Megumi Nishikura

Managed budgets of $100k per episode and cleared and licensed over 1,000 archival assets per episode, negotiating with domestic and international archives to secure necessary footage. Implemented efficient organizational systems for tracking and managing archival assets, improving overall productivity and enabling smooth collaboration between clearance and post-production teams. Received recognition from the production team for exceptional organizational and project management skills. Maintained a high level of accuracy and attention to detail while managing a large volume of archival materials Oversaw and coordinated a team of an Associate Producer and Assistant Editors, ensuring all team members were working efficiently and effectively towards the project's goals.

Conducted extensive historical research to identify filmmakers and photographers who covered the pro-wrestling industry from the 1970s to 1990s, sourcing rare and unique footage and stills. Successfully negotiated licensing agreements with a range of pro-wrestling promotions, from major organizations to small indie promotions that lacked experience with licensing footage Worked with the Story Producer and Legal team to come up with creative solutions to strengthen fair use arguments, ensuring that all archival footage was used in compliance with copyright laws. Managed a budget of $7k per episode, coming in under budget and ensuring that expenses were kept within project constraints.

Worked alongside editors and showrunner to craft the story of eight-part docuseries on Japanese surf culture. Duties included pulling strings, writing interview questions and pickup lines, researching archive materials.

Produced and directed short videos for clients such as Raytheon Technologies, Teach for America, HJF Foundation, Bridge Bio and the private equity firm KKR. Tasks include research and development, pre-interviewing and casting, hiring freelance crew members, managing budget, directing shoots remotely, interviewing subjects, story and post-producing, and liaising with clients.

Produced and directed short videos for a variety of non-profit, educational, and corporate clients including the Carnegie Corporation of NY, National School Boards Association, Morgan Stanley, and Pearson Education. Handled pre-production research, logistics, hiring crew, filming in the field, interviews, managing post-production team and client liaison. Additional responsibilities included responsibilities included tracking and licensing third-party material from major network libraries, historical collections, and boutique stock houses, making cue sheets, and working with producers and editors to organize and manage high volumes of archival assets.

26-minute documentary broadcasted on BBC World News about the experiences of three firstborn daughters of Japanese War Brides - women who married their former enemies after World War II. Developed story angle, pre-production logistics, interviews, filming b-roll, archive research, script-writing and managing post-production.