Hi, I’m Seán Arena. I’m an Emmy-nominated writer and department director with 18+ years of production experience across formats. I’ve led 900+ annual editorial productions, building efficient workflows, shaping creative vision, and fostering strong, collaborative teams. I thrive on turning complex ideas into clear, engaging stories, whether on a studio stage or on location. I’m committed to DEI, mentorship, and delivering high-quality results on time and within budget, all while maintaining a positive, inclusive work culture. In addition to my production experience, I've been a photographer for the last 10 years. While filmmaking and media production is my expertise, photography is my true passion.

Seán Arena

Hi, I’m Seán Arena. I’m an Emmy-nominated writer and department director with 18+ years of production experience across formats. I’ve led 900+ annual editorial productions, building efficient workflows, shaping creative vision, and fostering strong, collaborative teams. I thrive on turning complex ideas into clear, engaging stories, whether on a studio stage or on location. I’m committed to DEI, mentorship, and delivering high-quality results on time and within budget, all while maintaining a positive, inclusive work culture. In addition to my production experience, I've been a photographer for the last 10 years. While filmmaking and media production is my expertise, photography is my true passion.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Seán Arena. I’m an Emmy-nominated writer and department director with 18+ years of production experience across formats. I’ve led 900+ annual editorial productions, building efficient workflows, shaping creative vision, and fostering strong, collaborative teams.

I thrive on turning complex ideas into clear, engaging stories, whether on a studio stage or on location. I’m committed to DEI, mentorship, and delivering high-quality results on time and within budget, all while maintaining a positive, inclusive work culture.

In addition to my production experience, I’ve been a photographer for the last 10 years. While filmmaking and media production is my expertise, photography is my true passion.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Photographer at Pupstarz Rescue
December 10, 2022 - Present
• Document volunteer-run adoption events in New York City • Create portraits of rescue animals available for adoption through Pupstarz
Adjunct Instructor, Film & Television at Drexel University
August 6, 2023 - August 15, 2024
Provide in-person instruction and develop curriculum for degree program courses in Intermediate Lighting and Cinematography.
Associate Director, Studio & Field Production at Dotdash Meredith / Meredith Corp
June 30, 2022 - Present
• Led ~$4 million in capital projects such as studio builds, broadcast equipment resourcing, and content sprints with energy, clarity and organization • Introduced intuitive workflows for production scheduling which improved efficiency and eliminated pain points in 9 studios across country • Preserved output, standards of excellence and team camaraderie through four M and A's with frequent restructuring and shifting priorities • Actioned DEI goals by developing shadow program for students at underserved schools to observe arts career paths & inner-workings of production studio, resulting in 3 full time hires from over 25 participants
Studio Manager, East Coast at Meredith Corp / Time Inc.
September 16, 2022 - Present
Supervising Director of Photography at Time inc
January 2, 2017 - November 10, 2017
Camera and Lighting Operator at Time Inc
January 15, 2014 - December 30, 2016
ENG Photographer at News 12
March 13, 2012 - October 17, 2014
ENG Photographer at News 12
December 16, 2025 - Present
ENG Photographer at News 12
March 13, 2012 - October 17, 2014

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Film and Video at Drexel University
January 11, 2030 - December 17, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education