MANAGING PARTNER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

CRAIG E. NELSON

MANAGING PARTNER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
CRAIG E. NELSON

As Managing Partner and Executive Producer, Craig Nelson oversees daily operations, tackles the demands of production, and supervises the development of new series and specials.  After 25 years of hands-on experience in all aspects of television and live to tape events, Craig opened Gander Bay Entertainment to deliver original ideas to television through reality and lifestyle programming.

Craig’s long history of producing, coupled with a talent and love for editing, gives him insight and the edge to foresee production requirements necessary to successfully complete every program.  He earned a sought after reputation by top production houses as THE producer needed when creating short “SIZZLE” cuts to sell their own reality shows.  Craig has a unique ability to take the audience on an exciting adventure while also communicating information or delivering a message.

Right out of the blocks, Craig learned the all-encompassing skill of producing episodic television while managing weekly programs like Married With Children, General Hospital, and Who’s The Boss for ABC/Capital Cities.  He worked for many years as a Production Designer/Art Director for television series and network specials, and continues to carry with him the knowledge of department specific demands that need to be met in order to deliver successful programs on-time and on budget.  His vast and varied experience spans weekly series (World’s Funniest Moments, Masters of Illusion), network specials (Daytime Emmy Red Carpet Special, World’s Magic Awards) and grand international events (United We Stand, Olympic Opening Ceremonies), to name a few.

A California native, Craig earned his education at California Polytechnic University Pomona, as well as advanced studies through UCLA Film & Television extension program.  He lives and works in beautiful downtown Burbank with his wife and production partner, Stacy.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PRODUCER

STACY NELSON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PRODUCER
STACY NELSON

As Creative Director and Producer for Gander Bay Entertainment, Stacy devotes her days, and many nights to developing and polishing character driven series.  With a personal passion for Reality and Lifestyle, she knows it is all about the spirit that lies within the content of any program.  With a keen eye on untapped genres, Stacy labors lovingly to create today, viewer desires of tomorrow.  Armed with 20 years of diverse television experience, writer to producer, art director to talent wrangler, her greatest skill is the ability to deliver something exceptional from rock bottom budgets, impossible shooting challenges, and minimal resources.  

After many years of working in the exciting world of live entertainment, Stacy joined her husband Craig in episodic television, kicking and screaming all the way to the sound stage.  Take 23 was not in the blood of this lady who began working live events and concerts at age fifteen.  She quickly gravitated to live-to-tape network specials, and was completely at home in this fast pace, one take television style.

Stacy became enthralled with Reality and Lifestyle programming when she took two years away from the industry to care for her parents, prior to their passing.  During that difficult time she learned first hand what audiences need.  She found escape in the cozy comfort of cooking and decorating programs, and felt grateful in even the darkest days as a caretaker in thinking… “At least I’m not on a twenty hour grind, freezing on the Northwestern with Sig yelling at me”.  Upon returning to Burbank she dove head first into creating and producing original Lifestyle and Reality programs, fresh, next generation television that meets viewer needs, captures hearts, and fills a void.  Stacy lives and works in Burbank with her husband Craig.

MANAGER OF OPERATIONS, PRODUCER

CAROL CLARK

MANAGER OF OPERATIONS, PRODUCER
CAROL CLARK

Carol applies her expertise in business management daily, directing us to meet our immediate goals, as she steers us toward our vision for the future.  Her primary mission is to ensure company deadlines are met, and to blend the creative forces of production to the business side of entertainment.  Carol has extensive history as a production manager, “indie” producer, and spent several years in network sales.  She has the advantage of knowing what buyers want and what producers must deliver to ensure a successful partnership.  With in-depth production know how, long term relationships with technical support partners, and up to the minute industry information, Carol is an invaluable Gander Bay resource.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

CLAUDIA VAIDA

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
CLAUDIA VAIDA

Claudia skillfully masters and manages all aspects of visual artistry for Gander Bay Entertainment. She designs and creates any necessary graphics and visual elements required from pre-production through post for ad campaigns to websites, illustrations to title graphics.  She possesses the knowledge, artistry and technical savvy to bring imagination to life.  With a well known and respected reputation in web design, Claudia recently began applying her creative talent to production, and has raised the bar on effective visual communications and through technical applications.  She has that rare gift to grasp and deliver what producers envision, and we all know… THAT’S NOT EASY!