Ian Stearns

About Ian Stearns

As Director of Creative Development at Audible, I get to work with some of the most talented storytellers of our time. For nearly 15 years, I’ve led the planning and production for critically acclaimed and Grammy-award winning albums, audiobooks, and podcasts, working with brands such as Amazon (Audible), SoundCloud, and Comedy Central. I’ve served as Executive Producer for projects reaching millions of listeners, including The Coldest Case starring Aaron Paul, and The Miranda Obsession starring Rachel Brosnahan. I’ve built partnerships with entities like Vice Studios, Sirius XM, and James Patterson Entertainment, leveraging both business development and analytical skill sets. I excel at discovering emerging talent, and I’ve forged partnerships with artists such as Chance the Rapper, Fetty Wap, and Kali Uchis.

Experience

1. Director - Creative Development

   Audible

   Jan 2018 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Audible is well-known as the largest publisher of audiobooks, providing a category-leading platform for the world’s greatest creators and storytellers. As Director of Creative Development, I’m part of a team that creates 300+ Audible Originals each year, many of which have generated millions in revenue. Our division\'s output has expanded 200% during my time, in part because of the partnerships I’ve developed and led. I’ve managed relationships with partners including James Patterson Entertainment, Vice Studios, and Skybound Entertainment, and have produced groundbreaking, star-studded, and brand-defining exclusives. I’ve executive produced award- winning shows like Hit Job, starring Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, as well as chart toppers like James Patterson\'s The Coldest Case starring Aaron Paul, The Miranda Obsession starring Rachel Brosnahan, Heads Will Roll starring Kate McKinnon, and Hot White Heist starring Bowen Yang.Key Highlights:• I’ve produced a slate of Audible Originals across genres including drama, mystery/thriller, sci-fi, comedy, and documentary, and many have been greenlit for additional seasons or are being adapted for TV.• I executive produced Audible Originals which became New York Times Audio Fiction Bestsellers.• I’ve managed promotion and release planning for over 30 Audible Originals, collaborating on multi-million- dollar marketing campaigns and on PR campaigns with major media coverage and millions of viewers.• I’ve recruited and managed talented staff and production teams including writers, directors, producers, engineers, sound designers, and composers.• Initially hired as Director of Scripted & Unscripted Content, my role has expanded to include managing a staff of two, and new partnerships, genres, and formats.

Education

• Amherst College

  Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, Film Concentration

Skills

• Screenwriting
• Editing
• Publicity
• Documentaries
• Social Networking
• Pro Tools
• Broadcast
• Content Strategy
• Entertainment
• Facebook
• Content Development
• Television
• Producing
• Final Cut Pro
• Comedy
• Video
• Music
• Business Development
• Digital Marketing
• New Business Development
• Film
• Video Production
• Film Production
• Digital Media
• Social Media
• Microsoft Office
• New Media
• Voice Over
• Post Production
• Blogging
• Logic Pro
• Contract Negotiation
• Creative Writing