Darren M.

Experience

• 

  Funny Or Die

  Chief Digital Officer

  May 2024 - Present

  Founded in 2007, Funny Or Die (FOD) is a premier entertainment brand and independent studio that creates award-winning, premium comedy with today’s biggest stars and tomorrow’s freshest voices. With over 1000ish hours of original content spanning almost two decades, FOD lives at the nexus of comedy, pop culture, and politics. Our global audience reaches more than 50 million people across all our social platforms, and we are pioneers in branded content, creating and producing videos for many Fortune 500 companies including Walmart, Kroger, Lyft, H&R Block, HBO, and T-Mobile.

  • Led digital transformation initiatives, enhancing online engagement and audience reach.
  • Implemented innovative digital strategies that increased brand visibility and revenue.
  • Oversaw the development of new digital platforms, expanding content accessibility.
• 

  Funny Or Die

  VP of Digital

  Oct 2022 - Jan 2025

  • Expanded strategic partnerships and reestablished sponsored content business.
  • Launched new podcast network and vodcast programming.
  • Enhanced web tech and ad operations, improving digital capabilities.
• 

  Funny Or Die

  Director of Digital

  Mar 2021 - Oct 2022

  • Improved cost-efficiency and diversified revenue streams for digital strategy.
  • Led successful CMS migrations to scalable platforms.
  • Expanded VOD and FAST programming on new OTT platforms.
• 

  Funny Or Die

  Manager Of Programming

  Feb 2020 - Mar 2021

  • Developed data-driven digital programming strategy for a 40 million audience.
  • Redefined creative voice for new and legacy content.
  • Adapted digital production to market changes during COVID-19.
• 

  Funny Or Die

  Social Creative Producer

  Feb 2018 - Feb 2020

  • Produced original content for all digital platforms, enhancing audience engagement.
  • Collaborated on branded content for partners and TV programs.
  • Achieved targets for budgets, revenue, and performance growth.
• 

  Funny or Die

  Content Programming Manager

  Apr 2014 - Feb 2018

  • Launched Independent Creator Program, producing content with over 100 million views.
  • Supervised community program to support comedy creators.
  • Curated content to maintain a relevant comedic voice online.

• The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre

  Maude Writer

  Jan 2013 - Apr 2014

  The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) is the comedy powerhouse founded by Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh. We run two theatres in New York and two in LA, where we feature improv, sketch and standup seven nights a week.

  • Wrote for 'Maude' house sketch team, producing monthly comedy shows.
  • Co-wrote and produced 'Lonely People,' a sketch comedy show about loneliness.
  • Collaborated with independent groups for creative projects.
• 

  Sportsrocket

  Producer, Writer - Official Comedy

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2014

  Sportsrocket is a New York based company working to give sports fans access to live games and events, highlights, and shows, whenever they want, wherever they are, however they consume video.

  • Produced and wrote a 20-episode sketch comedy series with 2 million views.
  • Developed partnerships with creators, achieving over 1 million views.
  • Directed 'Geeking Out,' a YouTube channel with significant subscriber growth.

• The Chris Gethard Show

  Web Producer

  Dec 2011 - Jan 2014

  The Chris Gethard Show is a company.

  • Created web and social strategy for 'The Chris Gethard Show.'
  • Integrated comedic bits with online presence, enhancing audience interaction.
  • Developed design for websites supporting both stage and TV versions.
• 

  Melge

  Co-Founder, Writer, Actor, Director, Producer

  Jan 2011 - May 2014

  Melge is a creative production company. We're a group of multi-talented folks who like making original products and collaborating with other super talented folks to make beautiful, hilarious, and moving videos.

  • Founded a digital media production company for web, TV, and film content.
  • Produced award-winning plays and TV pilot finalists.
  • Provided social media services to companies and individuals.

• Sesame Workshop

  Production Assistant

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2011

  Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street which reaches 156 million children across more than 150 countries. The Workshop’s mission is to use the educational power of media to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

  • Supported digital media projects for 'Sesame Street' and 'The Electric Company.'
  • Maintained and created content for an Emmy Award-winning website.
  • Managed online video presence, enhancing digital engagement.

• Likely Story

  Development Intern

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2011

  Likely Story is a company.

  • Provided organizational support for multi-million dollar film productions.
  • Wrote script coverage to aid in project development.
  • Assisted in all production phases, enhancing operational efficiency.

• Slate: The World College Comedy Festival

  Producer, Director, Designer, Performer

  Jan 2009 - May 2009

  Slate: The World College Comedy Festival is a company.

  • Revived a comedy festival, coordinating multiple college and professional groups.
  • Produced shows with nationally recognized headliners.
  • Managed sponsorships, funding, and logistics for successful events.

• Washington Improv Theater

  Marketing and Artistic Direction Intern

  Sep 2008 - Dec 2008

  Washington Improv Theater is a company.

  • Conducted analyses for ticket pricing and production schedules.
  • Developed design briefs and organized show post-mortems.
  • Enhanced marketing strategies and company identity.