SANJAY SETHI
Media professional
New Delhi
Summary
Dedicated media professional with years of broadcasting experience. Well-versed in television news and documentaries and radio production .Researched and pursued potential leads to identify breaking news stories before delivery to live audiences. Confident and resourceful person with high creativity levels.
Skilled Journalist having history conceptualizing and reporting on diverse stories.
Dynamic and enthusiastic Producer skilled in scheduling and production management. Possesses demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful strategies, meeting tight deadlines and exceeding goals. Exceptional organizational and communication skills for working with diverse teams
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Director
Newsnet Television
5 1995 - Current
- Contributed towards production of daily news bulletins including writing reports and producing news packages
- Collaborated on several documentaries for media companies -ABC, BBC, CNN, APTN, Star TV, CCTV, National Geographic, Channel 9 & 10, CNN,National Geographic Television,Wall Street Journal Television,PBS and WGBH ,ARD, ZDF, Canal+, IKON, VERONICA, AVRO, TROS, BRT1, NCRV, NOS, SBC, SABC and CCTV.
- India Producer for visit of US President William Jefferson Clinton to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan as part of the White House Press Pool
- Set up satellite uplink and provided technical and editorial support to news crews comprising of some 400 persons and in 2006 for President Bush's visit to India.
- Worked as India Producer for 'Dancemaker' (A feature length documentary produced on celebrated dance artist ,Paul Taylor on occasion of 50 years of India's Independence.
- Documentary was later selected for the Academy Awards
- Provided editorial and production consultancy to news documentary-'THE UNFINISHED WAR' for BBC Special Correspondent on India-Pakistan nuclear conflict; won Silver Globe awards in Cannes
- Set up live shots, managing breaking news elements between reporters on field and producers in New York, Atlanta and Hong Kong for CNN from Indian administered Kashmir and other parts of India & Sri Lanka
- Was the first tv journalist to take the CNN team to Kargil and beyond during the conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999
- Updated Press TV news telecast by going live on air via phone interviews twenty six times during the Mumbai Terror attacks in November 2008 that lasted sixty hours.
- Provided production support during US President Barack Obama's visit to India.
- News produced segments for Commonwealth Games in 2010.
- Worked in various capacities for live news and special events Coverage for BBC Television.
- Helped in setting up the Delhi news bureau.
- Collaborated closely for other shows that include Assignment, Panorama, Newsnight
- Correspondent,One/Six/Ten O'Clock News/Breakfast, World Today, Newsround, BBC World Service, BBC News 24, Today, Reporters, Breakfast With Frost
- Worked with APTV to set up news bureau in Delhi and as news cameraman.
- Selected favorable filming locations and attained required permits to support shoot schedule.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
Senior Producer
SetSan Communications
05.1989 - 03.1995
- Worked as Producer/Fixer for TV/Film productions for state broadcaster Doordarshan India,Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity, advertising agencies, Films Division and regional TV channels.
- Assisted on two Hindi feature films.
- Editorial and Production assistance to BBC Television in 1991 in India on the Election coverage and round the clock coverage after the assassination of former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
- Field producer and editorial consultant for BBC TV's coverage of Mumbai bomb blasts after destruction of disputed mosque in Ayodhya.
- Freelanced with Visnews as TV Journalist/Producer.
- Covered maximum news and stories to Indian Television State broadcaster Doordarshan from remote corners of India.
- Maintained excellent high quality news stories, aired by most international networks.
- Reviewed scripts and made changes to improve wording, flow or interest levels, consistently producing highly successful shows
- Liaised with directors, actors and other creative staff to successfully complete projects
Executive Producer
Peoples Television
06.1988 - 05.1989
- Implemented and worked on promotion of consumables for viewing on trucks , ''Video on Wheels ''for rural advertising in far-flung areas of India
- Various international bodies- WHO, UNICEF, RED CROSS and marketing companies used the services
- Produced: India's first multilingual video news magazine- ' Insight'
- Orchestrated license agreements for music and footage, talent releases and distribution contracts
- Developed schedules for production, editing and duplication for timely delivery.
Assistant Coordinator Press & Publicity
National Cultural Festival
09.1987 - 05.1988
- Supervised the filming activities and presentations of over ten thousand artists from India
- The opening and closing day ceremonies for the event had 4000 artists on multilevel stages in parks,streets, monuments and stadiums of Delhi
- Briefing the national and international press,organizing press conferences, special events,interviews,advertising and publicity of performances by well known artistes
- Coordinated VIP movements and accompanied them to various events.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish
Associate Producer
Centre For Development Of Instructional Technology
12.1984 - 06.1986
- Restored old award winning Indian feature films for students and researchers and had them subtitled in English and then sent to the Library of Congress archives in the US
- This was a collaborative project in association with Government of India ,National Film Archive and US government
- Worked on publishing four books on works of legendary filmmakers in India.
- Coordinated with producers and on-air talent to create program content, new ideas, and segments
- Coordinated with legal team to ensure compliance with broadcasting regulations or copyrights related matters
- Edited video, choosing appropriate shots matching perfectly with news stories
Education
Master of Arts - Mass Communication
Mass Communication Research Centre, JMI University
New Delhi, India 06.1985 - 05.1986
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
St Stephen's College, Delhi University
New Delhi, India 07.1980 - 05.1983
Skills
Proven expertise in working in dangerous situations with top international television crews
Experience in doing live shots and news coverage for Television in hostile environments and war zone
Providing coverage of big and relevant news stories from across entire region as well as responding quickly, and efficiently to breaking news
Liaising with different news agencies, public, police army, navy, air force and different government bodies
Experienced media professional with years of experience in all aspects of video production
Visionary creator, editor, storyteller and business operations manager with demonstrated ability to take an idea from concept to delivery
Collaborative in working closely with strategic and creative teams to develop and produce quality video content
Expertise in preproduction logistics
Background includes extensive work in multi-media
Senior correspondent and producer for PRESS TV's network's multi-platform news coverage from India for over twelve years
Successful at finding and reporting on breaking news stories and conducting checks
Proven expertise in working in dangerous situations with top international television crews
Record of obtaining coveted interviews
Recognized for inspiring management team members to excel and encouraging creative work environments
Determined and experienced in client rapport, budget control and employee mentoring and coaching
Highly effective and comfortable working with people at all organizational levels
Proven expertise in working in dangerous situations with top international television crews
Crew instruction
Linear Video Editing
Search Engine Optimization
Content Production
Digital video production process
Project Management Tools
Problem-solving aptitude
Task Prioritization
Talent Acquisition
Delegation
Certification
Awarded by Netherlands Government Fellowship in News & Current Affairs (1988) in Hilversum at Radio Netherlands
Timeline
Senior Producer
SetSan Communications
05.1989 - 03.1995
Executive Producer
Peoples Television
06.1988 - 05.1989
Assistant Coordinator Press & Publicity
National Cultural Festival
09.1987 - 05.1988
Master of Arts - Mass Communication
Mass Communication Research Centre, JMI University
06.1985 - 05.1986
Associate Producer
Centre For Development Of Instructional Technology
12.1984 - 06.1986
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
St Stephen's College, Delhi University
07.1980 - 05.1983
Director
Newsnet Television
5 1995 - Current