We recently connected with Marta Ravin and have shared our conversation below.

Marta, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

In one of my past roles when I was the Executive Producer of an online production team our parent company was being bought and morale was low. So I started a conference room workout everyday at noon. I brought in some resistance bands and music and set up stations around the conference room. It was a great way to have a good time, workout, shake off anxiety and bond as a team.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Humor has always been the common denominator for everything I’ve done. I began my career as a stand up comic in NYC in the 90’s. It was an exciting time for comedy. I performed at the traditional clubs uptown like Stand Up NY and the Comic Strip but I was also part of the alternative comedy scene that was happening down in the East Village. There was a great space called Luna Lounge where performers could tell stories, play music, do sketches, characters- it didn’t matter – as long as it was funny. You never knew who you would see there- Amy Poehler and the rest of the UCB gang who had just moved to NYC, Marc MARON, Jeneane Garafalo, Zach Galafanakis lived across the street. It was a great world to be a part of in comedy. As my comedy career grew I started getting hired as a writer for various projects and was brought on when Oxygen was first launching as a Women’s network and had Oprah as one of the main investors. They hired me as a writer and on air talent but I eventually started producing shows for them well. After that I went to MTV and produced Total Request Live for 8 years which was basically live tv boot camp. Everyday we went live at 5pm and the biggest artists and celebs of the time (Britney Spears, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Tom Cruise) would all come on the show to promote their projects, play a game and hundreds – thousands of kids and fans would gather outside the Times Square Studios with signs hoping to be caught on camera or asked to come up to the studio. After MTV, I worked at Fuse overseeing their YouTube channel, digital content and music festival coverage. Then I produced the Kids’ Choice Awards for Nickelodeon which was a blast and somewhere along the way I created “Long Island Medium” for TLC and “Get Out of My Room” for Universal Kids. I continued to be a Showrunner producing and developing various projects and as the industry changed I started focusing more on branded entertainment. I’ve also been doing a bit of speaking and consulting lately using my background as a comic and producer to help individuals and companies “Find Their Funny.”

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve been in the Entertainment business for almost 30 years and I have a built a reputation as a funny, smart, kind, flexible leader. I learned how to treat people from my first job at the Jon Stewart Show where I watched Jon treat the everyone the same. From celebrities to staff, crew to the security guards and janitors. I’m a great team player whether I’m leading the team or part of many cogs in a machine. I always show up with a big smile and a great attitude.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’m mid pivot right now! We are in year 2 of the Media Apocalypse and as less unscripted and realty shows are being green lit and when they are being produced the budgets and teams being used to make them are smaller and smaller there has been a drastic dearth of work in my industry for Showrunners with my background and skill set. So I am truly hustling to figure out how to take all of my experience and skills and rearrange the puzzle pieces to make a new picture. Right now that includes speaking- I did a TEDx last year that has helped me get my foot in the door in the speaking world. I’m consulting individuals and companies and helping them “Find Their Funny.” I’m creating my own content in a Newsletter and IG reels called the Ravin Roundup where I talk about my favorite show or movie I’m watching and the products I’m inspired to buy after watching the show which has been getting some traction and sponsors. So right now I’m in the “throwing it all against the wall and seeing what sticks” stage of my career. I’ll let you know how it all works out😀!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Martaravinproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martaravin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martaravin/
• Other: Newsletter: https://ravinroundup.beehiiv.com/

Image Credits

Julie Brimberg Rothschild