As a seasoned video producer based in New York City, I specialize in creating compelling content that resonates with millions, on platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. As the former Executive Producer at Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, I bring a passion for crafting impactful stories that inspire and engage diverse audiences.

My expertise spans a wide range of formats, including documentary, celebrity features, editorial collaborations, and social-first vertical video. I am particularly drawn to documentary storytelling, where I thrive in spotlighting authentic narratives. I enjoy leading creative groups, and have managed large and diverse teams of staff and freelancers, both on-site and remotely. I look forward to bringing my storytelling acumen to new collaborations that push my boundaries creatively and drive meaningful impact.

Experience

Executive Producer, Hearst Magazines

September 2021 - November 2024

Directed video production for Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines, leading collaboration between editorial and video teams to create new celebrity, feature, and documentary series for the major video and social platforms. Created successful programming based on careful readings of video analytics, audience engagement and industry trends. Produced and directed celebrity shoots on location and in-studio, interviewed talent, and coordinated schedules and crews. Oversaw final deliverables by managing edits for full-length products and social media cuts, including concepting and directing digital magazine covers that broke records for engagement and views on Instagram. In 2023, participated in an invitation-only leadership course at Hearst focused on innovation and inventive thinking.

Projects include The Sharenting Reckoning | Sex After 60 | How I Styled | The Breakdown

Supervising Producer, Hearst Magazines

June 2018 - September 2021

Led Cosmopolitan’s video team by curating and overseeing video programming, managing the annual budget, and coordinating post-production schedules. Revitalized the Cosmo YouTube channel, growing it from 750,000 to nearly two million subscribers and launching popular franchises that continue six years later. Managed six full-time team members and a rotating pool of freelancers in New York and Los Angeles.

Projects include Candidates Come to Cosmo | Expensive Taste Test | TikTok Challenge

Senior Video Producer, BDG Media

2016 - 2018

Developed, directed, and oversaw web video productions for Bustle and Romper, producing syndicated lifestyle series for Facebook and docuseries on social justice and women’s rights. The most popular episode of that series, on women who are experiencing homelessness and how they manage their periods, has over 27 million views on YouTube. Managed a team of full-time staff and freelancers, including producers, directors of photography, camera operators and sound engineers.

Projects include NSFWomen | Doula Diaries | Race 2 Face

Assistant Director of Visual Media & Adjunct Professor, Columbia Journalism School

2014 - 2016

Managed the Digital Media Fellowship Program, leading a team of four full-time fellows. Designed curricula for photo and video journalism courses, trained faculty in software applications, and hired and onboarded adjunct professors. Coordinated student programming and launched digital skills training for all incoming students.

Contact

Available for freelance and hire. Reach met at abbeyadkison [at] gmail [dot] com or on LinkedIn.