CV
Los Angeles, CA(202) 276-7668www.shiralevine.comshiraloo@gmail.com@levinemachine@yamashira
I AM A STORYTELLER based in Los Angeles, and bred in Manhattan and Washington, DC. My career spans documentary film, magazines, newspapers, non-profits, and the United Nations. I have worked as a producer, journalist, writer, editor, researcher, communications expert and content strategist. As a specialist in crafting powerful, consistent and integrated narrative experiences, I frequently translate technical topics into easy-to-digest stories and messages. My cinematic experience digs into social justice issues inclusive of sentencing reform, immigration, race, and gender inequality. My editorial expertise extends to celebrity and popular culture, travel, real estate, fashion, beauty and food. My project management work covers thematic issues that include: human rights, sustainability, restorative justice, sexual and reproductive rights, youth and aging.
Experience
Documentary Producer & Screenwriter
Los Angeles, California
NimblistAug 2018Pre-produced a limited series around the annual Cannabis Cup in Northern California. Created pitch deck with treatment, character and episode break down that focuses regenerative farming and very wacky characters.
Media OneApr 2018Researched and created the pre- production narrative framework and outline for a documentary feature about menstrual rights around the world.
Brave New FilmsNov 2017 — Aug 2018Researched, cast, story and field produce short films focused around social justice issues. Topics include a multi-part sentencing reform series. Field produced a short about the impact of toxic stress and trauma in children separated from their parents under current immigration policy.
Writer & Reporter
New York, NY & Los Angeles, CA
May 2005 - Present Write exclusive travel, culture, fashion, beauty, entertainment, political, luxury and lifestyle features, and news stories. Interview well known and iconic figures attending red carpets and high profile events.
Publications include:
Manhattan, Vox, BBC Autos, The New York Times, New York, Pride, The Hollywood Reporter, Story + Rain, The Real Deal LA, GOOD, Star, Life & Style, People, Details, Men’s Fitness, Whole Living, Forbes, Portfolio, Premiere.com, Upscale, Maxim, Heeb, Inked, amNewYork, ABC Network Radio, Court TV, The Forward.
Publications include:
Manhattan, Vox, BBC Autos, The New York Times, New York, Pride, The Hollywood Reporter, Story + Rain, The Real Deal LA, GOOD, Star, Life & Style, People, Details, Men’s Fitness, Whole Living, Forbes, Portfolio, Premiere.com, Upscale, Maxim, Heeb, Inked, amNewYork, ABC Network Radio, Court TV, The Forward.
Digital Media Strategist & Writer
Los Angeles, California
The Center for CouncilNov 2016 — Nov 2017Created video and digital outreach content promoting a mindfulness program for the incarcerated and their communities outside of the prison system. Investigated, edited and wrote pithy stories the blog and campaigns.
Beit T’Shuvah – Intensive Outpatient ProgramJan 2016 — Aug 2016Developed digital storytelling collateral introducing intensive outpatient program to the Jewish community with a focus on prescription drug addiction.
ZenoRadioAug 2015 – Jan 2016Wrote and edited whitepaper for a patent launch product that democratizes online broadcasting for New York Diaspora communities from West Africa, Caribbean and Central America. Developed strategy for brand ambassador and singer, Akon.
United Nations Population Fund Mar 2014 – Mar 2015 & Sep 2011 – May 2012Managed a 10-person team for production of a digital interactive storytelling tool. Created sticky multimedia and social media campaign content for targeted outreach by high-level representatives for the 2014 General Assembly. Coordinated events for Heads of State. Traveled on missions to Turkey and Ghana. Produced video shorts featuring youth civil society leaders and members of Parliament.
Women’s Learning PartnershipDec 2013 — Dec 2015Develop and facilitate interactive, participatory online trainings using cutting edge, virtual learning environments for women’s rights organizations located in the Global South. Trainings focused on teaching storytelling, campaign strategy and targeted messaging for international NGOs.
Columnist
New York, NY
Accent & ForumWinter 2006 — PresentWrite and edit destination and top chef-driven investigative features for custom consumer magazines.
Modern Luxury, Manhattan & BeachMar 2015 – May 2017Monthly coverage of high-end real estate in New York City and the Hamptons. Coverage resulted in an increase in editorial advertising revenue from brokerages. Created catchy headline and caption copy.
The New York Times, Local East VillageFeb 2012 — Ap 2013Weekly profiling of multi- generational and decade-strong businesses in Manhattan’s East Village. Coverage brought attention to retailers and increased foot traffic to older, overlooked businesses.
Business Insider/American Express OPENMar 2009 — Apr 2012Weekly profiling of small businesses and entrepreneurs through a sponsored content relationship. Reporting provided tips and linked entrepreneurs within the American Express business community.
Metro newspapers, The Real Estate VoyeurApr 2007 — Mar 2011Launched and managed breaking entertainment real estate and architecture news column for Metro New York, and occasionally Metro Boston and Metro Philadelphia.
Education & Certifications
New York UniversityNew York, NYAug 2009Certificate in Global Studies
The George Washington UniversityWashington, DCMay 2000B.A., Media & Public Affairs, Journalism
Threshold GlobalWorksNew York, NYSep 2015SRM1 Training
Center for CouncilLos Angeles, CAMay 2015 & Feb 2014Council 1 & 2
826LA & 826NYLos Angeles, CA & New York, NYFeb 2014 - Present