BEHIND THE CAMERA: How The Current Media Landscape Breaks You Down
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

BEHIND THE CAMERA: How The Current Media Landscape Breaks You Down

I was already dealing with anxiety and discrimination—both gender and weight bias—so jumping into freelancing at the worst time for TV and media felt like a recipe for disaster. Yet, here I am, sharing my journey of braving the industry’s biggest contraction in recent memory.

In my new post, I unpack the “streaming gold rush” that went bust, how it’s impacted our mental health and creativity, and why—despite it all—there’s a new path forward for those of us behind the camera. If you’ve felt the squeeze or battled your own shame spiral, you’re not alone.

art by AJ Jones via Deep Dream Generator

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The Burden of "Invisible" Bias: How Weight Discrimination Shapes Our Lives
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

The Burden of "Invisible" Bias: How Weight Discrimination Shapes Our Lives

William Howard Taft: President. Supreme Court Chief Justice. Devoted husband and father. Lived well beyond his peers. Yet what’s his legacy? The tub.

In this essay, I reflect on Taft, history, and the weight bias that still drags people down. It’s time we learned more about the person, not the punchline.

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Body Image in the Workplace: The Unspoken Rules for "Looking Professional"
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

Body Image in the Workplace: The Unspoken Rules for "Looking Professional"

One of my all-time favorite comedies, Working Girl, isn’t just a brilliant 80s film—it’s a powerful commentary on confidence, professional attire, and the biases that come with it. From Sigourney Weaver’s iconic red dress to the struggle Tess McGill faces in the corporate world, this movie resonates on so many levels. As someone who's battled with fitting into the "one-size-fits-all" corporate dress code, I reflect on how clothing can empower or diminish us, especially for women with body types that don't conform to societal norms. Here’s a look at how Working Girl and my own experiences highlight the pressure to "dress to fit"—and why it’s time to let individuality and confidence shine. ✨ #Fashion #BodyPositivity #ProfessionalStyle #Confidence

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FILM PRODUCTION AND THE MICHAEL JORDAN EFFECT
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

FILM PRODUCTION AND THE MICHAEL JORDAN EFFECT

Michael Jordan may be the GOAT, but his success wouldn't have been possible without his teammates—Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, and others. In both sports and the entertainment industry, the “stars” are nothing without their supporting teams. Just like in film production, where directors get the spotlight, there’s a whole team behind the scenes—producers, marketers, legal experts, and more—making sure everything runs smoothly. Let’s stop overlooking these crucial roles. Success is a team effort, and everyone’s contribution matters. #Teamwork #Collaboration #CelebrateEveryone #MichaelJordan #BehindTheScenes

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MEDIA VS REALITY: When what is real is too real
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

MEDIA VS REALITY: When what is real is too real

As a passionate traveler and documentary filmmaker, I've learned that the world is a vast canvas filled with stories waiting to be told.

In my recent travels, I’ve come to appreciate not just the beauty of our planet but also the misunderstandings that can arise from how media portrays reality.

Whether understanding the scale of our oceans or the nuances of wildlife photography, we can all benefit from a bit of humility and awareness.

🌟

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MY CREATIVE PROCESS
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

MY CREATIVE PROCESS

When faced with a sea of ideas, it can be challenging to pinpoint the ones with true potential. Drawing inspiration from a beloved bear, I've refined my process for selecting ideas worth nurturing.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: Developing “CARRIERS AT WAR”
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

BEHIND THE SCENES: Developing “CARRIERS AT WAR”

Embedded documentaries may seem effortless, but behind the scenes, it's a different story. Success in this field requires an exceptionally skilled team, supportive executives, thorough preparation, as well as tact, diplomacy, and tenacity.

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WHAT’S IN MY OFFICE
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

WHAT’S IN MY OFFICE

Your office space speaks volumes about you. Mine is a true reflection of who I am. Discover how I structure my life and work, and perhaps find some inspiration along the way.

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THE SH*T WILL HIT THE FAN
Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis Blog Shannon Malone-deBenedictis

THE SH*T WILL HIT THE FAN

Things never go perfectly--chaos will find you.

How you handle when the sh*t starts flying is the key to finding success.

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