The finalists and runners-up for the fifth edition of the Propelle program, a women-focused content accelerator initiative from partners Everywoman Studios (EWS) and Realscreen, have been chosen.
Created and developed by Everywoman Studios CEO Abby Greensfelder and Realscreen in 2020, the Propelle Content Accelerator program helps women creators gain access to an established production company and a network of industry contacts while learning how to develop unscripted and non-fiction content ideas so that they are pitch-ready and sellable. The goal: to bring more women creators into the non-fiction ecosystem and have more diverse voices crafting content.
This upcoming edition is welcoming a new partner to the fold — A+E Networks. The new partnership will see A+E Networks work with Everywoman Studios and Realscreen to determine which creators entering the program will move forward to be mentored by top women executives within the non-fiction and unscripted screen content industry. Finalists will also gain invaluable industry access via a pass to the 2025 Realscreen Summit in Miami.
The Propelle experience culminates in a private pitch session with A+E executives at the Realscreen Summit, where the winner will be awarded a US$25,000 development deal.
Joining the program as mentors for the upcoming edition are Kate Beal, chief executive officer, of Woodcut Media; Mioshi Hill, president, Sirens Media; Molly Micallef, unscripted development executive; and Jenna Keane and Toni Miceli, CCO and CEO, respectively, of RTR Media.
And now, the finalists:
Jenny Gnirke
Jenny Gnirke is a seasoned reality television producer with over 15 years of experience, known for her expertise in crafting compelling and authentic narratives. She played a pivotal role in the success of groundbreaking documentary shows like MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, capturing the unfiltered realities of teenage pregnancy.
Jenny has continuously pushed the boundaries of reality TV, leading docuseries like TLC’s Extreme Sisters and Roku’s Match Me in Miami, showcasing her talent for uncovering untapped narratives. As showrunner for the reboot of ID Channel’s hit show Disappeared, Jenny’s leadership in both post-production and fieldwork has been instrumental in its success. Her hands-on experience working closely with families of active missing persons cases revealed the profound impact true-crime storytelling can have in seeking justice for those desperate for answers.
Nicole Rosen and Melissa Kellner
Nicole Rosen (pictured above), a California native, grew up immersed in the dynamic world of entertainment. As a proud member of both the Producers Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Nicole has spent over 15 years shaping compelling stories for the screen.
In 2013, she founded Ladybug Productions LLC, bringing countless projects to life. Nicole has produced over 40 major television shows, including What Would You Do? (ABC), Love is Blind (Netflix), MasterChef (Fox), Botched (E! Entertainment), L.A. Fire and Rescue (NBC), Kendra on Top (WeTV) and Next Generation: Jacksons (Lifetime). Her extensive experience spans various genres — documentary, hidden camera, reality, comedy, human interest, travel, lifestyle, and more.
With a career in casting and development that she sees as kismet, Melissa Kellner (pictured above), known as Mel Kel, is passionate about the power of transformational reality TV and new media to influence pop culture.
Growing up in Philadelphia and South Jersey, Mel has a unique ability to connect with compelling characters from all walks of life. Now navigating the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles, Mel approaches her work like a foodie at a buffet — eager to explore every opportunity. As a proud member of the Casting Society of America and a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, she brings enthusiasm and dedication to every project. Some of her favorite work includes E!’s House of Villains, Peacock’s True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park, Hulu’s Vanderpump Villa, and countless Meta branded campaigns.
Susan McClelland and Charlotte Marron
Susan McLelland (pictured above) is a globally recognized non-fiction author and magazine writer, with a particular focus on marginalized voices and stories of women and children, including the trafficking of women. She has played a key role in the production of three documentaries and a series for major broadcasters, including BBC ‘Panorama,’ CBC’s ‘Fifth Estate,’ and Global ‘Currents.’ Susan has written a total of 11 books, which have been published in more than 30 countries and have won numerous top awards, including a Kirkus Best YA Biography and Memoir.
Charlotte Marron (pictured above) is an award-winning actress who played a principal role in The Silencing (2020), working alongside Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from Game of Thrones.
At just 15, she founded her first production company, Magic Messes, which used social media and YouTube to parody toxic elements of girl culture while providing healthy coping techniques, through improv, for elementary school-aged girls dealing with mental health issues like anxiety.
While Magic Messes embraces comedy, Charlotte’s acting career often sees her in complex, troubled roles — performances that have earned her many awards.
Anna Wasylenki
Producer, development executive and content creator, Anna Wasylenki has worked in a variety of roles across the Canadian film and television landscape. Her resume includes Canadian juggernauts such as Intervention Canada and The Amazing Race Canada, as well as leading development for General Purpose Entertainment, Alibi Content and Fireworks Media Group. Most recently, Anna held the role of supervising story editor on Deadman’s Curse season 3 at Great Pacific Media.
Passionate about human nature, storytelling, and female empowerment, Anna is currently in paid development on a podcast concept and created and produced the CBC Gem digital series The Succulent Six.