Vanessa Ballesteros Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, California, United States

As a showrunner, I’ve worked on series for both network and streaming, and I currently have multiple projects in development for major networks. I’ve been instrumental in crafting series formats and turning the seeds of an idea into an executable concept, and from there, managing the high-level creative decision-making to deliver great content. While each show is different, I take a collaborative approach to my work, liaising with network executives, department heads, and talent to ensure the… Show more As a showrunner, I’ve worked on series for both network and streaming, and I currently have multiple projects in development for major networks. I’ve been instrumental in crafting series formats and turning the seeds of an idea into an executable concept, and from there, managing the high-level creative decision-making to deliver great content. While each show is different, I take a collaborative approach to my work, liaising with network executives, department heads, and talent to ensure the vision for the show is executed with precision and tells compelling stories that resonate with and entertain audiences. I’ve managed teams of 20 – 200 and worked closely with line producers and executives to make sure the budgets align with creative goals. Show less

Los Angeles, California, United States

NexusEdge is a tech and education start-up dedicated to integrating employer-defined skills into K-12 and postsecondary classrooms, with the goal of providing a clear pathway to employment for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. NexusEdge is a Techstars-backed company with partners that include the California Community Colleges, the United Negro College Fund, Google, LinkedIn, Citi and Shopify. I advise the organization on multiple business initiatives, primarily… Show more NexusEdge is a tech and education start-up dedicated to integrating employer-defined skills into K-12 and postsecondary classrooms, with the goal of providing a clear pathway to employment for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. NexusEdge is a Techstars-backed company with partners that include the California Community Colleges, the United Negro College Fund, Google, LinkedIn, Citi and Shopify. I advise the organization on multiple business initiatives, primarily using my storytelling skills to translate their mission into connection with users. By leaning into storytelling as a strategy, I helped the company increase engagement by 700% over a four-month period, and I continue to work with them to refine their marketing strategies. Show less

Los Angeles, California, United States

I was inspired to create Sunbox from my many years working on set without access to substantial, healthy food. I noticed how my entire crew’s poor eating was impacting our professional lives and wanted to create a solution for people stuck on the job and in the office all day. Within a year, I designed a prototype for a smart kiosk and put it into production, eventually rolling out the kiosks across LA. I leaned into developing strategic partnerships to accelerate the company’s growth, both… Show more I was inspired to create Sunbox from my many years working on set without access to substantial, healthy food. I noticed how my entire crew’s poor eating was impacting our professional lives and wanted to create a solution for people stuck on the job and in the office all day. Within a year, I designed a prototype for a smart kiosk and put it into production, eventually rolling out the kiosks across LA. I leaned into developing strategic partnerships to accelerate the company’s growth, both with local businesses and artisanal suppliers to stock the kiosks with premium, healthy, and socially conscious brands, as well as with nonprofits dedicated to combating food insecurity and providing skills training for at-risk populations. The kiosks were havens for data, and we were able to track customer choices on the spot and deliver qualitative, real-time customer feedback to our partners. The company was awarded major contracts with the cities of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, and I received Mayor Garcetti’s Small Business Association Award for Innovation. Though the need for the product subsided with the rise of work-from-home culture, I’m proud of the business I built and loved gaining a deeper understanding of the tech space and applying my creative problem-solving skills in a new way. Show less

As a senior-level producer, I led teams of field and story producers to craft multiple episodes of popular reality series. THE AMAZING RACE (CBS / World Race Productions)HELL’S KITCHEN (FOX / A. Smith & Co.)SURVIVOR (CBS / Mark Burnett Productions)In addition, I consulted on projects both domestically and internationally. Credits include: THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (NBC / Mark Burnett Productions)ELITE MODEL LOOK: CHINA (ZTV / United Artists Media Group)

I started my career at Mark Burnett Productions in the early years of reality TV. It was really incredible to be part of the team that was shaping the genre for years to come and develop formats that have been successfully repurposed all over the world. Credits include:THE CONTENDER (ESPN)ROCK STAR (CBS)PIRATE MASTER (CBS)BULLY BEATDOWN (MTV)MARK BURNETT PRESENTS KING OF THE CAGE: LIVE MMA BROADCASTS (HDNet)In between series at Mark Burnett Productions, I… Show more I started my career at Mark Burnett Productions in the early years of reality TV. It was really incredible to be part of the team that was shaping the genre for years to come and develop formats that have been successfully repurposed all over the world. Credits include:THE CONTENDER (ESPN)ROCK STAR (CBS)PIRATE MASTER (CBS)BULLY BEATDOWN (MTV)MARK BURNETT PRESENTS KING OF THE CAGE: LIVE MMA BROADCASTS (HDNet)In between series at Mark Burnett Productions, I freelanced with other major production companies. Credits include:THE AMAZING RACE (CBS / World Race Productions)DOGS IN THE CITY (CBS / Shed Media)TOP DESIGN (Bravo / Magical Elves)SERIOUSLY FUNNY KIDS WITH HEIDI KLUM (Lifetime / LMNO Productions) Show less

Bachelor’S Degree

Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Undergraduate Studies

Education record