Dana Richie is a filmmaker, director, writer, producer and storyteller known for bringing heart into every project. She doesn’t just tell stories—she brings them to life…And she finds continuously innovative, boundary-breaking ways to do it across short and long-form platforms. From “real people” documentaries to scripted series, to original branded content, commercials and beyond, Dana combines a visionary approach with her ability to cut straight to the beating heart of a story, leaning into humanity, and creating something entirely new, authentic, and ahead of the curve. 

An award-winning filmmaker and producer, Dana honed her craft at the era’s most iconic networks in news, documentary and entertainment, including CNN, ABC News 20/20, and Viacom/ MTV Networks / VH1. That diverse background molded her into a storytelling expert with a savvy for captivating, easy-to-consume media.

Dana’s company BACKLOT is the product of that expertise as well as her intuitive understanding of premium original content and where it is heading. A pioneer in digital media, nearly two decades later, BACKLOT continues to redefine how stories connect with audiences, including for brands like AT&T, SONY, Smartwater, Hennessy, General Motors, Humana, Jeep, L’Oreal and more. All have worked in connection with BACKLOT not just to shape their stories—but to do so in ever-more innovative, relevant and resonant ways.

Dana began her career at CNN in 1991. In the midst of the Gulf War and, concurrently, the network’s meteoric rise as a leader in cable news it was the perfect crash course in the chaos and excitement of news television. Two years later, upon the recommendation of her former CNN colleague, anchor Catherine Crier who had departed for ABC, Dana was brought on as an assistant producer and director for ABC News 20/20. Dana’s fearless work in the investigative unit at 20/20 won several awards— including a Cine Golden Eagle and a Genesis Award from the Humane Society. While there, she also worked closely with Barbara Walters, who became a role model who helped hone her own interview skills.

Dana carried those skills with her into the entertainment world. She joined Viacom/ VH1 in 1999, spearheading News Series & Specials for the network and running its Los Angeles office for their New York headquarters . Dana’s role at VH1 was expansive: She helped launch flagship programming by producing on I Love the 80s, I Love the 90s, Best Week Ever, and Where Are They Now— while simultaneously working on Behind the Music, the network’s groundbreaking and critically-acclaimed documentary series.

Dana was also directed all of VH1’s west coast content, including covering the Oscars, the Grammys, and other major award shows. She’s interviewed the biggest names in film, TV and music, going on set for movie and music video shoots, red carpets and junkets, and creating compelling highlight spots for pop culture that engaged fans.