Shannon Malone deBenedictis
Public Speaker | Emmy-Award Winning Documentary Filmmaker | Workshop Faciliator at Padlin Creative
Women Empowerment
Education: Savannah College of Art & Design; Savannah, GA - The School of the Art Institute; Chicago, IL
Alexandria, VA, USA
Biography
Shannon’s 25-year television career is defined by two Emmy wins, global storytelling, and a passion for mentorship and empowerment. Defying expectations, she chose art school over law, studying video at SCAD and embracing the future of digital media.
After early leadership success, she transitioned into television at Discovery and National Geographic, where she produced award-winning content that took her from South Africa to China. Her work earned two Emmy Awards, solidifying her industry reputation.
Beyond filmmaking, Shannon is a fierce advocate for mentorship, using her experience to uplift the next generation of creatives. Through Padlin Creative, she not only guides emerging talent but also empowers plus-sized women to embrace confidence, success, and self-worth—proving that talent, resilience, and authenticity always win.
Passion
"Who was to think a 25+ year career in television production would benefit the storyteller inside me with two Emmy wins! No joke, I hold a pseudo-PhD in human behavior. I share how my experiences in the boardroom, and my observations of wildlife and nature, have guided me through a successful career within the unforgiving media industry. Now, Fully-Unapologetic, I encourage and inspire women to gain confidence . . . which sells every time! . . .and attain the tools to be driven, yet comfortable, with our achievements."
Best Story
I've swum with sharks, nearly runover by a water buffalo, kept an A-list celebrity from having a meltdown, and all the craziness in between. Yet, one of my proudest moments in life was choosing to NOT wear all black when winning a primetime Emmy. I was going to shine!
Origin Story
I started my firm to do things on my own. I want to interact with people and inspire them not through pretty wildlife pictures but by sharing provocative and engaging stories. Padlin Creative was created to bring a more personal approach towards my work. Through consulting, public speaking, and workshop facilitation, I will build deep relationships beyond a TV or streaming devices.
Example talks
FULLY UNAPOLOGETIC: Being Fat in Media & the Corporate World
Do you feel uncomfortable in your own skin?
Do you feel like a duckling trapped in a swan’s profession?
You're not alone. Size and other superficial discrimination is prevalent and, even more shocking, not against the law. A Harvard University study analyzed data from over 4 million tests of attitudes between 2007 and 2016. The analysis found that while biases towards sexual orientation, race and skin tone decreased in that period, weight bias (pro-thin/anti-fat) increased by 40%, particularly in the early years of the study.
Join SHANNON MALONE-deBENEDICTIS as she discusses her 20+ years in television & how being the lone “fat woman” in the room taught her how to embrace her inner swan.
HOW TO SELL YOURSELF LIKE A TV PITCH
The television industry is struggling. More and more creative and technical people are out of work.
We’ve got the skills for other careers. We just need to sell ourselves.
In this online workshop, you'll identify the key elements of a successful tv pitch and how the same methodology can help you create your own logline, sales pitch, and key selling points.
By the end, you'll learn how to shape your resume, what to highlight and NOT highlight, and offered suggested resources to help you through this journey.
ANIMAL DOCUMENTARIES 101: How to Create the Magic
Wildlife films are awe-inspiring spectacles. And filmmakers make it look easy!
But it is anything but. Ever wonder what it takes to make Secrets of the Whales, a Shark Week show, or Inside the Mind of a Cat? Join executive producer and developer Shannon Malone-deBenedictis for this webinar as she gives insights on what it takes to make a stunning and memorable documentary.
FROM IDEA TO PITCH: Finding that Documentary Hook
A webinar for those who have an idea but don't know how to make it into a documentary? Watch as we explore the process of taking your initial idea and turning it into a compelling pitch. Learn valuable tips on how to uncover that documentary hook that will captivate your audience. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to refine your documentary ideas and take them to the next level!
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
Everything is negotiable
Topics
Best Story
I've swum with sharks, nearly runover by a water buffalo, kept an A-list celebrity from having a meltdown, and all the craziness in between. Yet, one of my proudest moments in life was choosing to NOT wear all black when winning a primetime Emmy. I was going to shine!
Origin Story
I started my firm to do things on my own. I want to interact with people and inspire them not through pretty wildlife pictures but by sharing provocative and engaging stories. Padlin Creative was created to bring a more personal approach towards my work. Through consulting, public speaking, and workshop facilitation, I will build deep relationships beyond a TV or streaming devices.
Example talks
FULLY UNAPOLOGETIC: Being Fat in Media & the Corporate World
Do you feel uncomfortable in your own skin?
Do you feel like a duckling trapped in a swan’s profession?
You're not alone. Size and other superficial discrimination is prevalent and, even more shocking, not against the law. A Harvard University study analyzed data from over 4 million tests of attitudes between 2007 and 2016. The analysis found that while biases towards sexual orientation, race and skin tone decreased in that period, weight bias (pro-thin/anti-fat) increased by 40%, particularly in the early years of the study.
Join SHANNON MALONE-deBENEDICTIS as she discusses her 20+ years in television & how being the lone “fat woman” in the room taught her how to embrace her inner swan.
HOW TO SELL YOURSELF LIKE A TV PITCH
The television industry is struggling. More and more creative and technical people are out of work.
We’ve got the skills for other careers. We just need to sell ourselves.
In this online workshop, you'll identify the key elements of a successful tv pitch and how the same methodology can help you create your own logline, sales pitch, and key selling points.
By the end, you'll learn how to shape your resume, what to highlight and NOT highlight, and offered suggested resources to help you through this journey.
ANIMAL DOCUMENTARIES 101: How to Create the Magic
Wildlife films are awe-inspiring spectacles. And filmmakers make it look easy!
But it is anything but. Ever wonder what it takes to make Secrets of the Whales, a Shark Week show, or Inside the Mind of a Cat? Join executive producer and developer Shannon Malone-deBenedictis for this webinar as she gives insights on what it takes to make a stunning and memorable documentary.
FROM IDEA TO PITCH: Finding that Documentary Hook
A webinar for those who have an idea but don't know how to make it into a documentary? Watch as we explore the process of taking your initial idea and turning it into a compelling pitch. Learn valuable tips on how to uncover that documentary hook that will captivate your audience. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to refine your documentary ideas and take them to the next level!