About
I have been developing and producing high-profile television content for 12 years, both in the UK and internationally, for broadcasters such as the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV, Discovery TLC and National Geographic.
I have a track record of working on award-winning, iconic TV firsts including The Real Marigold Hotel (BBC One) and The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds (Channel 4). I have also made four Stacey Dooley films and am known for my work with sensitive access and contributor care.
I am now working in drama and recently successfully completed a crowdfunding campaign for movie musical short, Satisfaction Guaranteed! written and directed by Caitlin Shannon and David Buchanan. I am currently in production on a new, unannounced TV drama.
Prior to getting into television, I trained in Musical Theatre at The BRIT School and subsequently produced, directed and choreographed several fringe musicals both at university and beyond. I also assistant stage-managed BBC Learning’s Over the Rainbow live theatre tour which took place off the back of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s BBC One TV series of the same name, documenting his search for the next performer to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
Proud of my Spanish/Scottish heritage and working-class roots, I am a vocal and active champion of diversity within the industry. I am driven by a genuine curiosity about what it means to be human, and a desire to tell stories with which an audience can connect. My ultimate goal is to work across a diverse slate of authentic, compelling and entertaining content – ideally involving music – whilst helping to drive important change and progress within industry culture and practice.
I was named as one of Edinburgh TV Festival’s Ones to Watch 2020-21.
E-learning
See which ScreenSkills e-learning Melody Ruiz has completed to improve their skills and knowledge.
Experience
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Assistant to Executive Producer, EastEnders (maternity cover)
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Development Producer
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Assistant Producer
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Development Producer
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Shooting PD, Filthy House SOS
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Senior Development Producer
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Location PD (shooting), The Secret Helpers
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Producer, Brainwashing Stacey: Living with Big Game Hunters
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Producer, Brainwashing Stacey: Anti-Abortion Camp
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DV Director, The Real Marigold Hotel
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Assistant Producer, The Real Marigold Hotel
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Shooting AP, Family Finders
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Shooting AP, Ultimate Airport: Dubai
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Assistant Producer / Shooting AP
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Assistant Producer, The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds
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Shooting AP, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding
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Assistant Producer, Stacey Dooley in the USA: Kids in the Crossfire
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Assistant Producer, Stacey Dooley in the USA: Giving Up My Baby
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Researcher / Shooting Researcher
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Runner
Education and training
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Navigating imposter syndrome
ScreenSkills Funded
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Positive Coaching Conversations for Professional Pool industry advisors
ScreenSkills Funded
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Navigating the rights minefield: business affairs and copyright... with Ben Green
ScreenSkills Funded
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Understanding budgets for editorial teams
ScreenSkills Funded
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Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about commissioning (but were too afraid to ask)
ScreenSkills Funded
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Mental health awareness for managers
ScreenSkills Funded
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Mentoring get together: reflecting and networking
ScreenSkills Funded
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Content legal workshop with Sophie Argent
ScreenSkills Funded
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Leadership and management essentials for high-end television freelancers
ScreenSkills Funded
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HETV Make a Move 2021/22
ScreenSkills Funded
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Ofcom broadcasting code refresher
ScreenSkills Funded
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Final Draft training for HETV
ScreenSkills Funded
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Addressing unconscious bias: basic awareness in the workplace
ScreenSkills Funded
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Tackling harassment and bullying at work
ScreenSkills Funded
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Coronavirus basic awareness on production training
ScreenSkills Funded
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Coronavirus basic awareness on production training
ScreenSkills Funded
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BA (Hons) Television and Radio
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GNVQ, GCSEs, BTEC & AS Level Dance & Musical Theatre
Certificates
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Final Draft training for HETV
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Working Safely at the BBC
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Positive Coaching Conversations for Professional Pool industry advisors
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Leadership and management essentials for high-end television freelancers
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Addressing unconscious bias: basic awareness in the workplace
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Tackling harassment and bullying at work