Concepts into Reality
Free Rein Media is currently based out of Dubuque, IA and serving the needs of clients in the Midwest United States including Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, and Nebraska for in-person work and videography.
For consulting and other services that do not require a physical presence, Free Rein Media accepts and welcomes clients from across the country and the world!
You can also reach Ellen by phone at 318-595-0699.
As an overly-busy development executive, don’t you wish that you could have eyes on the ground all across the country? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could personally scour the world for the best talent to meet your need for fresh, innovative shows? The large production companies that you work with are based primarily out of NYC or LA and try as they might, they just can’t be in 50 states at once. They can’t keep the closest tab on local subcultures and quirky news stories that could lead to great show ideas. And perhaps most importantly, they are not living and working in the communities with your potential talent, building interpersonal relationships and trust that are needed to create authentic Reality programming.
The theory behind Free Rein Media is simple: we believe that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, and we are committed to developing those ideas and getting them in front of the decision makers at top cable television networks and trusted production companies. We are constantly seeking new show concepts and talent to develop and believe that you, the independent, non-New York, non-Hollywood, producers have much to offer in the way of uncharted Reality territory.
Free Rein Media is seeking those people, families, or businesses who you know could be “the next big thing” in Reality Television given the proper development and pitch. We have the expertise to determine if an idea has legs and if so, to turn a half-baked concept into a fully fleshed out treatment. On top of that, we have the connections to get these ideas where they need to go to turn from great ideas into great shows.
Free Rein Media works with producers and production companies of all sizes from all over the country, at all stages of the development process. We can work with you in any and all capacities from the writing of a one-sheet to the production of a sizzle reel. Each and every case is a new and unique challenge that will require an individualized approach. We work both in a consultant capacity and more actively involved as a co-producer. Fees and credits are negotiated on a case by case basis so please contact us directly to talk about your potential projects.
Ellen Lichtenstein, owner of Free Rein Media, is a writer and producer who has worked both as a freelancer and a network creative since 2006. After graduating from New York University with a B.S. in Communication and Cinema Studies, Ellen migrated to South Florida to be a part of the hit TLC show “Miami Ink.” It was in Miami that Ellen first discovered her love of casting and character development.
After two seasons with Miami Ink, Ellen joined Discovery Communications’ corporate headquarters in Silver Spring, MD to work for the Discovery Channel. Throughout her time in the production and development department of Discovery, Ellen contributed firsthand to the success of shows like “Dirty Jobs,” “Man Vs. Wild,” “The Colony,” and “Auction Kings” among many others. In 2011, Ellen returned to the freelance world and to her tattoo television roots, taking a job as a Human Canvas Producer on SPIKE TV’s top rated show “Ink Master” for season 2 and 3.
In June of 2013, Ellen made a huge move to the Dubuque, Iowa area in order to scout out uncharted territory in the Midwestern U.S. Since arriving in Iowa, Ellen has produced for Travel Channel, cast talent for an upcoming reality pilot, and become a Coordinator for the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival.
Through it all, Ellen has maintained a passion for telling stories, developing characters, and discovering new talent. With her diverse experience and broad range of relationships with cable network creative executives, Ellen constantly strives to identify new talent, package ideas, and most importantly put those ideas directly in front of the decision makers who are hungry for new content. Free Rein Media is turning concepts into Reality.
There is no project too large or too small for Free Rein Media. We have been a part of internationally broadcast, hit TV shows, and we will bring the same level of professionalism, creativity, and service to your personal events. If you are planning a wedding, party, sporting event, or any other type of gathering that you would like videotaped/produced, please contact us for a quote! We can work within any budget and will be happy to give you the video of your dreams.
Meet Free Rein