back MELISSA VILLANUEVA - Production Supervisor/1st Assistant Director Born & raised in the heartland of America, Melissa Villanueva has always been fascinated by productions, which speak to the human heart and touch the mind. She grew up passionate about artistic expression, especially Theatre and Dance. In 1996, her first poem was published, as part of a collection from students across the United States. While working her way through college, Melissa got a job cleaning out the video vault at Flagler Productions, in Kansas City. Soon, she was determined to use her passion for artistic expression, coupled with the power of technology, to reach larger audiences. Since that time, Melissa has worked under the pressure of live events, as well as the tight deadlines of creative production. She is capable and comfortable in the roles of Producer, Writer, Director, and Stage Manager. She has worked on everything from widescreen productions for the Wal-Mart Corporation to satellite broadcasts for the American Century awards. She has worked side by side with Dr. Maya Angelou, Antonio Banderas, Jeffery Katzenberg, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Susan Lucci, Melanie Griffith, Col. Tommy Franks, Coach John Wooden, Cal Ripkin Jr., Phil Vasser, Brooks & Dunn, Mr. T, Carl Witherspoon, Michael Buffer, William Goldberg, Bryan Adams, Cindy Crawford, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Jeff Gordan, Richard Petty and American Idol’s Diana DeGarmo. Melissa has a personal interest in family issues and most recently produced Stay Safe a program dedicated to Gun Safety issues. She is currently in pre-production on the next installment in the Stay Safe series, which will be shot entirely in Hi-Definition Video. As part of the Wal-Mart sponsored Heroes Project, Melissa has traveled across the country, conducting interviews and producing documentary style stories which salute those who make sacrifices for the sake of others. Melissa loves collaborating with others as much as she enjoys finding the story in everyone. Her incredible empathy provides her with the true gift of stirring emotion; not only in the subjects she interviews, but also in the audience she is intending to reach. Melissa Villanueva is currently the producer of Resting Places, a documentary companion project to Descansos. Resting Places explores in depth roadside memorials around the world and the impact they have on society.