Vanessa Wiegel, Coordinating Producer at WGBH
Please give a brief background on yourself and your career.
After graduating from Wellesley with a B.A. in Cinema and Media Studies, I obtained a research and production position working on documentaries for The History Channel and Discovery Channel. From there, I was hired into WGBH’s design department, creating multimedia promotional content and animations for such programs as Frontline, Antiques Roadshow, Nova, Masterpiece (Downton Abbey, Sherlock), American Experience, Nature, and Sesame Street.
I then moved to my current “home” in WGBH’s venerated children’s programming department, which is responsible for such iconic PBS programs as Curious George, ZOOM, Martha Speaks, and Long Ago and Far Away. My primary focus for the past five years has been producing and writing for the Emmy and Peabody award-winning series Arthur, which is celebrating its 20th season on PBS this coming fall.
In addition to the Arthur broadcast, I oversee the website and development of Arthur games, apps, and digital projects. Digital projects have included the Arthur Interactive Media Study, a 3-year research study with Tufts University that is exploring how Arthur interactive stories and games can foster pro-social behaviors and reduce bullying in schools. I also helped develop the Arthur Family Health website, which provides caregivers with kid- and family-friendly videos, games, activities, and other resources on a variety of pediatric health topics, such as asthma and nutrition. Currently, I am writing and producing a new Arthur episode, as well as new digital content and resources, to support America’s many military-connected children and their families, in partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition.
In addition to Arthur, I develop new children’s broadcast and digital content for PBS and other distributors. Currently, I am adapting a bestselling children’s book series for the screen, in addition to creating an innovative parenting app aimed at closing the achievement gap for children from low-income families.
My other WGBH projects have included developing the winning bid for WGBH’s new space in the renovated Boston Public Library, hosting and producing a short-form interview series for WGBH.org, brainstorming new local programming, and serving as WGBH’s in-house photographer.
How has your career changed since you originally envisioned it at Wellesley? What other careers did you consider as a student?
I had always aspired to become a doctor, participating in pre-med programs in high school and even writing my Wellesley College admission essay on the experience of dissecting a human cadaver. I continued down that path until my sophomore year at Wellesley, when, craving time outside of the science center, I decided to enroll in an introductory video production course. It was there that I discovered my passion for filmmaking and realized the tremendous power of media to inspire change and touch the lives of others. I promptly switched majors to CAMS, enrolling in video production, cinema history, and photography courses. I later applied for and participated in the Wellesley Los Angeles Film Internship at Davis Entertainment, as well as NYU’s esteemed ‘Spring at Tisch’ filmmaking program.
How has Wellesley contributed to your career?
Wellesley was instrumental in shaping my career path. Had it not been for that introductory video production course, and the incredible encouragement and support I received from my advisors and mentors, Maurizio Viano and Salem Mekuria, I might not have pursed my passion for filmmaking.
Wellesley also provided me with numerous opportunities to gain professional experience and hone my production skills, such as through the Los Angeles Film Internship program and Pamela Daniels Fellowship. The latter included a generous grant that enabled me to finance the production of my senior thesis film “Walks with my Mother.” That yearlong filmmaking process was a phenomenal learning experience that not only resulted in a portfolio piece, but increased my confidence as a director, producer, cinematographer, and editor. Learning how to manage a crew, and take a production from initial concept to final cut, was invaluable.
Even now, 9 years out of school, I still benefit from Wellesley’s incredible alumnae network, as well as the strong writing and communication skills I honed over the course of my four years there.
What is a typical work day or work week like for you?
I could spend Monday writing a script for one series, Tuesday directing a voice record in New York or Toronto, Wednesday reviewing designs and animatics, Thursday crafting a pitch for a new series, and Friday filming a “day in the life” of a young mother for a parenting video series.
I love the variety in the work I do. While it’s not all glamorous, there have been several highlights, including voice directing Idina Menzel for her guest role on Arthur, judging the Daytime Emmys each year, and participating in New York Comic Con.
What piece of advice would you offer students looking to get into your area of interest and expertise?
Become a student of children’s media. Find production companies and makers whose work you admire and, if possible, arrange informational interviews. Utilize your college summers to intern at production companies, as those experiences can be invaluable and a real boon to your resume. In addition to learning how to shoot and edit, develop strong writing and organizational skills, as these are indispensable to any good producer. If you are interested in writing for children’s TV, watch programs like those on PBS KIDS, Disney, or Nick Jr., noting the character voices, tone, and structure. Afterward, attempt to write your own spec script. The exercise, alone, can be a wonderful learning experience.
What do you wish you had known as a student?
I honestly feel like every decision, success, and misstep led me to where I am today. If I were going to tell my 18-year-old self one thing, it would probably be to worry less about maintaining an A-average. But I doubt she’d listen to me. Besides, that drive and determination—characteristic of so many Wellesley students—will serve you well professionally. Just remember to balance that self-generated pressure to excel with self-care (e.g. yoga, exercise, meditation, vacation time).
If you could come back and take one class at Wellesley what would it be?
Any class with Professor Viano, whose passion for cinema never failed to inspire.