Available to hire
Hi, I’m Kelsey Simon, a seasoned factual producer with a background in History. I have a proven track record of securing sensitive and complex access to federal agencies, conservation initiatives, and isolated communities—ranging from NASA and Bell Flight in Alaska to white rhino IVF programs in Southern Africa—and I craft emotionally resonant, character-led stories.
Whether I’m working in NASA access, remote Alaskan islands, or wildlife conservation programs in Southern Africa, I build trust-based relationships in challenging environments and help reluctant contributors feel comfortable on camera. I thrive on international collaborations, across diverse cultures, and I always prioritize integrity and respect in the storytelling process.
Experience Level
Expert
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Intermediate
Portuguese
Intermediate
Work Experience
Story Producer at Rare TV
May 1, 2025 - October 23, 2025On-location story development for Ice Airport Alaska (Series 6). Managed Story AP, secured access to NASA, Bell Flight, and Little Diomede; strengthened contributor relationships; shaped narrative arcs; participated in channel meetings; balanced evolving storylines across episodes.
Story Producer at Rare TV
November 1, 2024 - October 23, 2025Led story production across 5 countries for Extreme Airport Africa Series 2; secured access to black rhino notching, white rhino IVF, and lion translocations; developed narrative arcs; produced shoot briefs; directed interviews and B-roll.
Junior Story Producer at Rare TV
April 1, 2024 - October 23, 2025Stepped in as Assistant Producer in remote environments (Kaktovik); secured access to Native communities; supported on-location with contributor coordination.
Development AP at Relsah Productions
January 1, 2021 - PresentLed on-the-ground story research and contributor casting for Vindication Swim; created film slate and treatments; supported distribution planning.
Producer at Kakaw Productions
October 1, 2025 - October 23, 2025Took Untitled Observational Documentary Series from development to commission for Channel 4; built trust, secured access to prison wives, managed contributor dynamics, and guided casting strategies under tight deadlines.
Story AP at Rare TV
November 1, 2023 - October 23, 2025Extreme Airport Africa Series 1: Lived on location in hostile environments for 4+ months; provided post-production support with fact-checking, transcriptions, and managing releases; generated leads and coordinated contributors and logistics across multiple countries.
Development AP at Rapid Blue
September 1, 2020 - October 23, 2025Supported development across 15+ shows; contributed to treatments and pitches; built relationships with commissioners and networks.
In-House Development AP at Oxyg3n Studios
July 1, 2019 - October 23, 2025Developed original program concepts across factual, drama, and animation; liaised between researchers and development leads; supported pitching materials.
Development Research Intern at Oxyg3n Studios
July 1, 2018 - PresentResearched and sourced stories across specialist factual, formats and entertainment; promoted to Development AP within three months.
Story Producer at Rare TV
May 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025On the AlaskaIce Airport Alaska Series 6: managed story development and on-location story AP; secured complex access to NASA, Bell Flight, and Little Diomede; strengthened contributor relationships and shaped narrative arcs; participated in channel meetings and editorial planning; managed multiple evolving storylines across episodes.
Story Producer at Rare TV
November 1, 2024 - November 1, 2024Led story production across 5 countries for Extreme Airport Africa Series 2; delivered 40+ character-driven stories; secured access to wildlife programs (black rhino notching, white rhino IVF, lion translocations); developed narrative arcs and shoot briefs; directed interviews and B-roll.
Junior Story Producer at Rare TV
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2024On-location support in Alaska (Ice Airport Series 5); secured culturally significant access to Native communities; provided on-site support and contributed to post-production workflows.
Producer at Rare TV
May 1, 2025 - October 29, 2025Untitled Observational Documentary Series (Early Development – National Geographic); led on-the-ground story research and contributor casting; developed development materials and maintained contributor pipelines.
Story AP at Rare TV
November 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023Extreme Airport Africa Series 1: lived on location for 4+ months; provided post-production support (fact-checking, transcribing, releases); generated leads and coordinated contributors and logistics across multi-country shoot.
Development AP at Relsah Productions
January 1, 2021 - October 29, 2025Vindication Swim: created film slate and led treatment; contributed to development and commissioning processes.
Development AP at Rapid Blue
September 1, 2020 - September 1, 2020Supported production across 15+ shows (Come Dine with Me SA, The Bachelor SA, Family Feud SA, Jack Ma’s Africa’s Business Heroes, Africa Glam); assisted with casting and logistical problem-solving; mentored juniors in developing treatments and pitch decks.
Development AP at Oxyg3n Studios
July 1, 2019 - July 1, 2019Wine Dine and Stein; Eat Grow Love; The Greenhouse Effect; Survival of The Species; Trackers (HBO); collaborated with DCD Rights; supported development across multiple formats.
Development Research Intern at Oxyg3n Studios
July 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018Promoted to Development AP within three months; researched and sourced stories across specialist factual, formats, and entertainment; prepared casting materials.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Education at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017Bachelor of Arts at University of the Witwatersrand
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2016Post Graduate Certificate in Education at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
January 1, 2019 - October 29, 2025Bachelor of Arts with Honours in History at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
January 1, 2017 - October 29, 2025Bachelor of Arts at University of the Witwatersrand
January 1, 2016 - October 29, 2025Qualifications
Mandela Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - October 23, 2025Mandela Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - October 29, 2025Post Graduate Certificate in Education
January 11, 2030 - October 29, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
Experience Level
Expert
Intermediate
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