Gina Charbonnet
Los Angeles
Summary
Dynamic and experienced Entertainment Consultant with 20+ years of expertise in producing high-profile entertainment projects across multiple media platforms, including video, film, and live events. Proven ability to align brands with engaging, culturally relevant content while managing multimillion-dollar budgets and leading diverse teams. Specializes in experiential marketing, content creation, project management, and fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve innovative and successful results.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Architect & Consultant
AfriCarnaval Initiative
01.2023 - Current
- Co-created AfriCarnaval's Small Business Cohort, supporting 10 culturally focused businesses by designing curriculums and coordinating resources
- Led strategic planning for the initiative, including the production of its 2025 Mardi Gras parade and programming events
- Managed budgets, developed project timelines, and ensured alignment with economic equity goals
Producer & Co-Executive Producer
01.2021 - Current
- Sign My Name to Freedom (2024 – Present): Produced a feature documentary on National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, focusing on her hidden life as a songwriter and civil rights pioneer
- Benediction (2022 – 2023): Co-executive produced a short narrative on resilience and spirit, securing funding and providing brand consulting
- Ma Belle, My Beauty (2020– 2022): Executive produced the Sundance Audience Award-winning film and co-led branding, fundraising, and partnership deals
Entertainment Consultant & Executive Producer
GeChar, INC
02.2013 - Current
- Produced high-profile entertainment projects designed to integrate brands with live content across film, video, and television platforms
- Developed innovative strategies in experiential marketing, impacting brand visibility and consumer interaction
- Managed programming and logistics for large-scale events such as Essence Festival of Culture, engaging global audiences and securing A-list talent like Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry and the White House Administration, among other influencers and thought leaders
- Cultivated strong partnerships with production partners, vendors, and stakeholders to meet key objectives
- Directed teams of 30+ for event operations, including scripting, technical schedules, and show execution
- A skilled team builder who fosters collaboration and drives growth
Executive Producer & Programming Producer
Essence Festival of Culture (EFOC)
01.2004 - Current
- Designed and executed critically acclaimed daytime programming, including Empowerment Experience, Global Black Economic Forum, and BeautyCon
- Directed talent operations, budgets, and logistics for a large-scale cultural platform engaging 500,000+ global attendees annually
- Strategically collaborated with PR, promotions, and social media teams to amplify the Festival’s impact across digital platforms
Producer
Mosaic Short Narrative Series
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Produced two short narratives in collaboration with the Institute of Women in Ethnic Studies (IWES), managing casting, crew onboarding, and location scouting
- Ensured fiscal accountability and timely delivery of production milestones
- Applied for and managed the State Incentive Tax Credit Audit, optimizing financial returns for stakeholders
Education
Master of Arts - Arts Administration
University of New Orleans
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism (Minor in Film Studies)
University of New Orleans and Southern University
Community Development Finance Certificate - Urban Studies
University of New Orleans
Creative Writing Certificate -
New York University
Producer's Intensive Certificate -
New York University
Sponsorship & Strategic Partnerships Certification -
Temple University
10K Small Business Program Certificate -
Babson College, Goldman Sachs
Skills
- Executive Leadership, Management & Producer
- Strategic Planning
- Experiential Programming
- Multimillion-Dollar Budget Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Talent Procurement
- Relationship Development
- Talent & Vendor Negotiations
- Project Management
- Live Event Production
- Creative Producing
- Coaching and Mentoring
Key Achievements & Contributions
- Produced programming and secured high-profile talent for events such as the Essence Festival of Culture, engaging influential stakeholders including global thought and brand leaders and A List Talent.
- Successfully managed multimillion-dollar budgets and identified cost efficiencies across diverse projects.
- Worked with global partners in designed, facilitating, and launching a Small Business Cohort aimed at fostering the growth of arts and cultural enterprises.
- Innovative partner with a proven record of success that continues to work with brands on inspiring, refining and amplifying their reach through Impact Branding.
Achievements & Affiliations
- Executive Producer of Sundance Audience Award Winner 'Ma Belle, My Beauty'
- New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT)
Board Membership & Leadership
Board Member, South Arts, A regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and cultural innovation and advancing Southern cultural initiatives.
Certification
Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBEC)
Timeline
Architect & Consultant
AfriCarnaval Initiative
01.2023 - Current
Producer
Mosaic Short Narrative Series
07.2022 - 12.2023
Producer & Co-Executive Producer
01.2021 - Current
Entertainment Consultant & Executive Producer
GeChar, INC
02.2013 - Current
Executive Producer & Programming Producer
Essence Festival of Culture (EFOC)
01.2004 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism (Minor in Film Studies)
University of New Orleans and Southern University
Community Development Finance Certificate - Urban Studies
University of New Orleans
Creative Writing Certificate -
New York University
Producer's Intensive Certificate -
New York University
Sponsorship & Strategic Partnerships Certification -
Temple University
10K Small Business Program Certificate -
Babson College, Goldman Sachs
Master of Arts - Arts Administration
University of New Orleans
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