If you’re sitting in a room next to her, you may not even know that she’s there. Melissa Talbot, director and producer, lets her work do the talking for her. Her dual role as director and producer of Switchplay TV yielded the highest ratings for independent shows on the WB (now known as The CW Network). From that, she successfully birthed a gut-wrenching live comedy television show, Switchplay Live. Her work with world-renowned playwright and producer Angela Dunlap not only gained her local and regional recognition, but national exposure. Clientele, cast members and confidants know that Melissa Talbot is not going to give 100 percent—she’s giving 110 plus.
After her start with Okane Media Group, Talbot blossomed into a 16-year partnership with Nate Talbot and Miles Dixon—two well-known icons in the industry. Working with celebrities from across the nation in productions such as He Said, She Said and Cheaters opened many doors of opportunity for Talbot to hone her skills. In 2012, she successfully completed the collaboration Eyes of Deception. Her work with actors Royce Reed, Kym Whitley, Reginald “Bruh Man” Ballard, Hope Flood and Christian Keyes led to even greater works. Talbot later had the honor of directing and producing Karl King’s When a Woman Loves and There Goes the Neighborhood.
Her collaboration with Chosen One Productions and Richard Bass for the stage play Entangled landed a national DVD distribution deal, which was released in 2015, in addition to the production being featured at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. As a member of Urban Playwrights United (UPU), an organization formed by nationally known playwright Vanessa Lynn, Talbot won the Two-Minute Play Competition in both 2012 and 2014. In addition to serving as producer for the stage play Idol, she served as one of the producers for the movie, I am My Sister’s Keeper. Written by Shawntay Dalon, I am My Sister’s Keeper is set to make its debut on October 16, 2015, then in Los Angeles on November 21. It’s apparent for all to see—she’s definitely left a mark on the industry that can’t be erased.
When she’s not making magic on the theatrical stage, she’s managing R&B recording artists Raw Voyces and Johnyce. A distinctive creative graphic designer, Talbot’s artistic skills are showcased on hundreds of fliers, book covers, magazines and other forms of mass media around the world. Her first film production, Stay in Your Place, written by Tonja Ayers, will release in early 2016. Her first web series, Carter & Cody, written by Victoria Sharpe, will release in the winter of 2016.
Despite her long list of accomplishments, Talbot humbly acknowledges that none of it would be possible without the support and commitment of her team. While many business professionals struggle to find balance, she’s not only found it—she’s mastered it. She knows her commitment, her hard work, her delivery–will always speak for itself.
Melissa is a very modest woman and her first rule is never to bad mouth anyone in business, but contest that the work speaks for itself so without a single utterance you live or die by your own commitment…or lack thereof. The thing that she is most grateful for is her “TEAM” without them none of this would be possible. She is totally committed to each and every project and gives 110% or nothing at all. Though she has made many accomplishments in her career, if asked she’ll tell you her greatest achievement was changing from where she was to who she is today. A loving wife, mother, friend and business woman…and never losing perspective of the importance of each. She personally would like to thank everyone for their continuous support in all of her endeavors and would like to ask everyone for a favor…”SMILE, EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL YOU HAVE NO REASON TO” and “LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST”!! God Bless Everyone!!
- Switchplay TV – Director/Producer
- Switchplay Live! – Producer
- He Said, She Said – Director/Producer
- Cheaters – Director/Producer
- When A Woman Loves – Director/Producer
- There Goes The Neighborhood – Director/Producer
- Eyes Of Deception – Director/Producer
- Official Graphic Designer and Event Planner for Raw Voyces
- Lead Graphic Designer for Custom Whipz Magazine
- Official Graphic Designer for Selfmeyi
- Graphic Designer
- Live Event Co-Ordinator
- Film/Television/Stage Producing
- Directing
- Photo Director
- Artist Development