producer – Nina and the Neurons: Go Digital, CBeebies

Feb 2014

5 x 15mins. Designed and scripted science demos for location and studio. Directed child contributors. Built props, managed design team, researchers, runners.

Assistant Producer – Nina and the Neurons: Get Sporty, CBeebies

Nov 2013 – Jan 2014

15 x 15mins. Designed and scripted science demos for location and studio. Directed child contributors. Built props, managed design team, researchers, runners.

Assistant Producer – The Dog Ate My Homework, CBBC – BAFTA Scotland nominated

July - Nov 2013

CBBC's first comedy panel show. Developed games, comedy sketches and wrote scripts with comedians.

Assistant Producer – Nina and the Neurons: Earth Explorers, CBeebies

Feb – June 2013

25 x 15mins. Designed and scripted science demos for location and studio. Directed child contributors. Built props, managed design team, researchers, runners.

Assistant Producer – Super Human Challenge, CBBC

Sept 2012 – Jan 2013

Children’s series testing amazing human abilities. Fact checked science and scripted graphics sequences, working with animators.

Assistant Producer – Nina and the Neurons: Go Engineering, CBeebies

May – Sept 2012

25 x 15mins. Designed and scripted science demos for location and studio. Directed child contributors. Built props, managed design team, researchers, runners.

Researcher



Researcher – Addicted to Pleasure, BBC Two

Jan – May 2012

History of sugar, tobacco, and whisky with actor Brian Cox. Set up and filmed in UK and internationally (Barbados and USA).

Researcher – After Life: The Strange Science of Decay, BBC Four – BAFTA Scotland winner

Oct 2010 – Dec 2011

Developed and set up pioneering life-size decay experiment at Edinburgh Zoo. Filmed items in USA and UK

Researcher – Men of Rock, BBC Two

Jun - Oct 2010

History of Scottish geology series with Professor Iain Stewart.

Self-Shooting – Spirit of Fairbridge, BBC/Charity film

Sep 2010

Self-shot short observational documentary on-board a Tall Ship with troubled teenagers seeking a new challenge.

Researcher – Documentaries Development, BBC Scotland

Jun 2009 – Feb 2010

Developed documentary ideas telling personal stories. Self-shot and edited taster tapes.

Researcher – Dragons’ Den, Entertainment, BBC Two, BBC Manchester

Jan - June 2009

Casting entrepreneur participants, part of studio team and self-shooting for spin off show Dragons Out of the Den.

Researcher – The One Show, Current Affairs, BBC One, BBC Manchester

Dec 2008

Self-Shooting – Unsung Sporting Heroes (for Sports Personality of the Year), BBC Two

Feb 2008

Researcher – Entertainment Development, BBC Manchester

Jun 2007- Jan 2009

Radio



Presenter – Core Fresh Hits and Capital Disney, national Digital Radio stations

Dec 2005 – June 2007

Produced and presented live phone-in shows and radio documentaries for 16 to 34-year olds, and children, respectively.

Researcher – Wise Buddah

Apr 2005 – Apr 2006

Developed, pitched and made audio documentaries for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2.

Presenter – Cambridge University Radio

Oct 2001 – July 2004

National Student Radio Awards Winner Best Entertainment Show and Best Female

Previously



Program Consultant – Brainiac, Sky One / Granada

Sept - Dec 2003

Science entertainment

Science Sussed! – Cambridge University, RedTV

Dec 2001 – Jun 2003

Obtained funding, a broadcaster and put together a production team to make a science TV show.